A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Ocean City for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Tulum or Ocean City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Ocean City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Tulum and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is well known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports.

How is Tulum different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ocean City and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Ocean City?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Tulum is an experience not to be missed. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Ocean City?

Tulum is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Tulum or Ocean City More Beautiful?

Tulum is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Tulum or Ocean City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tulum is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Tulum or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Tulum is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable town. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Ocean City?

Both Tulum and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Ocean City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tulum, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Ocean City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Ocean City 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Ocean City?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the archeological town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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.

A weekend in Tulum or Ocean City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. 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.

Five days in Tulum or Ocean City?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. In Ocean City, 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.

A week in Tulum or Ocean City?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid back 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Ocean City, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Ocean City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Ocean City?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Ocean City, 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 Tulum or Ocean City?

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 Tulum or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Ocean City. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ocean City can be very cold. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Ocean City. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Tulum