Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Paris?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Paris or Cancun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Paris or Cancun? 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.
Paris
Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Cancun
Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.
Paris and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Popular at Christmas
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
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 Paris or Cancun?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Cancun. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Cancun is famous for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins.
The Eiffel Tower
How is Paris different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Cancun?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Paris or Cancun Better for Theater?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Cancun is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Cancun is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Paris or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
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 Paris or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Paris
Cancun
The vibe at night is world-class in both Paris and Cancun.
Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Paris or Cancun Better for Music?
Paris
Cancun
Paris 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 Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Cancun is not a live music destination.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Paris
Cancun
Cancun is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Cancun is a great choice. 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.
Paris is not a resort destination.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Paris
Cancun
Cancun is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
The clear water and abundant marine life make Cancun a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.
Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Paris
Cancun
Cancun is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cancun. 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.
Paris is not a beach destination.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Paris
Cancun
Cancun is a popular place for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.
Cancun is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Paris is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Cancun?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
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 Paris or Cancun Better for Christmas?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cancun does not offer Christmas activities.
Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Cancun does not offer Christmas activities.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Families?
Paris
Cancun
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Cancun.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Couples?
Paris
Cancun
With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Cancun make for a world-class place to visit.
Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
For those traveling as a couple, Cancun 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.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Paris or Cancun Better for Students?
Paris
Cancun
Paris is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Paris or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Paris
Cancun
Paris 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.
Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
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 Paris or Cancun a more walkable city?
Paris
Cancun
Paris and Cancun are great when it comes to walkability.
Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Paris?
How long in Paris or Cancun?
Both Paris and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Cancun. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Cancun. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.
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How many days in Paris or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayParis 3-7Cancun 4-7
One day in Paris or Cancun?
Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Cancun, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventurous 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 Paris or Cancun?
Paris 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.
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 Paris or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Paris or Cancun?
Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
In Cancun, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this active 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 dayParis €232Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, 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 Paris and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personParis €151Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomParis €302Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Paris and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Paris 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: Paris Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paris €21Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro€6.40
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Train from Airport€9.00
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Metro tickets€6.80
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Train€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfer from CDG/ORLY airport to Paris ,multilingual driver: $44
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,583
- Versailles Round-Trip Transfers: Multiple Departures: $53
- Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Coach Transfer from Paris: $99
- VERSAILLES CASTLE Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Luxury Van: $191
- VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris in Van: $191
- VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Sedan: $187
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris HTL-APT (CDG): $121
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris APT-HTL (CDG): $104
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly HTL-APT (ORY): $104
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly APT-HTL (ORY): $104
- Transfert Privé Aéroport Charles de Gaulle vers Paris: $95
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 Paris or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Paris 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 dayParis €41Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream€8.00
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Breakfast€7.00
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Breakfast for 2€30
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Dinner on River Cruise€86
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Dinner€57
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Cheese€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
- Hard Rock Cafe Paris with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner : $33
- Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
- Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $52
- Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $53
- Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
- Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $67
- Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $68
- No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $68
- Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $68
- Le Marais Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $69
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.Paris €77Cancun €32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two€18
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Admission to Pantheon€5.00
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Catacombs (2)€23
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- Île de la Cité: Guided Tour + Sainte-Chapelle Fast Track Entry: $55
- A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $208
- Day Tour- Normandy Omaha Beach - Cemetery - Cider Tasting: $260
- Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $54
- Notre-Dame Walking Tour with Skip The Line Sainte-Chapelle Entry: $61
- Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
- Paris Christmas Market Tour: $297
- Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $11
- Paris Entrance Ticket to the Aura Invalides Immersive Show: $24
- Paris Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $267
- Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $94
- Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $251
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 dayParis €24Cancun €12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $11
- Original Pub Crawl: $16
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
- Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
- Paris Bar Crawl: $24
- Paris Pub Crawl: $25
- Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $32
- Paris Craft gin distillery guided Tour & Tasting in French: $32
- Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $39
- Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $43
- Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $43
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 Paris and Cancun, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paris or Cancun?
Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.