A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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 laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Isla Mujeres different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Isla Mujeres is mediocre for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

There are amazing resorts to choose from in both Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach both offer amazing beaches.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Isla Mujeres. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly island. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its romantic activities.

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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Isla Mujeres is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Both Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach offer nice 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.

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

Both Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant beach area offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 West Palm Beach?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Isla Mujeres. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

West Palm Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and West Palm Beach, 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.