A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cozumel or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a lively, vibrant, and active island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cozumel and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Cozumel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, while Cozumel attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Cozumel different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Cozumel or Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Cozumel and Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Cozumel is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cozumel a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Cozumel and Santa Monica are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Cozumel is a very popular vacation 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.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Santa Monica?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cozumel and Santa Monica both offer plenty of great 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.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Cozumel is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Santa Monica are great 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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Cozumel is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Cozumel or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Santa Monica are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable island. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cozumel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Monica, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Cozumel is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Five days in Cozumel or Santa Monica?

In Cozumel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this lively destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Santa Monica?

Cozumel is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Santa Monica, 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.