A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Park City Utah for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a adventurous, active, and high energy town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Park City Utah, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Park City Utah is more popular for its skiing. Cabo San Lucas is well known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Park City Utah is well known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Park City Utah and Cabo San Lucas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Park City Utah. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Cabo San Lucas is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Park City Utah has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

It's hard to distinguish whether Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

The nightlife in Park City Utah is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

If luxury resorts are your style, both Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah have very good options.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

There are plenty of resorts in Park City Utah to choose from. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Cabo San Lucas is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Cabo San Lucas is great for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Cabo San Lucas is great for its historic old town charm. However, Park City Utah does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Park City Utah does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Both Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah are destinations which offer very good hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Many visitors go to Park City Utah for the hiking trails. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Shopping is a popular activity in both Park City Utah and Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Park City Utah is well-known for its shopping. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular town to visit for families. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cabo San Lucas is very family-friendly. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Both Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Park City Utah is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Cabo San Lucas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Park City Utah is fairly effecient and thorough. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Park City Utah on foot is easy. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable city. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

In either Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Park City Utah because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Park City Utah.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Park City Utah. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cabo San Lucas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Park City Utah 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Park City Utah, you'll find shopping and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Park City Utah. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Cabo San Lucas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $139, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $320. 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 Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $63
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $126
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah? 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 Cabo San Lucas


Hotels in Park City Utah


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD): Transfer to Cabo San Lucas Port: $436
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Pacific Side: $300
  • Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $300
  • Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to the Pacifica Area: $293
  • Private All Inclusive Diamante Area Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $280
  • Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas Area: $261
  • Private Transfer from Accommodation to Restaurant in Los Cabos: $250
  • Private Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $250
  • Private All Inclusive Cabo San Lucas Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz: $240
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Airport Transfer: $236

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $51
    Park City Utah $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $64
  • Tasting Cabo San Lucas Like a Local Food Tour: $70
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
  • Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $86
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $86
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and Party: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $43
    Park City Utah $68

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $20
  • Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila: $119
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
  • Round Trip to Touristic Corridor : $180
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $55
  • Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo, Lunch included: $1.20
  • #1 Snorkeling Tour in Catamaran. Open bar & Snacks included: $80
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180
  • 2-Hour ATV Riding Experience in San Jose del Cabo: $110
  • 2-Hour Camel Ride Beach and Desert Adventure Experience: $100

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Park City Utah $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $55
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $190


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Park City Utah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Park City Utah?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Park City Utah, 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.