Which place is cheaper, Ensenada or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada? 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.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Ensenada
Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city has a population of almost 500,000 and is located just 78 miles south of San Diego. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Ensenada $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Ensenada is $99. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Ensenada in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Ensenada $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Ensenada $94
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Ensenada
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada? 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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Ensenada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Ensenada $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:
- Transfer: From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada: $421
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada?
Prices for flights to both Ensenada and Acapulco de Juarez 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 dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Ensenada $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Ensenada $11
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- Tour Isla de la Roqueta PADDLE and Ecotour, Acapulco: $54
Tours and Activities in Ensenada
Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rondo del Valley Winery Tour with 5 Tastings: $27
- Tasting of 5 wines and tour: $30
- Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $32
- Lavender Field Guided Tour: $34
- From La Bufadora Geyser Tour: $39
- Lavender Field Guided Tour: $39
- Tacos, Brews and Views Tour : $40
- Private La Bufadora Tour (blowhole): $41
- La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $42
- The Bufadora private Tour: $44
- Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $52
- Full Day Private Tour of Valle de Guadalupe: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Ensenada $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada
Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley: $39
- Private wine tour : $57
- Wine tour valley of guadalupe: $60
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $78
- From Wine Tasting at Guadalupe Valley Ensenada: $90
- From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $97
- Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $115
- Private Wine Tour at Valle de Guadalupe (A wine tasting included).: $123
- wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $135
- Wine tasting tour for Cruise Ship Visitors. All Inclusive!: $199
- Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $220
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Ensenada Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Ensenada?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Ensenada, 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.