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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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 idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Isla Mujeres and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Columbia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isla Mujeres is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is more popular for its museums. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Also, Isla Mujeres is famous for the Underwater Museum of Art. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbia is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Isla Mujeres and Columbia.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

Both Isla Mujeres and Columbia are notable 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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly island. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable island. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Columbia to fill your time. In our opinion, Isla Mujeres has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Isla Mujeres than Columbia 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Columbia 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Columbia, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres than you might in Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Columbia, 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.