A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Adelaide or Cancun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Cancun can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Adelaide travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cancun travel costs.

Adelaide and Cancun: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Cancun?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cancun than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Cancun, Cancun has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cancun is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.



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How is Adelaide different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Cancun?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide
Cancun

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Adelaide and Cancun.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cancun. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.


Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Cancun

Both Adelaide and Cancun are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Cancun?

Adelaide
Cancun

Adelaide is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Adelaide or Cancun More Beautiful?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Families?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.


Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Cancun

Cancun is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Students?

Adelaide
Cancun

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

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Cancun is not popular with students.


Is Adelaide or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide
Cancun

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you around easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Adelaide or Cancun a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Cancun

Adelaide and Cancun are superb when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Cancun?

Both Adelaide and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Adelaide. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Adelaide 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Adelaide or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Adelaide or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adelaide. 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.

The beautiful city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Adelaide or Cancun?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Adelaide. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Adelaide?

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 Adelaide is $127, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $138. 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 Adelaide and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $62
    Cancun $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $124
    Cancun $160
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Cancun? 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 Adelaide


Hotels in Cancun


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: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $18
    Cancun $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

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


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

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

  • Private Transfer from Adelaide city to Adelaide Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Adelaide Cruise Port to Adelaide city: $58
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $64
  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $302
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $97
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Business Car: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $66
  • Airport Transfer: Airport ADL to Adelaide by Business Car: $68
  • Airport Transfer: Adelaide to Airport ADL by Business Car: $68
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $116
  • Adelaide Chauffeur Airport Transfer: $77
  • Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.37
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $11
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $14
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Xel-Ha Park 1 Day Tour from Cancun with hotel transfer: $157
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cancun HTL-APT (CUN): $50
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cancun APT-HTL (CUN): $50
  • Travel safe from the Airport to your hotel and back with Jeromi Transfers!: $75
  • Transfers in Luxury Sedan from Cancun Airport: $90
  • Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $120
  • Transfer in Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan: $96
  • Transfer from Puerto de Chiquila to Cancun Airport: $151
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen: $89
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Cancun/El Dorado Maroma: $75
  • Transfer Redondo Private Airport Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Adelaide 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
    Adelaide $51
    Cancun $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

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

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $28
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $62
  • Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills: $118
  • Maggie Beer's Farm Cooking School and Seasonal Lunch: $125
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $186

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

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

  • Pirate Ship: Pirates and Dinner Boat Show in Cancun 2 for 1: $45
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $70
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class : $79
  • Paradise and Tropical Cancun Food Tour: $80
  • Jolly Roger Pirate Ship Cruise & Dinner Show: $80
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • 4-hour Eat & Drink-as-you-Cook Mexican cooking class in Cancun: $85
  • Cooking Show & Tequila Tasting: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $13
    Cancun $29

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Barossa Tour from 4 Tastings & Lunch Included": $102
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $56
  • Adelaide "Firsts" Walking Tour - From Grid Plans to Great Wine: $16
  • Adelaide Central Market Discovery Tour: $63
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $116
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $43
  • Adelaide City Highlights Full-Day Tour: $145
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $55
  • Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $102
  • Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $83
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Full-Day Tour in Barossa Valley: $121
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Half-Day Tour with City Highlights: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.49
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $83

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $260
  • Catamaran Adventure to Isla Mujeres with Open Bar and Beach Club: $89
  • Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
  • Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures: $69
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
  • Holbox plus Island Magic by boat Tour from Cancun : $144
  • Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun: $152
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $215
  • Party Adventure at Isla Mujeres from Cancun & Playa del Carmen: $94
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
  • Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $21
    Cancun $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $29
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $41
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $57
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $81
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $83
  • Experience SA Shared Barossa Wine Tour- Pickup from Adelaide CBD: $102
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $104
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $106
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $106
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $108
  • From Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour with Lunch: $113

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Tour / Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $112


When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Cancun, we can see that Cancun 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 Adelaide is in Pacific and Cancun 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Cancun?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Cancun, 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.