A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Charlotte for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlotte? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charlotte travel costs.

Mazatlan and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Charlotte. While Charlotte is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Charlotte is known for its big city activities. Mazatlan is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Mazatlan different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Mazatlan is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Charlotte? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Charlotte.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is great for its historic old town charm. However, Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Charlotte and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Charlotte.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Charlotte make for a good place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Charlotte is popular with students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Charlotte.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Is Mazatlan or Charlotte a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Mazatlan is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Charlotte Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Charlotte. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Charlotte. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Charlotte 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Charlotte 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Charlotte is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Charlotte, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Charlotte, 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.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Charlotte?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Charlotte. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Charlotte averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Charlotte. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Charlotte. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Charlotte in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Mazatlan