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

Should you visit Cozumel or Cherokee?

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

Cozumel

Cozumel is a active, colorful, and scenic island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Cozumel and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Cherokee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Cherokee are both popular with visitors, Cozumel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cozumel is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cherokee is known for its hiking. Cozumel is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cozumel different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Cozumel or Cherokee.

Cozumel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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

Both Cozumel and Cherokee offer a number of good 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 Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Cozumel has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Cozumel is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cozumel specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cozumel are among the best in 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is a great town for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cherokee for the hiking trails. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Cherokee?

Cozumel is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Cozumel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Cherokee.

Cozumel is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Cherokee is a very kid-friendly island. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Cherokee are excellent 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.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Cherokee is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cozumel and Cherokee both offer decent public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Cozumel or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Cozumel is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable island. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Cozumel or Cherokee. 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 Cherokee.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Cherokee. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than Cherokee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cozumel that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Cherokee 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 Cherokee?

The island of Cozumel offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Cherokee, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Cherokee?

Cozumel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Cherokee, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cherokee has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Cherokee?

Cozumel is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cozumel, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Cherokee?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cozumel has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cherokee. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 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 Cozumel and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee is more expensive. And not only is Cozumel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cozumel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cozumel 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee than you might in Cozumel.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Cherokee?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Cherokee, 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.