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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Orlando?

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

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

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Orlando?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Orlando. While Orlando is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, and shopping. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Orlando is well known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orlando 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 Orlando?

Playa del Carmen is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Orlando is an experience not to be missed. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and Orlando offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great 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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Orlando?

Orlando is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

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

Orlando is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Orlando.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. 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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Playa del Carmen or Orlando a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable town. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Orlando?

Both Playa del Carmen and Orlando 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 Orlando. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Orlando. 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 Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and theater around the entertaining city of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Orlando is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Orlando is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Orlando averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Orlando. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Orlando. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 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 Orlando in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Orlando. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Orlando. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Orlando. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Playa del Carmen