A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

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 Roswell, New Mexico can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a quirky, mysterious, and infamous town. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cozumel. Although Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Cozumel different from Roswell, New Mexico?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico.

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.

Roswell, New Mexico offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people stop in town specifically for the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It has a lot of information on the 1947 Roswell Crash and other supposed UFO incidents. Other museums in town include the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, the Roswell Museum, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.


Is the Food Better in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Both Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico offer a number of nice 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 Roswell, New Mexico. It's a good place to grab lunch as there are many casual restaurants that serve everything from burgers to tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Cozumel has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Roswell, New Mexico. There's no real nightlife scene and many visitors stop over in route somewhere else.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.


Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is very popular for the beache. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Cozumel is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.


Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cozumel is very family-friendly. 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 Roswell, New Mexico. Kids who enjoy a mystery will appreciate a visit to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. There's also the Spring River Park and Zoo which has native animals and a carousel.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's a bit outside the box as far as destinations go, so couples who enjoy the weird and quirky will enjoy a stop here.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Roswell, New Mexico is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people pass through in route to other destinations, and backpackers are no different.


Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico both offer reasonable 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 Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

Is Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Cozumel
Roswell, New Mexico

Cozumel is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a somewhat walkable island. The historic district is compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Cozumel Worth Visiting? and Is Roswell, New Mexico Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cozumel than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cozumel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico 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.


  • How many days in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cozumel 3-7 
    Roswell, New Mexico 1-2

One day in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Cozumel for a weekend. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find museums and food. 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 Roswell, New Mexico has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cozumel, five days is sufficent for most.

Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This island offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cozumel has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Roswell, New Mexico or Cozumel?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cozumel is $118, while the average daily cost in Roswell, New Mexico is $117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cozumel $70
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cozumel $140
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cozumel


Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cozumel Hotel Prices and Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cozumel $23
    Roswell, New Mexico $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Wild Jade Cavern Private ATV Tour With Transfer: $86
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer between Cozumel Airport or Ferry, and Hotels: $40
  • Private One Way Transfer in Cozumel Airport To/From Cozumel: $29
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel -Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) Cozumel - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cuban Cigar Master Class & Beach Break® with transfer: $153
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Private Airport Transfer: $150
  • Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport CZM Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico and Cozumel change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cozumel $24
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $61
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Cooking Class: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cozumel $44
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.

  • Private Cozumel Jeep Tour & Jade Caverns Cenote: All-Inclusive: $85
  • Romantic tour in Cozumel: $127
  • 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $6.00
  • 15-minute Private Parasailing Experience in Cozumel: $69
  • 2 Hour Discover Mermaid Experience : $20
  • 2 Hour Diving Experience in San Miguel de Cozumel: $88
  • 2 Hours ATV Jungle, Caverns and Mayan Ruins Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel: $65
  • 4 Hours Experience the turtle sanctuary on La Chula Catamarán : $78
  • 4-Hour Jeep and ATV Tour with Snorkel in Cozumel with Lunch: $99
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Cozumel with Pickup: $70
  • A Pirate's Adventure in Cozumel with Captain Draco : $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cozumel $11
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:

  • Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $49
  • Cozumel 5-Hour Private Bar Crawl Tour: $110


When comparing the travel costs between Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico, we can see that Cozumel 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 Roswell, New Mexico Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Roswell, New Mexico?

Cozumel has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Roswell, New Mexico, 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.