A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Saint Augustine for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine? 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 vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Augustine is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its walkability. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable town. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

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

The picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine?

The town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the notable city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Saint Augustine?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine?

The stunning town of Playa del Carmen offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Saint Augustine 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 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 Saint Augustine, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Saint Augustine during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Saint Augustine. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Saint Augustine in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Saint Augustine. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Saint Augustine. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Playa del Carmen