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

Should you visit Cozumel or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Cozumel and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Cozumel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cozumel is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ketchikan is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Ketchikan and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

How is Cozumel different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Cozumel or Ketchikan.

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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Cozumel has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is renowned for its beaches. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Ketchikan?

Cozumel is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is a great town for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

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

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Families?

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

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.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly island. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Ketchikan are very good 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.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Cozumel and Ketchikan both offer decent 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Cozumel or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is a very walkable island. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Ketchikan?

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

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

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 Ketchikan, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active 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 Ketchikan, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Ketchikan has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ketchikan. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Ketchikan?

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