Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Hamburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hamburg or Cancun?
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 Hamburg and Cancun can help you decide which place is right for you.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Cancun
Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Hamburg and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Hamburg
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Less popular with couples
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
Is there more to do in Hamburg or Cancun?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cancun than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Cancun, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is known for its music and shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Hamburg and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.
How is Hamburg different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Hamburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Cancun?
Hamburg
Cancun
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hamburg or Cancun.
Many visitors head to Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.
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 Hamburg or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Hamburg
Cancun
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Hamburg and Cancun.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cancun. 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 Hamburg or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Music?
Hamburg
Cancun
Hamburg is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.
Cancun is not a live music destination.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for its resorts. However, Hamburg is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. 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.
Hamburg is not a resort destination.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. 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.
Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.
With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. 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.
Hamburg is not a beach destination.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.
Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Hamburg is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Cancun?
Hamburg
Cancun
Hamburg is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.
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 Hamburg or Cancun Better for Families?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.
Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Couples?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is renowned for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Cancun 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.
Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Hamburg
Cancun
Cancun is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Students?
Hamburg
Cancun
Hamburg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Plenty of students visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Hamburg or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Hamburg
Cancun
Hamburg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
The public transit in Hamburg can get you around easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.
You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Hamburg or Cancun a more walkable city?
Hamburg
Cancun
Hamburg and Cancun both are very good when exploring on foot.
Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.
Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Hamburg?
How long in Hamburg or Cancun?
Both Hamburg and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Hamburg. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Hamburg. 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.
Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Hamburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Hamburg 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 Cancun.
-
How many days in Hamburg or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayHamburg 1-3Cancun 4-7
One day in Hamburg or Cancun?
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hamburg or Cancun?
Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
In Cancun, 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.
Five days in Hamburg or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Cancun 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 Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Hamburg or Cancun?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Hamburg. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHamburg €117Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, 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 Hamburg and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHamburg €54Cancun €89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHamburg €108Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Hamburg 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: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hamburg €29Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
-
Short Distance Ubahn Ticket€1.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
- Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $210
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $263
- Private transfer: Hamburg City Center to Fuhlsbüttel Airport(HAM): $115
- Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $115
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $272
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $236
- Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
- Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Fredericia Cruise Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
-
Taxi Around Town€1.53
-
Airport Shuttle (for 2)€13
-
Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)€15
-
Local Bus (for 2)€1.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer From & To Cancun Hotel Zone: $57
- Private Transfer to/From Cancun Airpor/Hotel zone: $44
- Airport Transfer Cancun: $60
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $180
- Airport transfers to Isla Mujeres: $175
- Amazing Combo - Horseback Riding, ATV (Single), Cenote & Ziplines with Transfer: $102
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Tulum by Minivan or Minibus: $117
- Atv Cancun (cenote, Ziplines, Lunch And Transfer Included) : $75
- Boat Adventure in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with Transfer from Cancún: $192
- Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $176
- Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Hamburg 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 dayHamburg €35Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
-
Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls€15
-
Currywurst and Pommes Frites€5.00
-
Donner Kebab and Coke€6.00
-
Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer€15
-
Donner Kebab Lunch€4.00
-
Sandwich and Coffee Break€6.00
-
Fish Sandwich from Fish Market€3.50
-
Coffee and Donut€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
- St George's Culinary Food Tour: $48
- St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
- Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
- Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
- St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $484
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hamburg €39Cancun €32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Tower at St. Michael's Church€3.50
Tours and Activities in Hamburg
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
- Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
- "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $70
- "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $182
- "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
- 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
- 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
- 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $76
- 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Seasick Pills€0.55
-
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
- Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $8.17
- Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Guided Walking Tour of the Punta Cancun Lighting Tower: $14
- Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
- El Sol De Cancun : Panoramic Tour in Regular Cabin: $20
- Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
- Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
- Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
- Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
- ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
- Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHamburg €17Cancun €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
- Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $22
- Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
- Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
- Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
- Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $404
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $404
- Private Premium Pub Crawl: $517
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 Hamburg and Cancun, we can see that Cancun 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Cancun?
Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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.