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

Should you visit Cancun or Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cancun and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun than Santa Cruz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cancun is more touristy than Santa Cruz 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 . Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Cancun different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cancun is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

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

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 Santa Cruz area. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is very popular for nightlife. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cancun is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Cancun is very popular for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Cancun is very popular for its beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

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.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

You'll find nice hiking in both Cancun and Santa Cruz.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Santa Cruz?

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

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 Santa Cruz to go shopping. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Cancun is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Cancun is very popular for romance. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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

Cancun is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town 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 mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Cancun or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Santa Cruz. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cancun or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cancun than Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the wild 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 Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cancun or Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz?

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 laid back destination of Santa Cruz. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Santa Cruz?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Santa Cruz, 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.