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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Flagstaff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Flagstaff is more popular for its hiking. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Flagstaff and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Flagstaff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff both to be great 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.

Flagstaff has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Resorts?

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

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

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

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

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. 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.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

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

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

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Flagstaff visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff are great 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, Flagstaff is very family-friendly. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

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

Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff are great places to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic 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.

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the wild 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 Flagstaff. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Flagstaff?

Flagstaff has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Flagstaff, 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.