A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Liverpool or Cancun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Cancun can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Liverpool and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
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 Liverpool or Cancun?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Liverpool and Cancun are roughly the same size, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, music, and shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Liverpool and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."


How is Liverpool different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Cancun?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Cancun

Liverpool is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Cancun is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Cancun is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.


Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Music?

Liverpool
Cancun

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Liverpool is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Liverpool is not a resort destination.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Liverpool is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Liverpool is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Cancun?

Liverpool
Cancun

Liverpool is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Liverpool is well-known for its shopping. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Cancun Better for Families?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Liverpool. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Cancun

Cancun is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cancun is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.


Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Students?

Liverpool
Cancun

Liverpool is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Liverpool is very popular with students. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Liverpool or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Liverpool
Cancun

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Liverpool and Cancun.

You'll find some public transit in Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Liverpool or Cancun a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Cancun

Liverpool and Cancun both are superb when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Cancun?

Both Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool. 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Liverpool or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Liverpool. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cancun. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Cancun?

Liverpool 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the tropical city of Cancun. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Liverpool or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Liverpool. 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.

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Liverpool?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Cancun is £116. 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 Liverpool and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Cancun £77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Cancun £154
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool 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.

Hotels in Liverpool


Hotels in Cancun


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Cancun £14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • ROUND TRIP: transfer to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): $232
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool to Liverpool Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Hotels to Holyhead Cruise Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Manchester Airport (MAN): $150
  • Private Transfer from Bootle to Manchester Airport (MAN): $116
  • Private Transfer from Birchwood to Manchester Airport (MAN): $70
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $51
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Liverpool City Center: $47
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.89
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $163
  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.77

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    £1.32
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    £11
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    £13
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    £1.60

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 Liverpool or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Liverpool 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 day
    Liverpool £59
    Cancun £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $82
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Small-Group: Experience Local Food Tour in Liverpool : $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    £16

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.
    Liverpool £36
    Cancun £28

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $287
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $305
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $235
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $253
  • City & Beatles Tour - BLUE ROUTE: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    £0.47
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    £80

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
  • Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
  • Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
  • ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
  • Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
  • Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Cancun £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Cancun, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liverpool is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Cancun.

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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.