A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Park City Utah for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Tulum or Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a adventurous, active, and high energy town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Tulum and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Tulum or Park City Utah?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Park City Utah, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Park City Utah is more popular for its skiing. Tulum is well known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Park City Utah is well known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Tulum different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is terrific for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Park City Utah. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Park City Utah?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Park City Utah.

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).

Park City Utah has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Both Tulum and Park City Utah are fantastic when it comes to partying.

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.

Park City Utah is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.


Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Park City Utah is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.


Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Both Tulum and Park City Utah are destinations which offer very good hiking.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Park City Utah?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Both Tulum and Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is well-known for its shopping. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular town to visit for families. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Both Tulum and Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Is Tulum or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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

Tulum
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a well-known place 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.

Visitors to Park City Utah can move around easily with public transportation. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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 Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Tulum
Park City Utah

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore 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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Park City Utah?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Park City Utah. 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 Park City Utah 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.


  • How many days in Tulum or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tulum 3-5 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Tulum or Park City Utah?

In Tulum, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Park City Utah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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 Park City Utah?

Tulum is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Park City Utah is a fun place to experience. In Park City Utah, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. 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 Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Park City Utah. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $320. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tulum and Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $60
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $120
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Park City Utah? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Park City Utah


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tulum Hotel Prices and Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $28
    Park City Utah $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $255
  • Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Private Transfer From Tulum to Chetumal With a 2 Hour Stop: $218
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $211
  • Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
  • One-Way Private or Luxury Airport Transfer Tulum Cancun Airport: $195
  • Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
  • Private transfer from Cancun airpot to Tulum up to 7 persons: $191
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah and Tulum change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tulum $34
    Park City Utah $65
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.

  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $89
  • Authentic Mexican Food Tour in Tulum: $146
  • Gourmet Experience: 5 Course Dinner, Cocktail Class and Wine Pairing: $159
  • Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $32
    Park City Utah $68

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Luxury Tour to Chichen Itza and 2 Cenotes Only From Tulum: $128
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
  • 2 Cenotes Adventure from Tulum - Small Group - All Inclusive: $159
  • 2 Cenotes Guided Snorkeling Adventure in Tulum: $149
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
  • ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $89
  • ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Park City Utah $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour and Pairing by an Expert Brewer: $84


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


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Park City Utah?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Park City Utah, 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.