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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Durham?

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 Durham. 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Durham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Durham are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Durham is known for its museums and attractions. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Durham and is known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is notable for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Isla Mujeres and Durham.

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 Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Durham is not a resort destination.

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

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. 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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Durham?

Both Isla Mujeres and Durham 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.

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Families?

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

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Durham is a family-friendly island. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Isla Mujeres 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is notable for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Many students visit Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Isla Mujeres is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Isla Mujeres or Durham a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable island. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Durham or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Durham than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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 Durham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sports oriented 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 Durham?

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.

Durham 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 Durham?

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 museums and nightlife around the student-filled destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing 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.

Durham 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Durham, 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.