A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Cleveland for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun or Cleveland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Cleveland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Cancun travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Cancun and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cancun or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun than Cleveland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cancun is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its music. Cancun is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.



Deprecated: ucfirst(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/citycomparison.php on line 1552

How is Cancun different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Cleveland?

Cancun
Cleveland

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Cleveland.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


Is the Food Better in Cancun or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cancun. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cleveland is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Cancun is not a live music destination.


Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.


Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Cleveland?

Cancun
Cleveland

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cancun and Cleveland.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Cleveland to go shopping. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Cancun or Cleveland More Beautiful?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Families?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.


Is Cancun or Cleveland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Cancun or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Cancun
Cleveland

Cancun is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Cleveland. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Cleveland 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Cancun or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Cancun or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cancun. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cleveland. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Cancun or Cleveland?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Cleveland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Cleveland?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the party-hard city of Cancun. 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. 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 Cleveland. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Cleveland?

Cancun 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 Cancun, 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 authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Cancun?

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

  • Cancun Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Cleveland Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cancun $153
    Cleveland $158

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $153, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $158. 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 Cancun and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $89
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $178
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Cleveland? 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 Cancun


Hotels in Cleveland


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $16
    Cleveland $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.52
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $228
  • Tulum One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $132
  • Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $120
  • Transfer in Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan: $96
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen: $123
  • Transfer Redondo Private Airport Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $145
  • Transfer Airport-Hotel ( One Way ) Apto Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $87
  • Transfer Airport To Excellence Finest Atelier Playa Mujeres: $75
  • Super Combo ATV in Cancun with Zipline, Snorkel, Cenote, transfer: $115
  • Shared transfer R/T VAN Apto-Muelle Ferry Isla Mujeres-Apto C/ Tickets Ferry: $40
  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport : $6.00
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer To/From Cancun International Airport: $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $68
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $68
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $104
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Cancun 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
    Cancun $45
    Cleveland $62
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
  • Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $77
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
  • Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Drink & Cook Authentic Dishes: $85
  • Pirate’s Night Out: Dinner and Entertainment in the Caribbean: $89
  • Unforgettable Pirate Dinner Adventure in the Mexican Caribbean: $89

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

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


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $53
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $79
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $79
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $32
    Cleveland $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.54
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $92

Tours and Activities in Cancun

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

  • 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $260
  • 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village: $149
  • Atv tour from Cancun with ziplines and cenote swim experience: $30
  • Cancun Private Street Art Tour: $65
  • Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures: $19
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
  • Holbox plus Island Magic by boat Tour from Cancun : $144
  • Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun: $152
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $215
  • Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Day Tour from Cancun: $105
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Akron Secrets: Rubber City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Cleveland Browns Football Game Ticket at Huntington Bank Field: $35
  • Cleveland Comedy City Tour: $39
  • Cleveland Downtown Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Cleveland Golf Cart City Tour: $40
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $39
  • Cleveland Highlights City Tour with Pickup: $275
  • Electric Bike Tour in Cleveland: $109
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Exploring Cleveland with the Family - Walking Tour: $262
  • Ghost Tour of Cleveland with free Ghost Hunting Gear: $20
  • Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland: $262

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $12
    Cleveland $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

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

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $35
  • Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Brewery Golf Cart Tour Experience: $60


When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Cleveland, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Cleveland?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Cleveland, 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.