A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Charlottesville for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Tulum and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Tulum is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Tulum different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tulum are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Tulum is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for the beache. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Charlottesville to see the historical old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great town for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Charlottesville?

Tulum is a great town for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

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

Charlottesville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Tulum does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Tulum is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Tulum is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

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.

Charlottesville is a good town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville Better for Students?

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

Charlottesville is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville is not known 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Tulum or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great town for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Charlottesville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Charlottesville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Charlottesville. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Charlottesville.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

The ancient destination of Tulum offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university town 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 Charlottesville?

The town of Tulum offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Charlottesville?

Tulum 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.

Charlottesville is a fun place to experience. Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Charlottesville. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 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. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville 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. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months.

Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. Tulum is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Charlottesville in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 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 in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Tulum