Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Florence?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florence or Cancun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Cancun, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Florence
Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Cancun
Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Florence and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less family-friendly
Cancun
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Florence or Cancun?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Cancun. While Cancun is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Florence is well known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins.
How is Florence different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Florence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florence or Cancun?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Is the Food Better in Florence or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.
Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
Florence is not a resort destination.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Florence is not a beach destination.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for its Old Town?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Cancun does not have a historic old town.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.
Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Florence is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Cancun?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Families?
Florence
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Couples?
Florence
Cancun
Florence and Cancun are both terrific to visit as a couple.
Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Students?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Florence or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Florence
Cancun
Florence and Cancun both offer notable public transit to get you around.
While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.
Cancun has a few public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Florence or Cancun a more walkable city?
Florence
Cancun
Florence is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.
Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Florence?
How long in Florence or Cancun?
Both Florence and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Florence has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Florence than Cancun. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Florence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Cancun 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 Florence.
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How many days in Florence or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayFlorence 2-7Cancun 4-7
One day in Florence or Cancun?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
The beautiful city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
A weekend in Florence or Cancun?
Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Florence or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Florence or Cancun?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorence €154Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is €154, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €135. 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 Florence and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorence €87Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorence €174Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Florence and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Florence or Cancun? 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.
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: Florence Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florence €22Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florence - Siena with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $219
- Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $142
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,184
- Private transfer Hotel Florence / Florence Airport: $131
- Private transfer Florence Airport / Hotel Florence: $131
- Private transfer: $257
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $85
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $115
- Private Transfer: Florence to Florence Firenze-Peretola Airport (FLR): $153
- Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $64
- Private Transfer from Tavarnelle Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $179
- Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town€1.53
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)€13
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)€15
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Local Bus (for 2)€1.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private RoundTrip Transfer to Xplor Adventure Park from Cancun: $297
- Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
- Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Playa del Carmen: $260
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Puerto Morelos: $260
- Round trip Private airport transfer to Playa del Carmen Flat Rate per vehicle: $240
- Full-Day Tour to Xcaret Plus with Transfer from Playa del Carmen and Lunch: $238
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Holbox Private Transfer from Cancun Hotels or Airport: $229
- Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $224
- Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Florence or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Florence 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
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Food Meals for one dayFlorence €36Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $29
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $33
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $36
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Eating Florence Street Food Tour Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $59
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
- Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
- The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
- Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
- (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
- (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
- (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
- Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
- Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florence €30Cancun €32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Accademia Gallery Skip the line Tickets : $34
- Express Early Morning Uffizi Small Group Tour I Max 6 People: $141
- Florence Duomo: VIP After-Hours Dome Tour with Terrace Access: $174
- Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $192
- Florence-Private bike tour: $99
- Uffizi Skip-the-Line Entry & Guided Tour: $71
- Private Tour of Uffizi and Accademia Gallery with David: $228
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $42
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $197
- 1 Hour guided tour: Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David: $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills€0.55
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)€93
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
- Bacalar tour + Lunch + Boat, from Cancun and Riviera Maya: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Full Day All Inclusive Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres : $99
- Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $37
- Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
- LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
- Party Adventure at Isla Mujeres from Cancun & Playa del Carmen: $93
- Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
- Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks: $139
- (4x1) Full day tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorence €18Cancun €12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $27
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- Sip, Savor, Save! Youth Wine Tasting Tour with Appitisers: $28
- Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Cellar Wine Tour: $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
- Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287
When comparing the travel costs between Florence and Cancun, we can see that Florence 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. Even though Florence is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florence Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florence or Cancun?
Cancun has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Cancun, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.