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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Niagara Falls, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isla Mujeres is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Niagara Falls is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. 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.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Niagara Falls offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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 Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Isla Mujeres is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Evening events are notable in both Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

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

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

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.


Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

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

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Niagara Falls is a popular spot for hiking. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Both Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Both Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.


Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Isla Mujeres is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Both Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.


Is Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres
Niagara Falls

Isla Mujeres is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable island. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

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

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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.


  • How many days in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isla Mujeres 1-2 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Isla Mujeres. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Isla Mujeres?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Isla Mujeres Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Isla Mujeres $164
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla Mujeres is $164, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla Mujeres $71
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla Mujeres $142
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Isla Mujeres


Hotels in Niagara Falls


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Isla Mujeres Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $32
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:

  • Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Cancun–Ferry Round-Trip + Hotel Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer: Playa Mujeres to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Transfer Buffalo Airport BUF to Buffalo or Niagara Falls: $42
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $101
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
  • Transfer from Niagara Falls,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $101
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $101
  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Buffalo, NY: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Isla Mujeres change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Isla Mujeres $72
    Niagara Falls $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $106
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $176
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $241
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $19
    Niagara Falls $19

Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla Mujeres are as follows:

  • Chill at -18°C Isla Mujeres Ice Bar (tickets): $25
  • Excursion Crystal Boat Tour at the Caribbean: $29
  • Tour Isla Mujeres excursion in Collective Transparent Boat: $38
  • Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $39
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $52
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure: $53
  • Snorkel Tour at Musa and Manchones Reef: $55
  • Transparent Boat Tour from Isla Mujeres: $60
  • UNDER WATER MUSEUM CANCUN SNORKEL ISLA MUJERES - Experience with Ticket: $65
  • ATV Mangrove Adventure: $65
  • Airboat Adventure: $80
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.79
  • Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • RiverBrink Art Museum: Historical Walking Tour of Queenston: $11
  • Niagara Adventure Theater Experience with Popcorn included: $11
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Tower Hotel Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14
  • Explore Niagara Falls with Private Scavenger Hunt Tour: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana - The Musical Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla Mujeres $23
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $95
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $110
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $117
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $118
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Wine Tasting and lavender Farm Tours: $125
  • Relaxing Afternoon Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $125
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139


When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls, we can see that Isla Mujeres 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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Niagara Falls, 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.

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