A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Vienna or Cancun?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Vienna and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Cancun?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cancun than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Cancun, Cancun has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cancun is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Vienna is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is well known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for .


How is Vienna different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna
Cancun

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Cancun.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Music?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna 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 Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Cancun is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.


Is Vienna or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Cancun?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Cancun Better for Families?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Couples?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna and Cancun are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Cancun

Cancun is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.


Is Vienna or Cancun Better for Students?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Cancun a more walkable city?

Vienna
Cancun

Vienna is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Cancun?

Both Vienna 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 Vienna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Vienna. 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 Vienna than Cancun. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Vienna 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.


  • How many days in Vienna or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Vienna or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

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 Vienna or Cancun?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Vienna or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Vienna or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the musical destination of Vienna. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Vienna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €151, 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 Vienna and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Cancun 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Cancun 178
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Vienna 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.

Hotels in Vienna


Hotels in Cancun


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: Vienna Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Cancun 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

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

  • Zoo with Private Flexible Transfers and Tickets: $125
  • Zoo with Private Flexible Transfers and Tickets: $123
  • Private One-Way Transfer to Cesky Krumlov: $635
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $75
  • Melk Abbey and Salzburg Trip with Private Transfer: $928
  • Airport Transfer to/from Bratislava: $86
  • Vienna to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $273
  • Vienna Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to City centre: $77
  • Vienna Private Airport Transfer: $71
  • Vienna International Airport Business Transfer to Vienna City: $142
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Vienna Departure Private Transfers from Vienna City to Vienna Airport VIE: $106

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    1.53
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    1.86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cancun APT-HTL (CUN): $45
  • Transfers in Private Minibus: $97
  • Transfers in Private MiniVan wi fi on board: $61
  • Transfers in Luxury Sedan from Cancun Airport: $85
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $121
  • Transfers From Hotel to Hotel: $100
  • Transfer in Private vehicle from Cancun Airport (CUN) - Akumal City: $74
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cancun Airport (CUN) - Akumal City: $67
  • Transfer in Luxury Mercedes Benz Minivan: $91
  • Transfer from Puerto de Chiquila to Cancun Airport: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Vienna 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
    Vienna 33
    Cancun 26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Vienna with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • 1 Hour Tradtional Kaiserschmarrn Cooking Class & Tasting in Wien: $41
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $44
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $69
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $85
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Cancun 32

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Concert show and museum ticket in House of Strauss: $71
  • Private themed Tour of the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum):"The Saviour, the Ruler, and Simply a Beauty: Women in Art": $164
  • "Girls just want to have Wine" - TUK TUK Sightseeing Tour: $152
  • "The Third Man" Film Location Tour: $28
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Vienna with Photography: $98
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Vienna: $139
  • 3-Hour Private Hiking Tour to historic places around Spitz in Wachau Valley: $252
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Vienna: $164
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour of Vienna Central Cemetery: $322
  • 4-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'Matterhorn of the Prealps': $210
  • 5-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'Wild water at Hochwechsel': $252
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Vienna the Home of Classical Music: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    0.55
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Cancun 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $64
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $83
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91
  • Romantic Old Vienna City Walk 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 Vienna and Cancun, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Cancun?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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.