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

Should you visit Cancun or Santa Monica?

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

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cancun and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Cancun. While Cancun is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is better known for its food and shopping, while Cancun is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Santa Monica is well known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Cancun different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cancun is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. 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.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

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

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

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica 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 Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Cancun and Santa Monica are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Cancun or Santa Monica.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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 Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

Cancun is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cancun is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Cancun is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Cancun or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Cancun and Santa Monica are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Santa Monica. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

In Cancun, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this party-hard city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. 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 Monica?

Cancun is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Monica?

In Cancun, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this wild destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Monica?

Cancun is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Santa Monica?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Santa Monica, 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.