A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Cozumel for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kaunas or Cozumel?

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 Kaunas and Cozumel. 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Cozumel travel costs.

Kaunas and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Cozumel?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cozumel than Kaunas. While Kaunas is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Cozumel is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cozumel and Kaunas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kaunas or Cozumel?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cozumel. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Cozumel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaunas
Cozumel

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Kaunas and Cozumel.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cozumel. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cozumel has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for its resorts. However, Kaunas is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cozumel to choose from. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Kaunas is not a resort destination.


Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cozumel. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is renowned for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Cozumel offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Kaunas is very good for its historic old town. However, Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Cozumel does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Cozumel?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cozumel. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel More Beautiful?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Families?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cozumel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.


Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Cozumel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cozumel is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Students?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Kaunas is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Cozumel is not popular with students.


Is Kaunas or Cozumel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Kaunas is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

While Kaunas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Is Kaunas or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Cozumel

Cozumel is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Cozumel is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cozumel or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Cozumel?

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

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Kaunas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cozumel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than Kaunas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cozumel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Kaunas 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 Cozumel.


  • How many days in Kaunas or Cozumel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kaunas 1-2 
    Cozumel 3-7

One day in Kaunas or Cozumel?

In Kaunas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Kaunas or Cozumel?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaunas has to offer.

Cozumel is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Cozumel?

Kaunas is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Cozumel?

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Cozumel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cozumel or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €118, while the average daily cost in Cozumel is €104. 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 Kaunas and Cozumel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Cozumel 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Cozumel 108
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Cozumel

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas or Cozumel? 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 Kaunas


Hotels in Cozumel


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Cozumel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Cozumel 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN: $68
  • CO2-Offset Private Transfer from Kaunas to Kaunas Airport KUN: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

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

  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $27
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel -Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • ATV tour to jade cavern with transfer (single or double): $55
  • Cozumel Mayan Experience And Beach Getaway with Transfer: $55
  • Cozumel Jungle ATV Tour Adventure and Caverns with transfer: $65
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel to Cozumel Airport: $67
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel Airport to Cozumel: $67
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $77
  • ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport (CZM): $93
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Cozumel?

Prices for flights to both Cozumel and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 60
    Cozumel 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Under the Stars Twilight Snorkel and Seaside Dinner at Money Bar: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Cozumel 34

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Kaunas : Sightseeing Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $117
  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $60
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Private Ghost Tour: $243
  • Kaunas Private Tour: Love Stories: $243
  • Kaunas Private Tour: Love Stories: $477
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $119
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $176
  • 1 day Self-Guided Bike Tour with Train Tickets: $69
  • Old Town Private Ghost Tour: $477
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $54
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $84
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $70

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

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

  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • Transparent Boat Tour in See Marine Life Up Close: $19
  • Crystal Boat Trip and Snorkeling Tour from Cozumel: $19
  • Crystal-clear Boat trip & Snorkeling tour: $19
  • Tequila History and Tasting Experience and Unlimited Beach Break: $25
  • El Cielo Snorkeling Adventure in Cozumel: $28
  • Cozumel’s Mayan Journey: Dance, Rituals, and Tasting Tour: $29
  • Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs: $29
  • Island Tour in Cozumel, Mayan Show & Tacos: $30
  • Transparent Boating and Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel All Inclusive: $32
  • Bicycle Adventure With Snorkel and Lunch: $33
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Cozumel 8.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:

  • Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $45
  • Downtown Cozumel and Brewery Experience: $69
  • Rum and Gin at Cozumel First Distillery : $99
  • Craft Beer Tasting Experience with Brewery Tour: $99
  • Cozumel Mixology Experience at Distillery : $109


When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Cozumel, we can see that Kaunas 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. Even though Kaunas is in Europe and Cozumel is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kaunas Expensive? and Is Cozumel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Cozumel?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Cozumel, 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.