A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Cozumel vs. La Paz for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cozumel or La Paz?

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 La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a colorful, scenic, and lively island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cozumel and La Paz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or La Paz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cozumel than La Paz. While La Paz is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while La Paz attracts visitors for its museums and food. Cozumel is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is Cozumel different from La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Paz 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 La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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 La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is notable for its resorts. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Cozumel, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Cozumel is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Beaches?

Cozumel and La Paz are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Cozumel is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or La Paz?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and La Paz both offer plenty of superb 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.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or La Paz.

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.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly island. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Couples?

Cozumel is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cozumel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

La Paz is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is Cozumel or La Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Cozumel and La Paz are superb places to visit.

Cozumel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

La Paz is a great island to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

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

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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 La Paz a more walkable city?

Cozumel and La Paz are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

La Paz is a very walkable island. The city is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in La Paz or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or La Paz?

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

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than La Paz. 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 La Paz than Cozumel 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 La Paz.

One day in Cozumel or La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In La Paz, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 La Paz?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In La Paz, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Paz has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Paz 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 La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Cozumel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting La Paz. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, and The Best Cultural Tours in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Cozumel and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and La Paz, 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.