Which place is cheaper, Ensenada or Cozumel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cozumel or Ensenada?
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 Ensenada can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cozumel or Ensenada?
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.
Ensenada
Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city has a population of almost 500,000 and is located just 78 miles south of San Diego. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, and The Best Cultural Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCozumel $118Ensenada $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Cozumel is $118, while the average daily cost in Ensenada is $99. 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 Ensenada in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCozumel $70Ensenada $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCozumel $140Ensenada $94
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Ensenada
Looking for a hotel in Cozumel or Ensenada? 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: Cozumel Hotel Prices and Ensenada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cozumel $23Ensenada $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel
Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer: $93
- Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Cozumel Airport to Cozumel Port Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel Island Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Cozumel Island Transfers: $70
- Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
- Cuban Cigar Master Class & Beach Break® with transfer: $153
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:
- Transfer: From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada: $421
Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Ensenada?
Prices for flights to both Ensenada 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
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Food Meals for one dayCozumel $24Ensenada $39
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
- Private Mexican Trompitos Cooking Class in Cozumel: $78
- Cozumel Food Tour: $90
- Cozumel Cooking Class: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cozumel $44Ensenada $11
Tours and Activities in Cozumel
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.
- 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $6.23
- Cozumel!! Guacamole And Margarita Fiesta!!! ( Virtual Experience): $12
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
- 2 Hour Discover Mermaid Experience : $20
- Cozumel El Cielo 3x1 Reefs Tour: $29
- Clear Boat and Snorkel Tour in Cozumel All Inclusive: $35
- Clear Boat & Snorkel Cozumel Tour with Drinks: $37
- Amazing Cozumel Buggy Adventure with Snorkeling Tequila and More: $39
- Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $40
- Guided Day Tour in Cozumel on a Clear Boat and Electric Scooter: $41
- VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $41
- Crystal Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks in Cozumel: $42
Tours and Activities in Ensenada
Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 8 Hour Private Tour : $136
- ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
- Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
- Bike and wine amazing Adventure in Valle de Guadalupe": $130
- City tour on electric horse wagon.: $60
- Couple Tour: $125
- Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $32
- Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding : $90
- Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $81
- Ensenada Shore Excursion: Wine and Cheese Tour with Lunch in Ojos Negros Valley: $167
- Ensenada Taco Tour by local guide: $97
- A thrilled family adventure of ziplines: $72
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCozumel $11Ensenada $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:
- Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $50
- Cozumel 5-Hour Private Bar Crawl Tour: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada
Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley: $39
- Private wine tour : $57
- Wine tour valley of guadalupe: $60
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $78
- From Wine Tasting at Guadalupe Valley Ensenada: $90
- From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $97
- Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $115
- Private Wine Tour at Valle de Guadalupe (A wine tasting included).: $123
- wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $135
- Wine tasting tour for Cruise Ship Visitors. All Inclusive!: $199
- Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $220
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cozumel and Ensenada, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cozumel Expensive? and Is Ensenada Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Ensenada?
Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Ensenada, 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.