A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or New York City?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New York City? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Playa del Carmen and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Playa del Carmen. New York City is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. New York City is well known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty.

How is Playa del Carmen different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put New York City on the map. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or New York City 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.

New York City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In New York City you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and New York City make for a amazing place to visit.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or New York City a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen and New York City both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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.

New York City is a very easy town to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

Both Playa del Carmen and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Playa del Carmen. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than New York City. 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 New York City than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Playa del Carmen 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 New York City.

One day in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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 New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and New York City, 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 New York City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than New York City. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and New York City. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than New York City. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for New York City and Playa del Carmen