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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons is more popular for its shopping. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Playa del Carmen different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons both have notable trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting The Hamptons. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

The Hamptons is a world class destination for shoppers. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it 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.

The Hamptons is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination 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 The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

Both Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons?

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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the opulent destination of The Hamptons. 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 beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

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 and food around the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. 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 The Hamptons?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this scenic 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.

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons?

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.

The Hamptons 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. Most people head to the area for the shopping. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and The Hamptons. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as The Hamptons. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Playa del Carmen