A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Grand Teton National Park for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

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 Grand Teton National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a vast, spectacular, and impressive park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Cancun and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • 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
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Grand Teton National Park are popular destinations, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Grand Teton National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Grand Teton National Park 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 . Grand Teton National Park is famous for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.


How is Cancun different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a great city for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


Is the Food Better in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for nightlife and partying.

Cancun is a world class party destination. 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.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Grand Teton National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Grand Teton National Park. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.


Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Grand Teton National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Grand Teton National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

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 Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a popular place for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Teton National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-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.

Grand Teton National Park is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Both Cancun and Grand Teton National Park are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Grand Teton National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.


Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Grand Teton National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

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.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Cancun or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Cancun
Grand Teton National Park

Cancun is a great city for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.


For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Cancun and Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Grand Teton National Park. 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 Grand Teton National Park. 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 Grand Teton National Park 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 Cancun or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Teton National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Grand Teton National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Teton National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Grand Teton National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park or Cancun?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $148, while the average daily cost in Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Cancun and Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $98
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $196
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Grand Teton National Park? 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 Cancun


Hotels in Grand Teton National Park


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $18
    Grand Teton National Park $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

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


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.68
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $14
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $17
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $2.04

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 : $223
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140
  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park and Cancun 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
    Cancun $29
    Grand Teton National Park $46
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

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


  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $35
    Grand Teton National Park $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

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


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.60
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $102

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

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $13
    Grand Teton National Park $19

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 Cancun and Grand Teton National Park, we can see that Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park Expensive?.