A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Daytona Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cancun or Daytona Beach?

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 Daytona Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Cancun and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Daytona Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach is known for its music and big city activities. Cancun is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Daytona Beach is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.

How is Cancun different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach?

Cancun is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Cancun offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cancun is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

The world-class nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cancun and Daytona Beach.

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.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is very good for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cancun is a great 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.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cancun a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cancun. 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 head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Cancun is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cancun is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Cancun makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Cancun is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city 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 Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Cancun or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

Cancun is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

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

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Both Cancun and Daytona Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cancun has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cancun than Daytona Beach. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 7 days is enough time in Daytona Beach.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the wild destination of Cancun. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Cancun. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Daytona Beach?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Daytona Beach, 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.