A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulouse vs. Cancun for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Toulouse and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Cancun?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Toulouse, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Toulouse is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Toulouse different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Toulouse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulouse or Cancun?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Cancun and Toulouse.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Cancun is a world class party destination. 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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a resort destination.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a city with good options for hiking. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Cancun?

Toulouse is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Toulouse is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Students?

Toulouse is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Toulouse or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulouse and Cancun both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Cancun has a few public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Toulouse or Cancun a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Cancun are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable 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 Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Cancun?

Both Toulouse 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 Toulouse. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Toulouse. 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 Toulouse. 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 Cancun than Toulouse 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 Cancun.

One day in Toulouse or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Cancun?

Toulouse 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. 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.

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Toulouse. 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.

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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.