A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Martha's Vineyard for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cozumel travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Cozumel and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cozumel than Martha's Vineyard, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cozumel is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Cozumel different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cozumel is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cozumel. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Martha's Vineyard is a perfect choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Cozumel is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is very good for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Martha's Vineyard both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

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

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cozumel. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Martha's Vineyard has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cozumel and Martha's Vineyard both offer respectable 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Cozumel Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Cozumel, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the lively island of Cozumel, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the active destination of Cozumel, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Cozumel is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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