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

Should you visit Cozumel or Phoenix?

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

Cozumel

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cozumel and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cozumel than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cozumel is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its hiking. Cozumel is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Also, Cozumel is famous for Palancar Reef. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Cozumel different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Both Cozumel and Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Cozumel is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is very good for hiking. However, Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Cozumel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Phoenix?

Cozumel is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a great island for couples. Also, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Cozumel and Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Cozumel or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cozumel and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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 Phoenix, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cozumel or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Phoenix, 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.