A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cozumel or Baltimore?

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

Cozumel

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

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Cozumel and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Baltimore?

Both Baltimore and Cozumel have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cozumel is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities. Cozumel is more touristy than Baltimore and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Cozumel different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Baltimore is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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.

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

Baltimore is a great city 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Cozumel and Baltimore.

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.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cozumel is not to be missed. 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.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cozumel is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Baltimore?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Baltimore both offer plenty of very good 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.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore More Beautiful?

Cozumel is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Baltimore.

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.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly island. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Cozumel is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good island for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Cozumel or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cozumel is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Baltimore are very good 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable island. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Baltimore?

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

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful 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 Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Baltimore has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant 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.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Baltimore, 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.