Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Mexico City, 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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Amsterdam and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Amsterdam
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Rijksmuseum
- Less popular for food
- Less family-friendly
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is more popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
How is Amsterdam different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Amsterdam and Mexico City.
The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Music?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical 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.
Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Families?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
Mexico City is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. 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 Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Mexico City. 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.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Students?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is Amsterdam or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Amsterdam is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored 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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Amsterdam?
How long in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
In either Amsterdam or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Mexico City 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 Amsterdam.
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How many days in Amsterdam or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayAmsterdam 2-7Mexico City 3-5
One day in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam is a historic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Mexico City. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Mexico City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful city of Mexico City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €175Mexico City €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €175, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €200. 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 Amsterdam and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Mexico City €39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Mexico City €78
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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.
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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Mexico City €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $66
- Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Hotel in Amsterdam: $120
- Taxi minibus Transfer Amsterdam Hotel to cruise port Amsterdam: $120
- Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $66
- Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $133
- Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Antwerp: $242
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Amsterdam Airport (AMS) - Amsterdam City: $108
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $309
- Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
- Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
- Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $152
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
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Metro€1.13
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Uber Ride€3.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aguascalientes to Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Departure Transfer: $24
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $90
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $90
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $90
- International Airport Felipe Angeles(NLU) - Private Transfer To/from Mexico City: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €43Mexico City €26
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- 2 Hours Food Tour in Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.44
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.16
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise through Amsterdam: $31
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise With Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
- Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€12
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Coffee and Snacks€4.39
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Dinner for 2€26
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:
- Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
- Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
- La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80
- Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €37Mexico City €14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
- 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $18
- 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $21
- 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $163
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $229
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $212
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.68
- Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.85
- Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.85
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Mexico for Beginners: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
- Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.24
- La Roma's Famous Sights and Local Lore: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.19
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Mexico City €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
- Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $37
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
- Red-Light District Pub Crawl and Booze Boat Tour: $52
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: $29
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $30
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City 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 Amsterdam is in Europe and Mexico City 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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.
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.