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

Should you visit Cozumel or Wilmington?

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

Cozumel

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

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wilmington travel costs.

Cozumel and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Wilmington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Wilmington. While Wilmington is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cozumel is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is known for its historical sights. Cozumel is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Cozumel different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Cozumel or Wilmington.

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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Cozumel and Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its historic old town. However, Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Wilmington?

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

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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington More Beautiful?

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

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

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly island. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Wilmington are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Cozumel and Wilmington both offer decent 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Cozumel or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Cozumel is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Wilmington?

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

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant island of Cozumel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wilmington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wilmington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cozumel, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Cozumel or Wilmington?

Cozumel, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Wilmington?

Cozumel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Wilmington, 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.