A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Antigua Guatemala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cozumel or Antigua Guatemala?

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 Antigua Guatemala can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cozumel or Antigua Guatemala?

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Cozumel?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cozumel Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Antigua Guatemala Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cozumel $133
    Antigua Guatemala $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Cozumel is $133, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $74. 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 Cozumel and Antigua Guatemala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cozumel $69
    Antigua Guatemala $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cozumel $138
    Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Antigua Guatemala

Looking for a hotel in Cozumel or Antigua Guatemala? 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.

Hotels in Cozumel


Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


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: Cozumel Hotel Prices and Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cozumel $23
    Antigua Guatemala $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Round Trip Transfer Point A to Point B: $190
  • KUZÁ Beach Escape with Cancun & Riviera Maya Transfer: $157
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $152
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel Island Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $152
  • The Ultimate Beachside Cigar Rolling Experience with transfer: $132
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel Airport: $110
  • Cozumel Airport Private Round-Trip Transfer: $106
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport (CZM): $91
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel hotels: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to Semuc Champey Lanquin: $145
  • Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $77
  • Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
  • Shared transfer from Guatemala city Airport to Panajachel: $44
  • transfer service Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan destination: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Antigua Guatemala?

Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala and Cozumel 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cozumel $41
    Antigua Guatemala $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $61
  • Cozumel Small-Group Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $85
  • Private Mexican Trompitos Cooking Class in Cozumel: $89
  • Kuza Beach & Flavors Experience-Mexican cooking Class & Beach Day: $89
  • Under the Stars Twilight Snorkel and Seaside Dinner at Money Bar: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $110
  • Cozumel Cooking Class: $115
  • Romantic Gourmet Dinner Experience at Pirate Ship in Cozumel: $120

Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.27
  • Lunch
    $7.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
  • Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
  • Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75
  • Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
  • Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop: $75
  • Cooking Class With Local Family: $84
  • Antigua Local: Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cozumel $44
    Antigua Guatemala $15

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.

  • 10 Experiences Original: $236
  • 2 Hours ATV Jungle, Caverns and Mayan Ruins Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Experience on a Luxury Catamarán: $79
  • 4 Hour Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel: $65
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Cozumel with Pickup: $95
  • ATV Adventure of Jade Cave El Cedral with Tequila Tasting: $90
  • ATV Adventure to Mayan Jade Cavern plus Snorkeling and Lunch: $79
  • ATV Jungle Adventure to Hidden Mayan Ruins and Caves: $89
  • ATV Tour El Viejo y Yo Beach Pass with Lunch, Snorkel and Kayaks: $110
  • ATV Tour and Cenote Experience in Cozumel: $95
  • ATV and Clear Boat Ride Full Experience in Cozumel: $80
  • Adrenaline on Wheels Double ATV Tour in El Cedral: All Inclusive: $68

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
  • 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
  • 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
  • 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
  • 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300
  • ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $103
  • ATV Off Road Adventure at Pacaya Volcano from Antigua: $99
  • ATV Tour of the Pacaya Volcano Lava Fields: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cozumel $11
    Antigua Guatemala $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:

  • Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $54
  • Cozumel Walking Tour & Craft Brewery Experience: $69
  • Downtown Cozumel and Brewery Experience: $89
  • Cozumel's First Distillery: Exclusive Craft Rum & Gin Tasting: $99
  • Cozumel 5-Hour Private Bar Crawl Tour: $110
  • Cozumel Rum Tasting & Distillery Experience: $119

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cozumel and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cozumel is in North America and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala.

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


Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Antigua Guatemala?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Antigua Guatemala, 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.