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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Playa del Carmen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. 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.

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

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

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in 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.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Families?

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Philadelphia is a good town for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

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

Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Philadelphia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia Better for Students?

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

Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination 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.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia both are fantastic 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.

Philadelphia is a very easy town to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Philadelphia. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picture-perfect 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.

People visit Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

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.

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 Philadelphia?

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.

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

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.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Philadelphia and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

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

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Playa del Carmen