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

Should you visit Cozumel or Minneapolis?

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

Cozumel

Cozumel is a active, colorful, and scenic island. Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cozumel travel costs.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, 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 Minneapolis travel costs.

Cozumel and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Minneapolis?

Both Minneapolis and Cozumel have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Cozumel is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Cozumel different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Cozumel and Minneapolis.

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.

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Cozumel specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Cozumel are among the best in 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Minneapolis.

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.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly island. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cozumel makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Minneapolis is a good island for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Cozumel or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

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

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable island. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Cozumel or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cozumel due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic island of Cozumel. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively island of Cozumel. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cozumel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Minneapolis, 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.