A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Naples for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Naples?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Naples? 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. 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.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. Naples offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Naples travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Naples: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Naples are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Naples attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Naples is famous for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Naples 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 Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Naples 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 Naples is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Naples has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Naples Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Naples to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.


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

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Naples Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Naples are terrific choices.

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.

With world-famous beaches, Naples is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Naples Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Naples both have nice trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Naples. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.


Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Naples?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Shopping is a popular activity in both Naples 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 Naples. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Is Playa del Carmen or Naples More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Naples is a gorgeous place to visit. White sand beaches and beautiful water make this a relaxing and scenic destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Naples Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Naples 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.

Naples is a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.


Is Playa del Carmen or Naples Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for couples. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

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

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen and Naples 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.

Naples is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

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

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Naples 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 Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.


Is Playa del Carmen or Naples a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen
Naples

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Naples is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Naples?

In either Playa del Carmen or Naples, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Naples because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Naples.

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


  • How many days in Playa del Carmen or Naples? Ideal Length of Stay
    Playa del Carmen 3-7 
    Naples 2-5

One day in Playa del Carmen or Naples?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the peaceful destination of Naples. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Naples?

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 nature-filled beach town of Naples. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Naples or Playa del Carmen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Playa del Carmen Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Naples Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Playa del Carmen $89
    Naples $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Naples is $277. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Playa del Carmen and Naples in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa del Carmen $36
    Naples $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa del Carmen $72
    Naples $238
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Naples

Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Naples? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Playa del Carmen


Hotels in Naples


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa del Carmen $22
    Naples $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:

  • Tulum Ruins Experience with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $115
  • Transfer from Cancun airport to Riviera Maya hotel: $139
  • Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
  • Puerto Aventuras to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila: $131
  • Private Transfers to Cancun Airport, from Playa del Carmen: $89
  • Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $119
  • Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
  • Private Transfer to Cenotes at Riviera Maya: $171
  • Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Aventuras to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan -Minibus: $83
  • Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Naples?

Prices for flights to both Naples and Playa del Carmen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Playa del Carmen $37
    Naples $121

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.

  • Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
  • Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
  • Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
  • Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
  • Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
  • Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
  • Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
  • PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
  • Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
  • Mexican Cooking Class: $120
  • Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

For Naples, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tiramisu Cooking Class Carole's Place Cafe Naples, Fl: $99
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class Carole's Place Cafe Naples Fl: $140
  • Dubai Chocolate Cooking class Carole's Place Cafe Naples Fl: $150
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Naples Florida: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Playa del Carmen $15
    Naples $26

Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
  • Buggy Ride through Playa del Carmen Tour: $139
  • Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
  • Cozumel Buggy Tour: $155
  • Park Xenses Tour Play with your Senses from Playa del Carmen: $126
  • Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
  • The Best Ruins Tour : Coba Sunset Cultural / Extreme : $140
  • "Tulum Adventures: Between Jungle, Cenotes and Mayan Mysteries": $110
  • 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
  • 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
  • 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $40
  • 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45

Tours and Activities in Naples

For Naples, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self Guided EcoTour: Clear/Standard Kayaks -Bonita Springs: $25
  • Self-Guided Island Tour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP-Bonita Springs: $30
  • Easy Ride Pedal Kayak Tour Marco Island & Naples (Pedal or Paddle: $41
  • Guided Tour of Naples on a Vintage Trolley (Hop on - Hop off): $45
  • Beginner Friendly 1-Hour Paddle Tour by Kayak or SUP: $45
  • Naples Florida: Downtown Electric Moped Tour - Fun For All: $46
  • Naples Florida: Electric Mix & Match Tour - Fun For All Ages: $46
  • Naples Florida: Downtown Electric Trike Tour - Family Fun: $46
  • Naples, Florida: Guided Trolley Tour (Hop-On Hop-Off): $47
  • Catamaran Cruises with Wildlife Views: $49
  • Segway Electric Moped Tour - Fun Activity Downtown Naples: $49
  • 90 Minute Segway Tour - Explore Naples Florida - Family Fun: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa del Carmen $19
    Naples $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:

  • Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
  • Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Naples?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Naples, 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.