A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Phoenix for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Acapulco de Juarez, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Phoenix is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Acapulco de Juarez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Phoenix and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Phoenix. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acapulco de Juarez. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Phoenix. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acapulco de Juarez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Phoenix 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the desert destination of Phoenix. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Phoenix is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling city of Phoenix. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acapulco de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Phoenix. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix, 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.

When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Phoenix. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Acapulco de Juarez