A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Valparaiso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cozumel or Valparaiso?

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

Where Should I go: Cozumel or Valparaiso?

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso is $66. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cozumel $70
    Valparaiso $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cozumel $140
    Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Cozumel or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso


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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cozumel $23
    Valparaiso $4.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

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

  • ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer: $93
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel Island Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Island Transfers: $70
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport CZM Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Private Airport Transfer: $150
  • Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Cuban Cigar Master Class & Beach Break® with transfer: $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Pick up Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
  • Pick up at the Pier and Valparaiso -Viña del Mar and transfer to the Airport: $269
  • World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso $22

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 Food Tour: $110

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $1.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.

  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cozumel $44
    Valparaiso $18

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

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

  • 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $6.03
  • Cozumel!! Guacamole And Margarita Fiesta!!! ( Virtual Experience): $12
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • 2 Hour Discover Mermaid Experience : $20
  • Cozumel El Cielo 3x1 Reefs Tour: $29
  • Clear Boat & Snorkel Cozumel Tour with Drinks: $37
  • Amazing Cozumel Buggy Adventure with Snorkeling Tequila and More: $39
  • Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $40
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $40
  • Guided Day Tour in Cozumel on a Clear Boat and Electric Scooter: $41
  • Crystal Boat Tour to San Miguel de Cozumel with Snorkeling: $43
  • Invisible Boat Snorkeling Adventure in Cozumel: $44

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.19

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
  • Citybus Tour from Valparaíso (Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón): $33
  • Cruise Port to Valparaiso & Casablanca: Drop-off in Santiago: $150
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $100
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $87
  • Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $87
  • Learn Urban Sketching while you tour Valparaíso: $35
  • PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cozumel $11
    Valparaiso $7.79

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cozumel and Valparaiso, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cozumel is in North America and Valparaiso is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Cozumel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cozumel than you might in Valparaiso.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cozumel Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Valparaiso?

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