Tulum has become one of the most talked-about destinations in Mexico—bohemian charm, jungle hideaways, boutique hotels, and a strong social media following. But when it comes to actual retirement living, a different trend is emerging: more retirees from the U.S., Canada, and Europe are choosing Cancun and Playa del Carmen over Tulum.

Why? It comes down to lifestyle, infrastructure, healthcare, convenience, and long-term livability. Below, we break down the key reasons retirees are gravitating toward these two cities—and what you should consider if you're planning to retire in the Riviera Maya.

Healthcare Access and Medical Infrastructure

While Tulum has clinics and some general practitioners, it lacks the hospital infrastructure and specialist availability that retirees often need.

Cancun is home to several private hospitals with advanced care, international standards, and English-speaking doctors.
Playa del Carmen has multiple modern clinics and private hospitals like Hospiten and CostaMed, both trusted by the expat community.

One major advantage across Mexico—including Cancun and Playa—is that access to medications, family doctors, and specialists is often much more affordable than in the U.S. However, what retirees need to be prepared for are severe medical emergencies. In these situations, access to a fully equipped hospital is non-negotiable. At present, Tulum simply doesn’t have that infrastructure in place.

For retirees managing ongoing health needs, proximity to full-service care is not just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

Walkability and Urban Infrastructure

Tulum is beautiful, but its infrastructure hasn’t kept up with demand. The town is still in its adolescence—defining its identity in the face of rapid growth. While it gets a lot of international recognition, it also faces growing pains: frequent power outages, issues with sewage in certain areas, lack of proper drainage, and limited walkability in many neighborhoods.

Playa del Carmen offers walkable neighborhoods with established roads, better street lighting, more reliable utilities, and easy access to everyday services.
Cancun has wide roads, organized zoning, and large-scale shopping, dining, and service areas built for long-term residents—not just tourists.

For retirees looking for a smoother daily routine and fewer surprises, these factors matter.

Cost of Living and Value for Money

Tulum’s popularity has driven up prices in recent years—sometimes beyond what’s reasonable, especially for what’s actually delivered.

Playa del Carmen still offers excellent value in both resale and new construction, with more transparency and options tailored to retirees.
Cancun, especially in local neighborhoods outside the hotel zone, can be surprisingly affordable for those living on a fixed income.

Many retirees report being able to live comfortably in Playa or Cancun for a fraction of what it would cost in their home countries, without sacrificing convenience.

Community and Social Connection

Retirement isn’t just about location—it’s also about belonging. Cancun and Playa del Carmen have well-established expat and retiree communities with social clubs, interest groups, and volunteer opportunities.

Weekly language exchanges, walking clubs, cooking classes, and beach meetups are common in Playa.
Cancun offers a mix of expat enclaves and authentic Mexican culture that makes integration easier and more balanced.

In contrast, Tulum tends to attract a younger, transient crowd focused on wellness tourism and nightlife—not necessarily ideal for retirees seeking long-term connection and relaxation.

In contrast, Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer the best of both worlds: established tourist zones and quiet neighborhoods where life moves at your own pace—making it easier to find your rhythm and your people.

Transportation and Accessibility

Reliable and convenient transportation is essential for retirees who want to stay connected to family, healthcare, and everyday services.

Cancun offers the strongest infrastructure in the region. Its international airport provides direct flights to major cities in North America and Europe, making travel easy for retirees and visiting family. The city is well-connected by highways, public buses, and private transport.
Playa del Carmen is just 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport and offers excellent access to regional transportation, including ADO bus terminals, ferry service to Cozumel, and taxis. Many neighborhoods are walkable or bike-friendly, reducing the need for a car.
In Tulum, many areas require a car for everyday errands, which may not suit retirees looking to simplify.

Retiring in the Riviera Maya

Tulum may be a dream destination for a weekend—or even a few months—but Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer the lifestyle infrastructure many retirees are truly looking for.

Choosing a retirement destination isn’t just about what looks good now. It’s about imagining your needs in 5, 10, even 20 years. How will infrastructure evolve? Will costs rise? Will healthcare remain accessible? These are long-term questions that deserve thoughtful answers.

Access to healthcare, reliable services, strong communities, and everyday convenience make Cancun and Playa the more practical and livable long-term choices. That’s not to say Tulum isn’t beautiful—it is. But when you’re thinking in decades, not days, Playa del Carmen and Cancun often come out ahead. With that said, at Paradise Listings, despite the fact that most of our clients over 55 are choosing Playa del Carmen or Cancun, a few still fall in love with Tulum.

Just keep in mind, if your priorities include:

Walkability
Reliable medical services
Quick access to airports and ease of transportation
Residential areas built for day-to-day comfort
A sense of community and belonging

Then Playa or Cancun may be a more practical—and fulfilling—place to start your next chapter.

Thinking about retiring in Mexico’s Riviera Maya? At Paradise Listings, we specialize in helping retirees find the right property for this new chapter—balancing comfort, connection, and smart investment. Contact us to start the conversation.

Why More Retirees Are Choosing Cancun and Playa del Carmen Over Tulum