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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Houston?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Houston? 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.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Houston: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Playa del Carmen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Houston and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's 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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Houston is an experience not to be missed. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston 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.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Houston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Houston 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 Houston. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good town for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston Better for Students?

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

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Playa del Carmen or Houston a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable town. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Houston?

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

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

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Houston. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Houston and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Houston. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 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 Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Houston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Houston. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Houston and Playa del Carmen