A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cozumel or Alexandria?

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 Cozumel and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cozumel and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Alexandria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Alexandria. While Alexandria is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cozumel is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Alexandria and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Cozumel different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Cozumel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cozumel or Alexandria?

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Cozumel or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cozumel and Alexandria offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cozumel. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Cozumel for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cozumel to choose from. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cozumel. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Cozumel offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Cozumel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Alexandria?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Alexandria both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cozumel. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Alexandria is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Families?

Cozumel is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cozumel. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Alexandria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Cozumel is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Is Cozumel or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Cozumel is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cozumel Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cozumel or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cozumel due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Alexandria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cozumel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Alexandria 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 Cozumel.

One day in Cozumel or Alexandria?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic island of Cozumel, 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.

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cozumel or Alexandria?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cozumel, 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.

In Alexandria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Alexandria?

Cozumel, a popular island, 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 island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Alexandria?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Alexandria, 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.