A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach. 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 relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Isla Mujeres and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Isla Mujeres and Myrtle Beach are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Isla Mujeres is known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Isla Mujeres different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Isla Mujeres is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Isla Mujeres offers a few options for museum-goers. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Isla Mujeres is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

Isla Mujeres is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Isla Mujeres to go shopping. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isla Mujeres is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Isla Mujeres is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach 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 quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable island. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

Both Isla Mujeres and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this jam-packed beach city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this high energy destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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 Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Myrtle Beach, 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.