A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cozumel or Toronto?

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

Cozumel

Cozumel is a colorful, scenic, and lively island. Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cozumel travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Cozumel and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cozumel or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Cozumel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cozumel is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Cozumel different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto 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 Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is a great city 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a world class party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Cozumel offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cozumel or Toronto?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Cozumel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Cozumel or Toronto More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Cozumel or Toronto.

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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Cozumel and Toronto are superb 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Cozumel and Toronto are superb places to visit.

Cozumel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Toronto is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Cozumel or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Cozumel and Toronto are superb 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.

Toronto is a very walkable island. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Cozumel?

How long in Cozumel or Toronto?

Both Cozumel and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Toronto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toronto than Cozumel. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cozumel than Toronto. 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 Toronto than Cozumel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Cozumel 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 Toronto.

One day in Cozumel or Toronto?

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.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Toronto?

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.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cozumel or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cozumel or Toronto?

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 Toronto. Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel and Toronto, 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.