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

Should you visit Cancun or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Cancun and Winnipeg: 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 for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cancun or Winnipeg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cancun than Winnipeg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cancun is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.



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How is Cancun different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cancun
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


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

Cancun
Winnipeg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Cancun and Winnipeg.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Winnipeg is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Winnipeg is not a resort destination.


Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is a city with good options for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Winnipeg?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cancun and Winnipeg.

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 Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.


Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Winnipeg is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Cancun or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.


Is Cancun or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Cancun
Winnipeg

Cancun is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Winnipeg?

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

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Cancun or Winnipeg?

The beautiful city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winnipeg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Winnipeg?

Cancun 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.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Winnipeg. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Cancun?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $153, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $89
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $178
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $16
    Winnipeg -
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:

  • Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer to Tulum (Round Trip): $250
  • Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $243
  • Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $228
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal Area Up to 15 Pass.: $225
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Round private transfer Airport- Akumal - Airport.: $220
  • Private Round Trip Transfer (Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen): $219
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $215
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Akumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $214
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to El Dorado Maroma - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $32
    Winnipeg $2.52
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 Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $12
    Winnipeg -

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Winnipeg, 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.