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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Durham?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Durham? 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. 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.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Durham: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Durham. While Durham 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, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Durham and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Durham 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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. 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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Durham?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Durham 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 Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham More Beautiful?

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

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Durham is a family-friendly town. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Playa del Carmen is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen is very good for its public transit. However, Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durham a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable town. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Durham. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 student-filled destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the sports oriented city of Durham. 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham 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 Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Durham 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Durham, 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 Durham?

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 Durham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Durham. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham 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 Durham during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham 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 Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Durham. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. 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 more sunshine than Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 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 Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 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 Durham in the Winter?

Both Durham and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Durham during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Durham and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Durham, 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 Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Durham. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 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 Durham and Playa del Carmen