A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Cozumel and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cozumel is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Cozumel different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cozumel is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cozumel is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cozumel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is terrific for the beach. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

Cozumel is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Cozumel and Virginia Beach both are comparable with their nice scenery and beauty.

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

Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

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

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.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly island. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Cozumel is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Virginia Beach is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Cozumel or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Cozumel is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

Both Cozumel and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

In Cozumel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. This coastal 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 Virginia Beach?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

In Cozumel, you'll find shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Virginia Beach, 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.