A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Destin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or Destin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Destin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Destin?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Destin or Veracruz?

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

  • Veracruz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Destin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Veracruz $143
    Destin $229

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Destin is $229. 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 Veracruz and Destin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $49
    Destin $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $98
    Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Destin

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Destin? 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 Veracruz


Hotels in Destin


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Destin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $26
    Destin $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Destin?

Prices for flights to both Destin and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $78
    Destin $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $13
    Destin $17

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
  • Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
  • Live a Kayak Experience: $85
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98

Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

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

  • Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
  • 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
  • 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
  • 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
  • 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
  • Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin: $55
  • Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $80
  • Crab Island Boat Tour – Half Day in Destin: $69
  • Crab Island Dolphin & Sunset Cruise – 3-Hour Tour: $65
  • Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure : $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $16
    Destin $49


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

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Destin?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Destin, 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 Veracruz or Destin?

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 Veracruz or Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In July, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 27°C (81°F), and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Destin. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Destin 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Destin. Furthermore, many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Veracruz is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Destin. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Destin 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Destin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Destin. Additionally, many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Veracruz is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Destin 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Veracruz is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Destin. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Destin 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Destin and Veracruz

Veracruz Destin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)