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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Vancouver? 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 picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Playa del Carmen. Vancouver is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

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 Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Vancouver.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly town. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Vancouver make for a amazing place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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

Vancouver is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vancouver is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen and Vancouver both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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.

Vancouver is a very easy town to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Vancouver?

In either Playa del Carmen or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Vancouver. 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 Vancouver than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vancouver that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Playa del Carmen 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 Vancouver.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Vancouver?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning town of Playa del Carmen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Vancouver is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Vancouver?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver 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 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 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 July than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Vancouver. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Vancouver and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Playa del Carmen