A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mazatlan or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Vernon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mazatlan or Vernon?

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Mazatlan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Mazatlan and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $33
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $66
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan or Vernon? 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 Mazatlan


Hotels in Vernon


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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $21
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $49
  • Mazatlan Airport (MZT) to Mazatlan Round-Trip Private Transfer: $117
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $261
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Mazatlan 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
    Mazatlan $34
    Vernon $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan

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

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mazatlan $9.59
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

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

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mazatlan $18
    Vernon $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Vernon?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Vernon, 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.


When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Vernon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Vernon. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Vernon. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Mazatlan is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Vernon. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Vernon. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Mazatlan

Mazatlan Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)