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

Should you visit Cancun or Mystic?

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 Mystic can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cancun and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Mystic?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Mystic are popular destinations, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Mystic 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 . Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character.

How is Cancun different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Mystic.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mystic can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Cancun and Mystic.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Mystic area. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. 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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Mystic?

Mystic is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Families?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly city. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Couples?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Cancun or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Cancun is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Cancun or Mystic a more walkable city?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Mystic. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Mystic?

Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Mystic. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Mystic?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Mystic, 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.