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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Toronto? 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. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Toronto: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Playa del Carmen. Toronto is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, 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 more touristy than Toronto and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto 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 Toronto on the map. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto 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 Toronto is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Toronto 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.

Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Playa del Carmen or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

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.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

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.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Toronto?

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

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Toronto Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Playa del Carmen or Toronto Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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

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

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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 Toronto Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Toronto 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 Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Toronto is a very walkable town. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Toronto?

Both Playa del Carmen and Toronto 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto 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 Toronto.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Toronto. 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 Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. 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 Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Toronto and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 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 Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) 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 Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Toronto. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Toronto. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Playa del Carmen