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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Roanoke? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Roanoke. While Roanoke is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Roanoke is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Playa del Carmen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Roanoke?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Roanoke and Playa del Carmen.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

Playa del Carmen and Roanoke are nice 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.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke 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, Roanoke is not known 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Playa del Carmen or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Roanoke. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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 museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Roanoke?

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 nightlife and shopping around the laid back town of Roanoke. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke 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. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke 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 more rain in July than Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Roanoke. 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. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke 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 Roanoke during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun 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 Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Roanoke. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Roanoke 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.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Playa del Carmen