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

Should you visit Cozumel or Memphis?

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 Memphis 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cozumel and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Memphis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Memphis. While Memphis is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cozumel is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is more popular for its music and big city activities. Cozumel is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Cozumel different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Cozumel or Memphis.

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.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Both Cozumel and Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Cozumel and Memphis.

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.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Cozumel is not a live music destination.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Memphis?

Cozumel is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a great island for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Cozumel or Memphis Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Cozumel and Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Cozumel or Memphis a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Memphis?

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

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

In Cozumel, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Memphis, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Memphis?

In Cozumel, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Memphis, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Memphis?

Cozumel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cozumel has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. In Cozumel, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Memphis, 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.