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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia? 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 scenic, stunning, and vibrant 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.

Columbia

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

Playa del Carmen and Columbia: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Columbia. While Columbia 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 food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is known for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbia 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 Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Columbia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia 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 Columbia. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly town. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable town. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Columbia?

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

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

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming city of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Columbia 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Columbia. 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 Columbia this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Columbia. 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 Columbia for the shopping scene.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 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 Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Columbia and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Columbia. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Playa del Carmen