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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

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 Kamloops 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 adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Kamloops travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Kamloops: 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
  • Very walkable
  • 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 with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Kamloops are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

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

Kamloops is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cabo San Lucas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Cabo San Lucas is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Both Cabo San Lucas and Kamloops 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, Kamloops is very family-friendly. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Kamloops is a good city for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cabo San Lucas has some public transit options. 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 generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Kamloops

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.


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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cabo San Lucas than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops. 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 Kamloops 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 Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

The beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, you'll find shopping and skiing. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Kamloops. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops 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
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. 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 Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Kamloops

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


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 Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Kamloops $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo APT-HTL(SJD): $91
  • Transfer to Cabo San Lucas from Round Trip Airport: $268
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • Private transfer at VAN Airport Los Cabos - San Jose del Cabo: $85
  • Private transfer SJD Airport to San Jose del Cabo Hotels One Way: $100
  • Private Transfer to Cabo San Lucas from Cabo Airport: $210
  • Private Transfer in Los Cabos Airport to hotels or vice versa: $108
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Los Cabos 1-10px: $175
  • Private Transfer from SJD to Cabo San Lucas / San Jose del Cabo: $100
  • Private Transfer from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas hotels : $144
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport: $210
  • Private Transfer - Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to Cabo San Lucas Port: $100

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

Prices for flights to both Kamloops 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
    Kamloops $41

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 Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Beach ATV y Camel Ride y Sky Bike Adventure: $140
  • Camel Ride, UTV, and The Arch Tour with Lunch & Tequila Tasting!: $249
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with unlimited Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Platinum Snorkel Tour : $239
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $87
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Adventure : $180
  • 2 Tank Tour in Cabo San Lucas Reserve, Certified Divers with MANTA: $138
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • 2-Hour ATV Riding Experience in San Jose del Cabo: $110
  • 2-Hour Camel Ride Beach and Desert Adventure Experience: $120
  • 2.10 Hour Sunset Tour on Catamaran in Cabo San Lucas : $75

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.08
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Kamloops $6.77

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


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

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 Kamloops Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Kamloops, 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.