Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Cancun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cancun or Toronto?
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 Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Cancun
Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cancun travel costs.
Toronto
Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.
Cancun and Toronto: Pros and Cons
Cancun
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Toronto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Cancun or Toronto?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Cancun. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Cancun attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower.
How is Cancun different from Toronto?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto 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 Toronto?
Cancun
Toronto
Toronto is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.
Is the Food Better in Cancun or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Cancun
Toronto
Toronto is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.
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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?
Cancun
Toronto
The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cancun and Toronto.
Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Resorts?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.
Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.
Toronto is not a resort destination.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.
Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Beaches?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.
Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach 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.
Toronto is not a beach destination.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Hiking?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Toronto is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Toronto?
Cancun
Toronto
Toronto is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail 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 Toronto More Beautiful?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.
Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.
Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Families?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.
Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Couples?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.
Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun and Toronto are both superb destinations for backpackers.
Many 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.
Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Students?
Cancun
Toronto
Toronto is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Cancun or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Cancun
Toronto
Toronto is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.
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.
Is Cancun or Toronto a more walkable city?
Cancun
Toronto
Cancun and Toronto are superb 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.
Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.
For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Toronto or Cancun?
How long in Cancun or Toronto?
Both Cancun and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cancun has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cancun than Toronto. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto than Cancun 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 Toronto.
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How many days in Cancun or Toronto? Ideal Length of StayCancun 4-7Toronto 3-7
One day in Cancun or Toronto?
In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Cancun or Toronto?
In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Toronto 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.
Five days in Cancun or Toronto?
Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Cancun or Toronto?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Cancun Prices
Mexico PricesToronto Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCancun $153Toronto $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $153, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCancun $89Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCancun $178Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Toronto? 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.
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 and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cancun $16Toronto $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town$1.52
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)$13
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$15
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Local Bus (for 2)$1.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $228
- Tulum One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $132
- Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $120
- Transfer in Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan: $96
- Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen: $123
- Transfer Redondo Private Airport Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $145
- Transfer Airport-Hotel ( One Way ) Apto Cancun to Playa del Carmen: $87
- Transfer Airport To Excellence Finest Atelier Playa Mujeres: $75
- Super Combo ATV in Cancun with Zipline, Snorkel, Cenote, transfer: $115
- Shared transfer R/T VAN Apto-Muelle Ferry Isla Mujeres-Apto C/ Tickets Ferry: $40
- Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport : $6.00
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer To/From Cancun International Airport: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $111
- Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
- Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $177
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $177
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $114
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $178
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $157
- Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $827
Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
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Food Meals for one dayCancun $45Toronto $112
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
- Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
- Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $77
- Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
- Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
- Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Drink & Cook Authentic Dishes: $85
- Pirate’s Night Out: Dinner and Entertainment in the Caribbean: $89
- Unforgettable Pirate Dinner Adventure in the Mexican Caribbean: $89
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
- Great White North Food Tour: $55
- Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $62
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
- St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
- Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
- Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $73
- St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $79
- French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cancun $32Toronto $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills$0.54
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$92
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $260
- 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village: $149
- Atv tour from Cancun with ziplines and cenote swim experience: $30
- Cancun Private Street Art Tour: $65
- Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures: $19
- Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
- Holbox plus Island Magic by boat Tour from Cancun : $144
- Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun: $152
- Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
- LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $215
- Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Day Tour from Cancun: $105
- Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Casual Tour of Toronto by Land, Sky and Sea: $111
- 1 Day City Sightseeing Tour at Toronto City: $69
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $296
- 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $240
- 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $177
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $135
- Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $150
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $153
- Algonquin Park and Ragged Falls Hike and Canoe Adventure: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCancun $12Toronto $22
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: $35
- Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $99
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $21
- Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
- Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
- Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
- Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $45
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cancun or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Toronto, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.