A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Tampa for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tampa? 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. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Tampa: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Tampa. While Tampa is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa attracts visitors for its big city activities. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Playa del Carmen is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Tampa 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 Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Tampa?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Playa del Carmen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in 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 limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tampa a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Tampa?

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

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

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this picture-perfect destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food around the low-key city of Tampa. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tampa?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tampa?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Tampa is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Tampa. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Tampa fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. 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 Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Tampa and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tampa averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 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 Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

Both Tampa and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Tampa. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Tampa in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa 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 Tampa during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Tampa. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Playa del Carmen