A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Cape Cod for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Tulum and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Cape Cod is more popular for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Tulum is more touristy than Cape Cod and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Tulum different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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).

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Tulum is great for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. 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.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Cape Cod?

Both Tulum and Cape Cod are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Cape Cod are very good to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for romance.

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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Tulum is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Tulum or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Tulum is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Cape Cod?

Both Tulum and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination 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 Cape Cod?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cape Cod?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tulum, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Cape Cod?

Tulum is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Cape Cod?

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 Tulum or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Cape Cod can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Tulum