A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Avon for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Avon 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for food, hiking, and skiing. See Avon travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Avon are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avon is known for its skiing. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Avon and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avon and Cabo San Lucas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Skiing?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Avon is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cabo San Lucas is a world class party destination. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Cabo San Lucas to choose from. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Avon is not a beach destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular spot for hiking. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Avon is a family-friendly city. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cabo San Lucas and Avon.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Avon a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Avon

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.


For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Cabo San Lucas or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Avon 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Avon, you'll find skiing and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Cabo San Lucas is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Cabo San Lucas. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic city of Cabo San Lucas. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the town of Avon. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Cabo San Lucas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cabo San Lucas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Avon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Avon $326

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Avon is $326. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cabo San Lucas and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Avon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cabo San Lucas


Hotels in Avon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Avon $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • Private Transfer to Los Cabos Airport from Rancho San Lucas : $33
  • Los Cabos Shuttle Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $36
  • Los Cabos Airport Private Transfer SJD to Multiple Destinations: $38
  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to San Jose del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port- Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas -Arrival Transfer : $80
  • Airport transfers and all: $95
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Departure Transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Cabo San Lucas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $80
    Avon $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
  • AvoCabo Food Tour : $78
  • San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
  • Flavors of Authentic Mexican Food Tour: $79
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $83
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $95
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Avon $48

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Experience Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch in Cabo San Lucas: $15
  • Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Rock Formations: $17
  • The Ultimate Camel Safari Experience in Los Cabos: $17
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
  • Group tour of the Cabo San Lucas Arch: $19
  • Cabo San Lucas Arc Group Tour in Glass Bottom Boat: $19
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $19
  • Tour to the Arch with Natural Views from Cabo San Lucas: $22
  • Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24
  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $25
  • Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel PICKUP!: $26
  • The Fenway Bar Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $60
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Avon?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Avon, 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.