A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New Orleans? 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. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or New Orleans?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Playa del Carmen. New Orleans is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. New Orleans is well known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Playa del Carmen different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Playa del Carmen is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or New Orleans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Music?

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

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or New Orleans?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans Better for Students?

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

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans 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, New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Playa del Carmen or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or New Orleans?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning town of Playa del Carmen. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled city of New Orleans. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

New Orleans 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as New Orleans. 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 New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans 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 New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 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 New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans 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 shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and New Orleans. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Playa del Carmen