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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg. 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg is more popular for its museums and attractions. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Winnipeg and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Also, Isla Mujeres is famous for the Underwater Museum of Art. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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 Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Isla Mujeres has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Evening events are notable in both Isla Mujeres and Winnipeg.

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 Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is not a resort destination.


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

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Both Isla Mujeres and Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Winnipeg is a good island for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


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

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

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

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres
Winnipeg

Isla Mujeres is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isla Mujeres 1-2 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. 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 Winnipeg?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Winnipeg 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Isla Mujeres $164
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla Mujeres is $164, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla Mujeres $71
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla Mujeres $142
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Isla Mujeres and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $32
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:

  • Private Transfer: Playa Mujeres to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $135
  • Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $19
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres

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

  • Scuba Diving Adventure WITHOUT CERTIFICATION! Try it today!: $160
  • 3 Hours VIP Semiprivate Tour Isla Mujeres Full Snorkeling Experience : $84
  • ATV Mangrove Adventure: $65
  • Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark From Playa del Carmen: $230
  • Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark departing from Cancun: $200
  • Chill at -18°C Isla Mujeres Ice Bar (tickets): $25
  • Contoy Island Tour from Cancun and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $145
  • Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $39
  • Isla Contoy Snorkeling Experience with Buffet: $166
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $52
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: $84
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure: $53

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla Mujeres $23
    Winnipeg -


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


Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Winnipeg, 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.