A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Jacksonville for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cozumel or Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cozumel and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Jacksonville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Cozumel. Jacksonville is bigger than Cozumel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Cozumel is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Cozumel different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Cozumel and Jacksonville.

The nightlife in Cozumel has something for everybody. 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.

Jacksonville offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Jacksonville?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Families?

Cozumel is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Cozumel is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cozumel makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Cozumel or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Cozumel is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Jacksonville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cozumel and Jacksonville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than in Jacksonville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Jacksonville.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Jacksonville?

Cozumel is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

In Jacksonville, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Jacksonville?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Jacksonville?

Cozumel is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cozumel and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Jacksonville?

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