A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Cozumel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Cozumel?

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

Should I visit Paris or Cozumel? 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Paris travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a lively, vibrant, and active island. Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cozumel travel costs.

Paris and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Eiffel Tower
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
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less charming
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Paris or Cozumel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Cozumel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cozumel is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Cozumel is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites.

The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.


Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Theater?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Cozumel is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Cozumel is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Paris or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Cozumel offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.


Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Music?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Paris
Cozumel

Cozumel is great for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

Cozumel is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paris
Cozumel

Cozumel is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

Paris
Cozumel

Cozumel is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cozumel. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Cozumel?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Cozumel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Paris or Cozumel More Beautiful?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.


Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Families?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Cozumel is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Couples?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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.

Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Cozumel is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.


Is Paris or Cozumel Better for Students?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Paris
Cozumel

Paris is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Paris
Cozumel

Paris and Cozumel are great when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cozumel or Paris?

How long in Paris or Cozumel?

Both Paris and Cozumel have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Cozumel. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Paris or Cozumel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paris 3-7 
    Cozumel 3-7

One day in Paris or Cozumel?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Cozumel?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Cozumel?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cozumel is a fun place to experience. In Cozumel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Paris or Cozumel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this vibrant destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cozumel or Paris?

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 Paris is €265, 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 Paris and Cozumel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 153
    Cozumel 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 306
    Cozumel 108
Compare Hotels in Paris and Cozumel

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Cozumel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Cozumel 18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Paris : Transfer to/from Reims or Champagne region: $646
  • Louvre Museum with Private Transfers: $300
  • Transfer from Paris to Airport: CDG, Orly, Beauvais: $300
  • Private Disneyland Return Transfer Up to 6 People : $298
  • Private Transfer from Paris to CDG Airport: $298
  • Private Mercedes luxury transfer from PARIS to => DISNEYLAND Paris with Cab-Bel-Air: $295
  • Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $292
  • Private direct transfer from Paris to Brussels: $292
  • Private Direct Transfer From Paris to Reims: $286
  • Transfer Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG to Paris: $280
  • Louvre Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Paris Hotel Transfers: $280
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from PARIS to => AIRPORT from PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $280

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Cozumel?

Prices for flights to both Cozumel and Paris 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
    Paris 72
    Cozumel 32
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $65
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Seine River dinner cruise from Alexandre III bridge: $70
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Paris Vegan Street Food Tour: $77
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $89
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $96
  • Dinner Paris by Night EN Bus Panoramic: $101
  • Amazing Sweet Crêpe Cooking Class Paris: $105

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.
    Paris 76
    Cozumel 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $226
  • Area ,Opera, Jewellery,Fashion,Palais Royal walking tour : $74
  • Audio-Guided Montparnasse Tower Tour with Priority Admission: $42
  • Bruges Guided Day Trip with Canal Cruise Option and Hotel Pickup: $270
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $36
  • Half Day Giverny Monet's Gardens Tour : $172
  • Louvre Evening Escape: Avoid the Crowds - Exclusive Guided Tour : $150
  • Musée d'Orsay Rebels Passion Colour. A Private Guided Tour: $144
  • Notre-Dame Exterior & Sainte-Chapelle Medieval Paris Tour : $70
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery Walking Tour - Semi-Private 12ppl Max: $62
  • Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $12
  • Paris Entrance Ticket to the Aura Invalides Immersive Show: $33

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

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

  • 10 Experiences Tour : $200
  • 15-minute Private Parasailing Experience in Cozumel: $78
  • 4 Hour Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Experience on a Luxury Catamarán : $72
  • 4 Hour Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel: $55
  • ATV Adventour: Jade Cave Cenote, Transportation & Tequila: $87
  • ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern Double: $113
  • ATV Adventure to Mayan Jade Cavern plus Snorkeling and Lunch: $79
  • ATV Jungle Adventure to Hidden Mayan Ruins and Caves: $89
  • ATV Seashore + Cenote Combo: Mezcalitos & Mayan Cenote Experience: $64
  • ATV and Clear Boat Ride Full Experience in Cozumel: $80
  • Adventure Tour Village ATVs Beach with Snorkeling and Villa Maya: $100
  • Adventure in Punta Sur Ecological Reserve Cozumel: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Cozumel 8.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $46
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $46
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $54
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $54
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $58
  • Natural Wine Tasting with Cheese Pairings in Paris: $72
  • French Wine Tasting and Pairing Experience in Montmartre: $90
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $95
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $113
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Cozumel, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Cozumel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe and Cozumel is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cozumel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cozumel 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Cozumel.

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


Which is Bigger, Paris or Cozumel?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.