A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Cozumel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Cozumel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Cozumel, 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.

Where Should I go: Salto or Cozumel?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cozumel or Salto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in Cozumel is $118. 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 Salto and Cozumel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Cozumel $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Cozumel $140
Compare Hotels in Salto and Cozumel

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Cozumel? 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 Salto


Hotels in Cozumel


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Cozumel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Cozumel $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer: $93
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel Island Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Island Transfers: $70
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport CZM Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Private Airport Transfer: $150
  • Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Cuban Cigar Master Class & Beach Break® with transfer: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Cozumel?

Prices for flights to both Cozumel and Salto 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
    Salto $25
    Cozumel $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $61
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Cozumel $44

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.

  • 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $6.03
  • Cozumel!! Guacamole And Margarita Fiesta!!! ( Virtual Experience): $12
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • 2 Hour Discover Mermaid Experience : $20
  • Cozumel El Cielo 3x1 Reefs Tour: $29
  • Clear Boat & Snorkel Cozumel Tour with Drinks: $37
  • Amazing Cozumel Buggy Adventure with Snorkeling Tequila and More: $39
  • Cozumel Buggy Adventure: Snorkeling and Tequila Tasting: $40
  • Off Road Adventure with ATVs and El Cedral Ruins: $40
  • Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $40
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $40
  • Guided Day Tour in Cozumel on a Clear Boat and Electric Scooter: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Cozumel $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Cozumel?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Cozumel, 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.