A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Boise for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Boise?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Boise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Boise travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Boise. While Boise is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Boise attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

Boise is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Playa del Carmen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boise and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Boise. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

Playa del Carmen has some public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boise a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Playa del Carmen. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Boise 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this picture-perfect 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Boise. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Boise. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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.

Boise is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Boise?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant 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. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boise is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Boise, 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.