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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee? 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. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Milwaukee

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

Playa del Carmen and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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 Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Playa del Carmen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a must-see party destination. 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Playa del Carmen is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee Better for Students?

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

Milwaukee is popular with students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee?

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

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Milwaukee 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Milwaukee and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 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 Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

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

Both Milwaukee and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Milwaukee. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Playa del Carmen