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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga? 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 vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Chattanooga. While Chattanooga is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Chattanooga can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Chattanooga. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Playa del Carmen. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy city of Chattanooga. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, 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 Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga?

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 Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Chattanooga during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Playa del Carmen