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

Should you visit Cancun or Beaufort?

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 Cancun and Beaufort can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cancun and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Beaufort?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Beaufort are popular destinations, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beaufort attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Cancun is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Cancun different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Beaufort is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. 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 Cancun or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is renowned for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

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

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Cancun is renowned for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Beaufort?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cancun and Beaufort.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to go shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Families?

Cancun is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Cancun is renowned for romance. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Is Cancun or Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

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

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Cancun or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Cancun and Beaufort are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Beaufort. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

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

One day in Cancun or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cancun or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort 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.

Five days in Cancun or Beaufort?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Cancun or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Beaufort, 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Beaufort?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Beaufort, 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.