A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Palm Springs for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs 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 lively, ancient, and archeological town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Tulum and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

How is Tulum different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. 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.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Palm Springs.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both Tulum and Palm Springs are amazing when it comes to partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. 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.

Palm Springs is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Tulum and Palm Springs have amazing options.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. 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 flock to Palm Springs for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. 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.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Palm Springs are destinations which offer superb hiking.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Palm Springs?

Both Tulum and Palm Springs are superb shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

Tulum is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Palm Springs are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. 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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is notable for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

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

Tulum is very good for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Tulum or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Tulum is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Palm Springs, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Palm Springs?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this archeological destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palm Springs. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Palm Springs?

Tulum is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Palm Springs. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tulum is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tulum is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Palm Springs. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Palm Springs. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Tulum