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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Baltimore travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Baltimore is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore both to be superb destinations.

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.

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Shopping is a popular activity in both Baltimore and Cabo San Lucas.

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.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Both Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore are superb to visit with kids.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Cabo San Lucas has plenty to offer. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Baltimore

Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, you'll find museums 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic city of Cabo San Lucas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Baltimore. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore 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
    Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Baltimore $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $217. 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 Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore? 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 Baltimore


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 Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo San Lucas Port to San Jose Del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
  • Airport Transfer to Cabo San Lucas & Pacific side Hotels & Villas Round Trip: $192
  • Airport Transfer to Cabo San Lucas IDA: $123
  • Airport Transfers to Cabo San Lucas Pacifico Hotels RT: $290
  • Airport transfers and all: $95
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas -Arrival Transfer : $80
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • 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 Port to San Jose Del Cabo hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Departure Transfer: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240

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

Prices for flights to both Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79

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
  • 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: $84
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
  • Jumbo Shrimp Dinner in Your Private Villa or Condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $99
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar: $99
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99
  • Sunset E-bike Beach Ride with Mexican Dinner and Margaritas: $109
  • San Jose del Cabo City Highlights with Tequila Tasting and Dinner: $110

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Baltimore $18

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
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24
  • Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel PICKUP!: $27
  • Tour to The Arch and Lover's Beach (optional) from Cabo: $30
  • The Fenway Bar Experience: $30
  • Transparent Boat Tour Cabo San Lucas Arch and Playa del Amor: $36
  • Whale Watching Tour with Arch and Beach in Cabo San Lucas: $38
  • Shared Tour to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: $39

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • NEON Starry Night Sip and Paint Experience : $20
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • City Cruises Baltimore Harbor Tour: $30
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $32
  • Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience : $40
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • North Beach Scenic - Guided Walking Tour: $41
  • North Beach Historic - Guided Walking Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Baltimore, 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.