A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs? 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. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Palm Springs is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Palm Springs is well known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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 Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is an experience not to be missed. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and Palm Springs offer a relatively similar set of world-class luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

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 Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

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

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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Playa del Carmen is very good for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

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

Playa del Carmen is very good for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy city of Palm Springs. If you have a weekend, this city 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 nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Palm Springs 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 head to the area for the nightlife. 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 United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Palm Springs. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Playa del Carmen