A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Boston for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Tulum or Boston?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Boston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Tulum and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Boston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boston. Although Tulum and Boston are both popular with visitors, Boston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boston is more popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Tulum is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Tulum is more touristy than Boston and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Tulum different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Boston?

Both Tulum and Boston have fantastic landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

The museums and tourist attractions in Boston are world-renowned. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a well-known place for theatre. However, Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Boston.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Tulum is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a city with good options for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is terrific for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Boston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Hiking?

Tulum is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Boston?

Tulum is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Tulum does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Tulum does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Tulum does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Tulum does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Couples?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is terrific for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Boston is a very popular city for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Tulum or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is terrific for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Boston can take you anywhere. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Boston?

In either Tulum or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Tulum. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Boston than Tulum. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Boston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Boston 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Boston?

Tulum is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the proud big city of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Boston, 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 Tulum or Boston?

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 Tulum or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Boston. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Boston. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Boston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Boston. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can be very cold during winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Boston. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Boston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Boston. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Boston and Tulum