A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Daytona Beach for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach? 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.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a charming, colorful, and cultural town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than San Cristobal de Las Casas. While San Cristobal de Las Casas is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Daytona Beach is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Daytona Beach and San Cristobal de Las Casas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with historical churches such as the main Cathedral of San Cristobal. While this is the most notable church, there are also smaller churches worth visiting like the Templo Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and Iglesia de San Cristobal. For museums, make sure you check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, Na Bolom, and Museo de Ambar.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in San Cristobal de Las Casas is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is a mix of Spanish-influenced cured meats such as ham and sausage, as well as indigenous flavors like tamales and burritos. There's also a lot of great pizza around town as well as several Asian restaurants.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is very popular for nightlife. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's an active nightlife scene that includes everything from late night clubs to salsa lessons. Most tourists who want to party head to the pedestrian streets around the plaza. There are countless bars where you'll likely find a crowd late into the night. Some clubs have a cover charge on weekends but, in general, drinks are cheap and getting around is easy.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular place for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. The nearby villages are famous for their weaving, leather, pottery, and embroidery, so many visitors pick up souvenirs at the colorful markets around town. This is one of the best towns in Mexico to purchase local items, and you should definitely set aside time to explore and shop.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly place to visit. While kids may not appreciate the town's beauty and culture, they will have fun exploring the night market or taking a chocolate-making class. There are pedestrian streets where everyone can explore without fear of traffic and pizza restaurants that appeal to the kids as well.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy culture, markets, traditional cuisines, and new experiences will love their time here. It's a fun place to simply wander. You can explore the markets and then eat at a local restaurant before making your way back to your boutique hotel.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in town as well as budget-friendly hotels. Backpackers love the laid back nature of this town as well as the many markets and nature-oriented activities.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a few public transit options. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Daytona Beach

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot. Walking is the best way to experience the town. Most of the sights can be reached on foot and there are pedestrian-only streets that let you avoid the traffic.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable town. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Daytona Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Daytona Beach than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 7 days is enough time in Daytona Beach.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Daytona Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Cristobal de Las Casas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Daytona Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Daytona Beach 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas.


  • How many days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Daytona Beach 7

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this party-hard destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this lively destination offers. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beach city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Daytona Beach or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $101, while the average daily cost in Daytona Beach is $211. 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas and Daytona Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    Daytona Beach $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    Daytona Beach $168
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Daytona Beach

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach? 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas


Hotels in Daytona Beach


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: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices and Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    Daytona Beach $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

Prices for flights to both Daytona Beach and San Cristobal de Las Casas 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
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $23
    Daytona Beach $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Tour with Dinner Pizza and Wine: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $14
    Daytona Beach $28

Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bicycle rental - tour included: $9.00
  • Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan: $19
  • Tour to Grutas de Rancho Nuevo and El Arcotete Ecotourism Park: $27
  • Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center: $27
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $28
  • Tour to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan (Indigenous Peoples): $30
  • Chamula and Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour: $30
  • Tour to the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons: $33
  • Tour Sumidero Canyon and Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo: $35
  • Sumidero Canyon Tour: $36
  • Tour to the Viewpoints, Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo: $37
  • Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula Tours Departing in San Cristóbal de las Casas: $38

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    Daytona Beach $43

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive? and Is Daytona Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Daytona Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Daytona Beach, 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.