A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach attracts visitors for its big city activities. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Myrtle Beach is famous for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Myrtle Beach and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach has a better nightlife scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is very good for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable town. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Both Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Myrtle Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Myrtle Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Myrtle Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife around the jam-packed destination of Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find nightlife around the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Myrtle Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Myrtle Beach than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Myrtle Beach during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Myrtle Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Myrtle Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Playa del Carmen