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

Should you visit Cozumel or Edmonton?

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

Cozumel

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

Edmonton

Edmonton is a cultural, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Edmonton travel costs.

Cozumel and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Edmonton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cozumel than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions. Cozumel is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Cozumel different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edmonton 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 Edmonton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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 Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cozumel is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Cozumel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Edmonton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton More Beautiful?

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

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

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Families?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly island. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cozumel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Cozumel or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city 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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

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

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

While Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Edmonton a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cozumel or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cozumel than Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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

The island of Cozumel 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.

In Edmonton, 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 Edmonton?

Cozumel 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.

In Edmonton, 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 Edmonton has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Edmonton?

Cozumel is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cozumel, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Cozumel 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 Cozumel has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Edmonton. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Edmonton?

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