A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Isla Mujeres and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin. Although Isla Mujeres and Austin are popular destinations, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Isla Mujeres attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Austin and is known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Austin is notable for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Isla Mujeres has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Isla Mujeres specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Isla Mujeres are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Both Isla Mujeres and Austin are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Austin are great destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is notable for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Isla Mujeres, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Isla Mujeres or Austin a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Austin is generally not a very walkable island. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Isla Mujeres 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 Austin.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this eccentric city offers. 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.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Isla Mujeres 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.

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eccentric destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Austin, we can see that Isla Mujeres 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Austin, 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.