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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati? 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. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cincinnati is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati can be difficult as they are each good 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 Cincinnati. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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 Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

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

Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati are good places to visit 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.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.

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

With shopping and nightlife around the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the hard-working city of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cincinnati 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 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 Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati?

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 Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Cincinnati during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Cincinnati 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cincinnati in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 188 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 Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

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

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

Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Cincinnati averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. 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 more sunshine than Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Cincinnati. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Playa del Carmen