Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Naples?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Naples or Cancun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Cancun, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Naples
Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Cancun
Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Naples and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Naples
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- 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
Is there more to do in Naples or Cancun?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Cancun, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cancun is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.
How is Naples different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Cancun?
Naples
Cancun
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Naples or Cancun.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
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.
Is the Food Better in Naples or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Naples
Cancun
Naples is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
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 Naples or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
People head to Cancun just to party. 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 Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Naples is not a resort destination.
Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.
Naples is not a resort destination.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.
Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. 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.
Naples is not a beach destination.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for its Old Town?
Naples
Cancun
Naples is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Cancun does not have a historic old town.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Naples is not a hiking destination.
Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Naples is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Cancun?
Naples
Cancun
Naples is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Naples is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
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 Naples or Cancun Better for Families?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.
Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Couples?
Naples
Cancun
Cancun is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.
Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Naples
Cancun
Naples and Cancun are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Naples or Cancun Better for Students?
Naples
Cancun
Naples is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Naples or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Naples
Cancun
Naples is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
The public transit in Naples can get you around easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
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 Naples or Cancun a more walkable city?
Naples
Cancun
Naples and Cancun both are excellent when exploring on foot.
Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.
Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Naples?
How long in Naples or Cancun?
Both Naples 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 Naples. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Naples. 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 Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples.
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How many days in Naples or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayNaples 1-3Cancun 4-7
One day in Naples or Cancun?
Naples 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.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Naples or Cancun?
Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.
Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Naples or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Naples or Cancun?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the gritty big city of Naples. 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.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week 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 dayNaples €129Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is €129, 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 Naples and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNaples €66Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNaples €132Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Naples and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Naples 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: Naples Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Naples €21Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket€1.20
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Alibus From Airport€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€7.34
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Train to Pompeii€3.20
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Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- transfer from napoli to positano or back: $108
- transfer from Naples Airport to the Port of Naples: $55
- transfer: $207
- private transfer from Naples to Peastum or Peastum to Naples: $109
- private transfer Naples to Sorrento: $121
- from Naples; Private and deluxe transfer to Sorrento up to 7 people: $98
- Vesuvius easy Transfer: $25
- Vesuvio Tour_Transfer+Entrance ticket: $40
- Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $323
- Transfers from the Beverello pier (Naples) to Fiumicino Aereoprto: $277
- Transfers from Sorrento to Naples plus 2 hours Pompeii excavations or vice versa: $158
- Transfers from Naples to Caserta by car and minivan: $87
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:
- 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 Naples or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Naples 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 dayNaples €40Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
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Napoli Pizza€7.24
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Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $37
- Naples Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $41
- Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
- Tasty Naples Street Food Tour of MustEat Gourmet Specialties and MustSee Sites: $46
- Eating Naples Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Enjoy an Authentic Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
- Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
- Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $48
- Be my Guest at Dinner ! Taste and experience an authentic Neapolitan dinner !: $49
- No Diet Club - Unique Food Tour in Napoli: $53
- Food Tour with Davide: $54
- The Neapolitan culinary art Street Food Tour: $57
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.Naples €30Cancun €32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
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Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Herculaneum Private Walking Tour: $164
- Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
- Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Naples with skip the line: $120
- Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $273
- Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
- Sea and Land Small Group Capri Island Tour from Naples Main Port: $163
- Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi Day Tour from Naples : $164
- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello tour from Naples : $131
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour to Naples Archeological Museum: $109
- 2-Hour Guided Naples Walking Tour: $280
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Herculaneum: $273
- 2-hour guided tour of the island by boat from Procida: $38
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
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNaples €21Cancun €12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer€4.10
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Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Napoli Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $15
- Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
- Vesuvius wine tasting with company tour: $29
- Private WINE Tasting in Napoli with BOOKS: $44
- Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $52
- Regional food and wine tasting: $54
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
- Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $65
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $76
- Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $80
- Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $96
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 comparing the travel costs between Naples and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Naples is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Naples Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Naples or Cancun?
Naples has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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.