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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Isla Mujeres and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Phoenix are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its museums and hiking. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science 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 Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Isla Mujeres and Phoenix.

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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

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

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Phoenix?

Both Isla Mujeres and Phoenix are good 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.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Isla Mujeres or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Phoenix?

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

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this desert 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 Phoenix?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sprawling destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix 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 from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Phoenix, 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.