A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Bangor for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Bangor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Bangor travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Bangor are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Bangor is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Isla Mujeres is an experience not to be missed. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Bangor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Bangor is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Both Isla Mujeres and Bangor are good shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Bangor has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Bangor is a family-friendly island. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isla Mujeres is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Isla Mujeres or Bangor a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Bangor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Bangor to fill your time. In our opinion, Isla Mujeres has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Bangor. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Bangor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Bangor 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bangor, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Bangor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Bangor, 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.