A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Ocean City for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ocean City? 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. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Ocean City are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Ocean City is famous for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Ocean City can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

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.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Ocean City.

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.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable town. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

Both Playa del Carmen and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Ocean City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid back destination of Ocean City. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the active city of Ocean City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Ocean City?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City 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 Ocean City?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ocean City is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Ocean City?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

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 Ocean City in the Summer?

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

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Ocean City in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain 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 Ocean City. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Ocean City. 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. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ocean City averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Ocean City. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City 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 Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Ocean City in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Playa del Carmen