A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Lewisburg for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun or Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming, historical, and quaint town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Cancun and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cancun or Lewisburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Lewisburg 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, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lewisburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Cancun is more touristy than Lewisburg 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 . Lewisburg is famous for its historical charm and friendly personality.


How is Cancun different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


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

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Lewisburg is not a resort destination.

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.

Lewisburg is not a resort destination.


Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is very good for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Lewisburg. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.


Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Lewisburg?

Cancun
Lewisburg

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

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 Lewisburg to go shopping. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.


Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is well known for backpackers. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known 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.

Lewisburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the radar for most backpackers.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Cancun is not popular with students.


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

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is a popular place for its public transit. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Cancun or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Cancun
Lewisburg

Cancun is well known for its walkability. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cancun or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cancun than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Cancun or Lewisburg?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cancun. People often spend their time 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Lewisburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Cancun or Lewisburg?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the wild destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous city of Cancun. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Lewisburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg is $136. 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 Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $98
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $196
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $18
    Lewisburg $53
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:

  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer From & To Cancun Hotel Zone: $57
  • Private Transfer to/From Cancun Airpor/Hotel zone: $44
  • Airport Transfer Cancun: $60
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $180
  • Airport transfers to Isla Mujeres: $175
  • Amazing Combo - Horseback Riding, ATV (Single), Cenote & Ziplines with Transfer: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Tulum by Minivan or Minibus: $117
  • Atv Cancun (cenote, Ziplines, Lunch And Transfer Included) : $75
  • Boat Adventure in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with Transfer from Cancún: $192
  • Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $176
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg $34
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $35
    Lewisburg $18
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
  • Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $8.17
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Punta Cancun Lighting Tower: $14
  • Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
  • El Sol De Cancun : Panoramic Tour in Regular Cabin: $20
  • Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
  • Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
  • ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
  • Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
  • Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $13
    Lewisburg $12

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 Lewisburg, 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 Lewisburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Lewisburg?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Lewisburg, 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.