Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.
Beijing
Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Beijing and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Beijing
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Home to the Forbidden City
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Beijing or Mexico City?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Beijing than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Beijing, Beijing has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
How is Beijing different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing
Mexico City
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Mexico City.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
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.
Is the Food Better in Beijing or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Beijing
Mexico City
Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Mexico City can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Beijing
Mexico City
Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.
The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Beijing
Mexico City
Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City offers a nice historic old town area. 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.
Beijing does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing
Mexico City
Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for Families?
Beijing
Mexico City
Mexico City is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Beijing
Mexico City
Both Beijing and Mexico City are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.
Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
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 Beijing or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Beijing
Mexico City
Beijing and Mexico City are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
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.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for Students?
Beijing
Mexico City
Beijing and Mexico City are excellent places to visit for students.
Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Beijing or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Beijing
Mexico City
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Mexico City.
Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is Beijing or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Beijing
Mexico City
Beijing and Mexico City both are reasonable when exploring on foot.
Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Beijing?
How long in Beijing or Mexico City?
In either Beijing or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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.
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How many days in Beijing or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayBeijing 3-7Mexico City 3-5
One day in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing is a fascinating city where you can fill many days. 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.
In Mexico City, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing is a massive big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
In Mexico City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing is a jam-packed city where you can fill many days. 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.
Mexico City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Beijing or Mexico City?
Beijing 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 dayBeijing $77Mexico City $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $214. 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 Beijing and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Mexico City $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Mexico City $82
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.65Mexico City $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
- Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
- Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
- Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
- Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Transfer from Beijing: $130
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Shijingshan Amusement Park with FlyOver China Experience by Private Transfer: $78
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
- Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78
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$1.20
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Uber Ride$4.21
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 Beijing or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $21Mexico City $27
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
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$13
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Coffee and Snacks$4.69
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Dinner for 2$27
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.Beijing $24Mexico City $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $260
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
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 dayBeijing $12Mexico City $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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.