A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Niagara Falls for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls? 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 scenic, stunning, and vibrant 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Niagara Falls. While Niagara Falls is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking. Playa del Carmen is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Niagara Falls is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great 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.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls.

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

Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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

Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls are good 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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls.

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.

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the iconic destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the iconic city of Niagara Falls. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Niagara Falls. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Niagara Falls. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) 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 Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Niagara Falls. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Playa del Carmen