Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Milan 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 Milan 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.
Milan
Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Cancun
Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Milan and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less family-friendly
Cancun
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
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Milan or Cancun?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Cancun, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Milan and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.
How is Milan different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Milan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milan or Cancun?
Milan
Cancun
You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Cancun and Milan.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.
Is the Food Better in Milan or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. 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.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Milan
Cancun
The vibe at night is amazing in both Milan and Cancun.
Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.
Cancun is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Music?
Milan
Cancun
Milan 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 Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
Cancun is not a live music destination.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan 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.
Milan is not a resort destination.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan 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.
Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milan 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.
Milan is not a beach destination.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for its Old Town?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.
Cancun does not have a historic old town.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is a city with good options for hiking. However, Milan 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.
Milan is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Cancun?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.
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 Milan or Cancun Better for Families?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.
Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Couples?
Milan
Cancun
Cancun is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
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.
Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Milan
Cancun
For backpackers, both Milan and Cancun are superb places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Cancun. 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.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Students?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Milan or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Milan or Cancun a more walkable city?
Milan
Cancun
Milan is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.
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 Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Milan?
How long in Milan or Cancun?
Both Milan 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 Milan. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Milan. 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 Milan. 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 Milan than Cancun 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 Milan.
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How many days in Milan or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayMilan 1-5Cancun 4-7
One day in Milan or Cancun?
Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
In Cancun, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Milan or Cancun?
Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Milan or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Cancun is a fun place to experience. In Cancun, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Milan or Cancun?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the chic big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
In Cancun, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this wild destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMilan €166Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €135. 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 Milan and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Milan and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Milan 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.
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: Milan Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $861
- Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $689
- Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $700
- Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $172
- Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $248
- Transfer from Milano or Linate: $137
- Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $258
- Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $186
- Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
- Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12
- Transfer Milan city center - Bergamo Airport: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town€1.53
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)€13
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)€15
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Local Bus (for 2)€1.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private RoundTrip Transfer to Xplor Adventure Park from Cancun: $297
- Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
- Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Playa del Carmen: $260
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Puerto Morelos: $260
- Round trip Private airport transfer to Playa del Carmen Flat Rate per vehicle: $240
- Full-Day Tour to Xcaret Plus with Transfer from Playa del Carmen and Lunch: $238
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Holbox Private Transfer from Cancun Hotels or Airport: $229
- Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $224
- Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Milan 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
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Food Meals for one dayMilan €39Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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Cappuccino€1.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $22
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- 2-Hour Cooking Course of Delicious Desserts for Families in Milan: $65
- Mamma Mia - Make Your own Italian Pizza: $69
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€19
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milan €31Cancun €32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $176
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.57
- 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $126
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $157
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133
- 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
- 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $183
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour in Milan: $5.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills€0.55
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)€93
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
- Bacalar tour + Lunch + Boat, from Cancun and Riviera Maya: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Full Day All Inclusive Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres : $99
- Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $37
- Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
- LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
- Party Adventure at Isla Mujeres from Cancun & Playa del Carmen: $93
- Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
- Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks: $139
- (4x1) Full day tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilan €24Cancun €12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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Beer€3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $54
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $94
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $160
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $165
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $182
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $185
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 Milan and Cancun, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or Cancun?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.