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

Should you visit Cancun or Pittsburgh?

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

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Pittsburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pittsburgh is known for its big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Cancun different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cancun and Pittsburgh.

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 Pittsburgh area. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Pittsburgh?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cancun and Pittsburgh.

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 Pittsburgh to go shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cancun and Pittsburgh.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

You'll find some public transit in Pittsburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Cancun or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Cancun is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Pittsburgh?

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

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Pittsburgh. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Pittsburgh?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Cancun, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Pittsburgh. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Pittsburgh?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Pittsburgh, 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.