Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brisbane or Cancun?
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 Brisbane and Cancun can help you decide which place is right for you.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Cancun
Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Brisbane and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Brisbane
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
- Less popular with couples
Cancun
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Brisbane or Cancun?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Cancun, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brisbane is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Cancun is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.
How is Brisbane different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Brisbane. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Cancun?
Brisbane
Cancun
You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Cancun and Brisbane.
Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.
Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Brisbane
Cancun
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Brisbane and Cancun can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.
Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
Cancun offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Brisbane or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.
Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. 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.
Brisbane is not a resort destination.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.
The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. 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.
Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.
With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation 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.
You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Brisbane
Cancun
You'll find good hiking in both Brisbane and Cancun.
Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Cancun?
Brisbane
Cancun
Brisbane is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Brisbane is well-known for its shopping. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
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 Brisbane or Cancun Better for Families?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.
Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.
Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Couples?
Brisbane
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Cancun 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.
Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Brisbane
Cancun
For backpackers, both Brisbane and Cancun are very good places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Cancun. 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.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Students?
Brisbane
Cancun
Brisbane is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Brisbane or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Brisbane
Cancun
Brisbane and Cancun both offer good public transit to get you around.
While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.
Cancun has a few public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Brisbane or Cancun a more walkable city?
Brisbane
Cancun
Brisbane and Cancun are very good when it comes to walkability.
Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Brisbane?
How long in Brisbane or Cancun?
Both Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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.
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How many days in Brisbane or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayBrisbane 2-3Cancun 4-7
One day in Brisbane or Cancun?
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane or Cancun?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. 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 Brisbane or Cancun?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Brisbane. This coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $133Cancun $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $145. 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 Brisbane and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $82Cancun $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $164Cancun $192
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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.
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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Cancun $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $18
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $91
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town$1.65
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)$14
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$16
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Local Bus (for 2)$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private RoundTrip Transfer to Xplor Adventure Park from Cancun: $297
- Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
- Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Playa del Carmen: $260
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Puerto Morelos: $260
- Round trip Private airport transfer to Playa del Carmen Flat Rate per vehicle: $240
- Full-Day Tour to Xcaret Plus with Transfer from Playa del Carmen and Lunch: $238
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Holbox Private Transfer from Cancun Hotels or Airport: $229
- Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $224
- Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Brisbane 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
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Food Meals for one dayBrisbane $31Cancun $28
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
- Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
- The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
- Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
- (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
- (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
- (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
- Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
- Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brisbane $24Cancun $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills$0.59
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$100
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
- Bacalar tour + Lunch + Boat, from Cancun and Riviera Maya: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Full Day All Inclusive Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres : $99
- Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $37
- Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
- LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
- Party Adventure at Isla Mujeres from Cancun & Playa del Carmen: $93
- Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
- Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks: $139
- (4x1) Full day tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $51Cancun $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
- Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287
When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Cancun?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.