A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Beaches, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Cozumel or Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cozumel travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Cozumel and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Cozumel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cozumel is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife. Cozumel is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality

How is Cozumel different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cozumel is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Cozumel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Both Cozumel and Atlantic City offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Atlantic City. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a world class party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Cozumel offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Cozumel and Atlantic City.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cozumel. 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.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

Cozumel is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cozumel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Cozumel is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Cozumel is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Cozumel is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cozumel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Cozumel or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Atlantic City are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable island. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

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

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

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

One day in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Cozumel. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Cozumel. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the island of Cozumel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Atlantic City?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Atlantic City, 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.