A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Cozumel or Asheville?

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 Cozumel and Asheville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cozumel travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville travel costs.

Cozumel and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Asheville are roughly the same size, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Asheville attracts visitors for its food, music, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Cozumel is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Cozumel different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cozumel or Asheville?

Cozumel is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cozumel or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cozumel. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Cozumel and Asheville.

The nightlife in Cozumel has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for live music. However, Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Cozumel to choose from. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cozumel. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Cozumel offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great mountain town for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Asheville?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Asheville both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cozumel. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Cozumel or Asheville More Beautiful?

Cozumel and Asheville both are comparable with their nice scenery and beauty.

Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Asheville.

Cozumel is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly island. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Asheville are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Cozumel is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Asheville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Cozumel and Asheville are high quality places to visit.

Cozumel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Asheville is a great island to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

Is Cozumel or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cozumel and Asheville both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Cozumel or Asheville a more walkable city?

Cozumel is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Cozumel is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable island. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Cozumel Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Asheville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Cozumel 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 Asheville.

One day in Cozumel or Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Cozumel. 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 Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cozumel or Asheville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Cozumel. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic island of Cozumel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Asheville?

Cozumel 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 Cozumel, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Asheville?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Asheville, 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.