A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Sarasota for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cozumel or Sarasota?

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

Cozumel

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

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Cozumel and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Sarasota?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Sarasota. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cozumel is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Cozumel is more touristy than Sarasota and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Cozumel different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota 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 Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cozumel and Sarasota offer a number of nice 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 Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Cozumel for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Cozumel to choose from. 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.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is renowned for the beach. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Sarasota?

Cozumel is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Cozumel is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Cozumel is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Cozumel is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Sarasota is a good island for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

Cozumel and Sarasota both offer reasonable 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Cozumel or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Cozumel is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Sarasota?

In either Cozumel or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Cozumel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sarasota, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Sarasota?

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

Five days in Cozumel or Sarasota?

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.

Sarasota 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 Sarasota has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Sarasota?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Sarasota, 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.