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

Should you visit Cozumel or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a lively, vibrant, and active island. Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cozumel travel costs.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Cozumel and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Cozumel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cozumel is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Nags Head is popular for

How is Cozumel different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cozumel is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Cozumel and Nags Head offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Cozumel and Nags Head.

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.

Nags Head offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Cozumel is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cozumel a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cozumel. 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Nags Head?

Cozumel is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Nags Head.

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.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly island. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Cozumel is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Cozumel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Cozumel is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Cozumel or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Cozumel is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination 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.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Nags Head?

Both Cozumel and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cozumel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cozumel than Nags Head. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head?

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 Nags Head, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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 Nags Head, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cozumel or Nags Head?

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.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head. In Nags Head, you'll find food and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Nags Head?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Nags Head, 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.