A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Fort Lauderdale for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tulum and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Fort Lauderdale are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts.

How is Tulum different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tulum is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Tulum is a world class 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Tulum and Fort Lauderdale have fantastic options.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Fort Lauderdale are considered to be fantastic beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

Tulum is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Fort Lauderdale 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, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Fort Lauderdale are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Tulum is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Tulum or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Tulum and Fort Lauderdale both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable town. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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.

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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.

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

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.

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Fort Lauderdale. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Fort Lauderdale. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is a little warmer than Fort Lauderdale in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Fort Lauderdale. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Tulum