A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Sacramento for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sacramento? 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. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sacramento is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Sacramento 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 Sacramento. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the beach. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Sacramento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sacramento 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 Sacramento. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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 shopping around the relaxed destination of Sacramento. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Sacramento?

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 shopping and museums around the relaxed city of Sacramento. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Sacramento?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 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 Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Sacramento. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento 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 Sacramento during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Playa del Carmen