A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Calgary for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cozumel or Calgary?

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

Cozumel

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

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Cozumel and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Calgary?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cozumel than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Cozumel different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Cozumel or Calgary.

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.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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

Cozumel is a island with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Cozumel is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Resorts?

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

In Cozumel, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Beaches?

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

Cozumel is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Calgary?

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

Cozumel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Cozumel or Calgary More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Families?

Cozumel is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cozumel is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Couples?

Cozumel is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary 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.

Calgary is a good island for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Cozumel or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

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

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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 Calgary a more walkable city?

Cozumel is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known 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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable island. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cozumel or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cozumel than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

In Cozumel, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, you'll find museums and 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 Calgary?

In Cozumel, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Calgary, you'll find nightlife 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 Calgary has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Calgary?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cozumel has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary 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 Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. In Cozumel, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Calgary, 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.