Comparison · Cancún vs Playa del Carmen · Mexico
Cancún vs Playa del Carmen
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Cancún for Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts; choose Playa del Carmen for Quinta Avenida, Caribbean beaches and lower day-to-day costs. Playa del Carmen is generally less expensive, and the two are about 64 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 64 km
- Less expensive
- Playa del Carmen
- Best time for Cancún
- December–April
- Best time for Playa del Carmen
- November–April
Side by side
| Cancún | Playa del Carmen | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Mexico | Mexico |
| Known for | Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and Isla Mujeres | Quinta Avenida, Caribbean beaches and Cozumel ferry |
| Best time to visit | December–April | November–April |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 6 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $110–$220 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 28°C (82°F) | January, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Playa Delfines | Mamitas Beach |
| Airports | CUN | CUN, CZM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cancún for…
Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts. Cancún is two places: the Hotel Zone, a 22-km sandbar shaped like a figure 7 between the turquoise Caribbean and the Nichupté Lagoon, lined with resorts, public beaches and nightclubs; and downtown, a working Mexican city of markets, taquerías and the main…
Choose Playa del Carmen for…
Quinta Avenida, Caribbean beaches and lower day-to-day costs. Playa del Carmen grew from a fishing village into the Riviera Maya's main town, strung along a white-sand coast about 55 km south of Cancún airport. Its spine is Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street of shops, restaurants and bars running parallel to the beach…
Top sights compared
| # | Cancún | Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playa Delfines (El Mirador) | Quinta Avenida |
| 2 | Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas | Parque Fundadores and Portal Maya |
| 3 | Museo Maya de Cancún and San Miguelito | Mamitas Beach |
| 4 | El Rey archaeological site | Punta Esmeralda |
| 5 | MUSA Underwater Museum of Art | Xcaret |
Food compared
| Cancún | Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|
| Cochinita pibil | Tacos al pastor |
| Sopa de lima | Cochinita pibil torta |
| Poc chuc | Fish and shrimp tacos |
| Panuchos and salbutes | Ceviche |
Which is cheaper?
Playa del Carmen is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$220 per person there, against $180–$320 in Cancún (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Playa del Carmen on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Cancún and Playa del Carmen are about 64 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 7 days in Cancún and 6 in Playa del Carmen.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cancún or Playa del Carmen cheaper?
Playa del Carmen is usually less expensive: about $110–$220 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Cancún or Playa del Carmen better for a first trip?
Pick Cancún for Caribbean beaches and All-inclusive resorts, or Playa del Carmen for Quinta Avenida, Caribbean beaches and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Cancún from Playa del Carmen?
About 64 km in a straight line.