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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Montreal? 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 picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant 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 Montreal travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Montreal: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts 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 Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montreal 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 Montreal is an experience not to be missed. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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 Montreal Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Montreal has a better nightlife scene.

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.

Montreal is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for hiking. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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

Playa del Carmen and Montreal are nice places to visit 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.

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montreal. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Montreal offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Montreal a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

In either Playa del Carmen or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Montreal. 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 Montreal. 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 Montreal than Playa del Carmen 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 Montreal.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Montreal?

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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

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 Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Montreal. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Montreal and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Montreal. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Playa del Carmen