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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbus? 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. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Columbus: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History 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 Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Resorts?

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

Columbus is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Columbus?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbus 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 Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly town. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

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

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus 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, Columbus is lacking in good 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbus a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Columbus?

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

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

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 down-to-earth destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Columbus. 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 Columbus this time of year.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Columbus and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Columbus for the shopping scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

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

Both Columbus and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Columbus. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Columbus. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Playa del Carmen