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

Should you visit Cozumel or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

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

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Cozumel and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

Both Santa Fe and Cozumel have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Santa Fe is more popular for its skiing, food, music, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Cozumel is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is Cozumel different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Fe and Cozumel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is very good for skiing. However, Cozumel is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Cozumel is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Cozumel or Santa Fe.

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.

Santa Fe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Santa Fe is a great historic town 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 Santa Fe. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is very good for live music. However, Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its historic old town. However, Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is very good for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Fe. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Cozumel and Santa Fe both are comparable with their notable scenery and beauty.

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

Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a great island for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Cozumel and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Cozumel or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a very walkable island. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

In either Cozumel or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This historic town 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 Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Santa Fe?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Santa Fe, 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.