A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. West Palm Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than West Palm Beach. While West Palm Beach is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Playa del Carmen different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Playa del Carmen is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach are first-rate choices.

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.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly town. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach.

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.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

Both Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

The town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach. 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 beaches. 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 West Palm Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 West Palm Beach?

The vibrant town of Playa del Carmen offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 beaches. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach 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 beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

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

In West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach 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 around the same amount of rain in July as West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and West Palm Beach. 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.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach 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 less rain than West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

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

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. 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 less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach 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. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Playa del Carmen