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

Should you visit Cozumel or Saint Louis?

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 Saint Louis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a scenic, lively, and vibrant island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cozumel and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Saint Louis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cozumel than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Cozumel, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums. Cozumel is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also home to Palancar Reef. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Cozumel different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cozumel and Saint Louis offer a number of good 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 Saint Louis. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Cozumel is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Saint Louis?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Saint Louis both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Saint Louis.

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.

Saint Louis is a very kid-friendly island. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Cozumel is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cozumel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Cozumel or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel 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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Cozumel is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Saint Louis?

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

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active island of Cozumel. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint Louis, you'll find food and shopping. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Five days in Cozumel or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant island of Cozumel. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cozumel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Saint Louis, 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.