Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Brisbane or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Brisbane and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Brisbane
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less popular for food
Mexico City
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
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Brisbane or Mexico City?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Brisbane. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.
How is Brisbane different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Brisbane. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Mexico City?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.
Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Brisbane is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Beaches?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.
Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Mexico City is not a beach destination.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.
Brisbane does not have a historic old town.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Hiking?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Brisbane is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.
Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Mexico City is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Mexico City?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.
Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.
Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Families?
Brisbane
Mexico City
You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Mexico City.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.
Mexico City is 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.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Both Brisbane and Mexico City are nice destinations to visit as a couple.
Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.
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 Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Brisbane
Mexico City
For backpackers, both Brisbane and Mexico City are great places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.
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 Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Students?
Brisbane
Mexico City
For students, both Brisbane and Mexico City are great places to visit.
Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.
Mexico City is a great coastal city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Mexico City is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.
The public transit in Mexico City can get you to most places easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.
Is Brisbane or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Brisbane
Mexico City
Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Brisbane?
How long in Brisbane or Mexico City?
In either Brisbane or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Brisbane because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayBrisbane 2-3Mexico City 3-5
One day in Brisbane or Mexico City?
Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse coastal city of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane or Mexico City?
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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 Brisbane or Mexico City?
The active coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. 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 Brisbane or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Brisbane. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $138Mexico City $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $138, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $181. 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 Brisbane and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $85Mexico City $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $170Mexico City $72
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Mexico City $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
-
Airtrain to the City$10
-
Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $126
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $93
- Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $93
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $236
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people: $281
- Private Airport/Resort Luxury Transfers: $107
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $98
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $260
- Movie World Theme Park from Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $31
- From Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $114
- From Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
-
Metro$1.01
-
Uber Ride$3.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $294
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- TRANSFER to the balloon flight in Teotihuacan. From 1-6 people: $210
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $201
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $198
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $198
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $198
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $198
- Mexico City - Intl Airport Felipe Angeles (NLU) Private Round trip transfer: $165
- San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $159
- Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $145
- Private Airport Transfer between Chiang Mai to/from Chiang Rai: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $33Mexico City $23
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
-
Hamburger Lunch$5.48
-
Cup of Coffee$2.05
-
Chinese Food Lunch$8.56
-
Ice cream$3.77
-
Japanese Meal$14
-
Smoothie$4.45
-
Japanese Soup$7.87
-
Coffee & Muffin$4.79
-
Morning Mint Tea$2.40
-
Veggie Burger & Chips$9.59
-
Bread$1.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $134
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $607
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$3.96
-
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
- 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
- Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $52
- Uruapan Food Tour: $53
- Mexico City Food Tour in the Historic Center: $54
- Mexico City Food Tour: Coyoacan Local Experience: $55
- Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
- Coyoacan Food Tour with a Local Guide: $58
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $58
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brisbane $25Mexico City $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Concert Tickets$14
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $44
- 2 Hour Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River: $202
- 2 Hour Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River: $103
- 2hr Animal Tour: $75
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $58
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay: $154
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay: $304
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure to the Top of South Stradbroke Island: $154
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $34
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $36
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $88
- Adventure Moreton Island Scuba Dive Tour: $191
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Tour/español-ingles: $68
- Discover Mexico City’s (CDMX) Gay (LGBTQ) Hotspots Guided Tour: $106
- 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: $183
- Private City Tour Mexico City: $35
- Private Tour from your Hotel to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan: $92
- Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $198
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- The best of Mixquic walking tour: $150
- "Teotihuacan: The early adventure among pyramids.": $37
- 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $53Mexico City $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
-
Evening at the Bar$10
-
Sixpack of Beer$9.59
-
Guiness Beer$5.82
-
Sixpack of Beer$8.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $25
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- Stone & Wood Brewery Tour: $30
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $51
- Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $68
- Sirromet Wine Tasting And Blending Workshop For 2: $84
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $103
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $106
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $109
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $128
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $136
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $136
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $21
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $23
- Mexico City Bar Crawl: $41
- NORTH ROME NORTH CDMX BEER TOUR (Get to know 4 brewery places): $49
- Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $83
- Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $89
- 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: $155
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Teotihuacan Full Day: Balloon flight+Pyramids Tour and Craft Brewery: $244
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brisbane Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.