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

Should you visit Cozumel or Vernon?

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

Cozumel

Cozumel is a active, colorful, and scenic island. Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Cozumel travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Cozumel and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cozumel than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cozumel is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. Cozumel is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Cozumel different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Both Cozumel and Vernon offer a number of notable 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 Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Cozumel offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a great town for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Vernon?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Cozumel or Vernon More Beautiful?

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

Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Families?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cozumel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly island. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Cozumel or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cozumel is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Cozumel and Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Cozumel or Vernon a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable island. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Vernon?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Vernon?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Cozumel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. 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 Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cozumel and Vernon, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Cozumel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cozumel than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cozumel Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Vernon?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Vernon, 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.