A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Mexico City 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Adelaide travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Adelaide and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Mexico City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Adelaide. Mexico City is bigger than Adelaide, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.

How is Adelaide different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Mexico City?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.


Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City is a good destination for visiting its old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Adelaide is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Mexico City?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for shopping. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mexico City. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.


Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Families?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly destination. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Both Adelaide and Mexico City are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Mexico City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Mexico City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.


Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Students?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Mexico City.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Mexico City has some very good public transit options. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Adelaide or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Mexico City

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Mexico City?

In either Adelaide or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Adelaide because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mexico City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Adelaide 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Adelaide or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Adelaide or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the elegant city of Adelaide. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Adelaide or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the elegant destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Adelaide or Mexico City?

The welcoming city of Adelaide offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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


A week in Adelaide or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Adelaide?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $111, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $194. 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 Adelaide and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $66
    Mexico City $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $132
    Mexico City $70
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Mexico City? 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 Adelaide


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $19
    Mexico City $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

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

  • Private One way Transfer from Adelaide Airport(ADL) to Adelaide: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $68
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $252
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $63
  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $494
  • Adelaide to Adelaide Airport (ADL) - Departure Private Transfer : $38
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $110
  • Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $253
  • Adelaide Chauffer Airport Transfer: $82
  • Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $33
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Airport ADL to Adelaide City in Luxury Van: $92

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $0.99
  • Uber Ride
    $3.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $9.99
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
  • Transfer Mexico City - Taxco - Acapulco (2 days): $83
  • Transfer Airport - hotel in Mexico City: $80
  • Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $36
  • Toluca to Toluca Int Airport (TLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • Toluca hotels to Toluca Airport TLC Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • Toluca Int Airport(TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Toluca Int Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Adelaide 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
    Adelaide $31
    Mexico City $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

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

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $78
  • Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills: $125
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $196

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $11
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $3.87
  • Dinner for 2
    $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City Street Food Tour (Private) - Best Rated: $29
  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $56
  • Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $62
  • Historic Center Food Tour with a Local Guide: $64
  • Secret Food Tours Mexico City: $65
  • Coyoacan Food Tour with a Local Guide: $69
  • Mexico City Food Tour: Coyoacan Local Experience: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Mexico City $13

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

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

  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,840
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $2,169
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • Adelaide Central Market Delicious Lunch Tour: $125
  • Adelaide Central Market Discovery Tour: $66
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $45
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $53
  • Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $92
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Half-Day Tour with City Highlights: $101
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours in McLaren Vale: $141
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $247

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • Discover Mexico City’s (CDMX) Gay (LGBTQ) Hotspots Guided Tour: $103
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $100
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • One Day Mexico City Bus Tour with Major Landmarks: $85
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Tour from your Hotel to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan: $88
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $118
  • Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $191
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • The best of Mixquic walking tour: $150
  • 100% private tour in Chapultepec Castle & around (with transport): $67
  • 2 Days Private Tour with Hiking in Malinche from Puebla: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $23
    Mexico City $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $85
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $87
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $111
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $114
  • From Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $118
  • Barossa Valley Wine Tours - Small Private Groups : $121
  • From McLaren Vale Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $124
  • McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike: $128
  • Small Group All Inclusive Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $134

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $23
  • NORTH ROME NORTH CDMX BEER TOUR (Get to know 4 brewery places): $47
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $79
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $85
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • Historic Center from Above © Rooftop Bar Crawl: $129
  • Polanco: Premium Foodie Tour with Wine Tasting: $148
  • Teotihuacan Full Day: Balloon flight+Pyramids Tour and Craft Brewery: $233
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Adelaide.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Adelaide. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Mexico City, 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.