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

Should you visit Cozumel or Lancaster?

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

Cozumel

Cozumel is a active, colorful, and scenic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cozumel and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cozumel than Lancaster. Cozumel is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cozumel is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Cozumel different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a great town 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 Lancaster specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cozumel and Lancaster offer a number of notable 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Lancaster?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Lancaster both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Families?

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

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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly island. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Cozumel and Lancaster both offer respectable 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Cozumel or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Lancaster?

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

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Cozumel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Cozumel. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Cozumel or Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful island of Cozumel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. 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 Lancaster?

Cozumel is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cozumel, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Lancaster?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Lancaster, 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.