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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

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 Calgary. 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 idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Calgary, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isla Mujeres is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is more popular for its museums and attractions. Isla Mujeres is well known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Also, Isla Mujeres is famous for the Underwater Museum of Art. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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 Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Isla Mujeres and Calgary.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

Both Isla Mujeres and Calgary are notable 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary More Beautiful?

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

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Calgary is a good island for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

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

Isla Mujeres is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Both Isla Mujeres and Calgary offer notable public transit options.

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

Calgary has some public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Isla Mujeres or Calgary a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Calgary is generally not a very walkable island. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Calgary 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 Calgary. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Calgary. 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 Calgary. 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 Calgary 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 Calgary?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Isla Mujeres has to offer.

Calgary 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 Calgary?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Calgary. 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 Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Calgary, 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.