Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Budapest
Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Budapest travel costs.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.
Budapest and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Budapest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
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
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Budapest or Mexico City?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Budapest is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Budapest is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.
How is Budapest different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Budapest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Budapest or Mexico City?
Budapest
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Mexico City are world-renowned. 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Is the Food Better in Budapest or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Budapest
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination 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.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Is Budapest or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Budapest
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
Mexico City is a must-see 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.
Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Is Budapest or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
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 Budapest or Mexico City?
Budapest
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Mexico City draws large crowds to its stores. 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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Is Budapest or Mexico City More Beautiful?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.
With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.
Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Budapest or Mexico City Better for Families?
Budapest
Mexico City
Mexico City is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mexico City is very family-friendly. 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.
Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Is Budapest or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
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 Budapest or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest 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 Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
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 Budapest or Mexico City Better for Students?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Budapest or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest 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.
Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
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 Budapest or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Budapest
Mexico City
Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Budapest?
How long in Budapest or Mexico City?
In either Budapest or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Budapest has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Budapest than Mexico City. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Budapest. 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 Budapest than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Budapest that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.
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How many days in Budapest or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayBudapest 2-5Mexico City 3-5
One day in Budapest or Mexico City?
Budapest is a artistic 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.
The city of Mexico City offers food and shopping. 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 Budapest or Mexico City?
Budapest is a authentic 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.
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 Budapest or Mexico City?
Budapest is a historic 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.
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 Budapest or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Budapest. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Budapest Prices
Hungary PricesMexico City Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $109Mexico City $201
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $109, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $201. 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 Budapest and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $50Mexico City $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $100Mexico City $72
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $11Mexico City $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$7.07
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Metro Pass$3.88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vienna: Private transfer to Budapest or Budapest to Vienna: $282
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Budapest HTL-APT (BUD): $57
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,119
- Private transfer from Budapest to Bratislava with Hotel or Airport pick-up: $259
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $245
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $245
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $226
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Liszt Ferenc Airport: $84
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Bratislava, English-speaking driver: $165
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Bratislava with 2h of Sightseeing: $190
- Private Transfer from Budapest Airport to the city - arrival: $30
- Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by Car or Van: $38
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$1.03
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Uber Ride$3.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $281
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Mexico Airport (MEX) Tecozautla - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $239
- Balloon adventure: transfer+breakfast in the cave+guided pyramids: $225
- Mexico Airport(MEX) to Chignahuapan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
- CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $209
- Mexico Airport (MEX) to Ixtapan De La Sal - Round-Trip Transfer: $207
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $205
- Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $191
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $183
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $183
- Private Transfer from Mexico City to Pachuca: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Budapest 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 dayBudapest $41Mexico City $41
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glamour of the Old Town with Dinner and Live Music: $1.40
- Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $15
- Hungarian Folk Dance & Concert with Dinner Option: $21
- Pizza Cruise: $40
- Traditional Hungarian Dinner with Live Gypsy Music: $51
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $55
- Budapest Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included: $67
- Tipsy Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included in Budapest: $67
- Guided Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks Included in Budapest: $67
- Budapest Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks: $67
- Guided Food Tour with Wine, Beer, and Shots: $67
- Food Tour with Wine tasting By Foodapest™ 2025: $70
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$11
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Coffee and Snacks$4.01
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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:
- Private Mexico City Street Food Tour - Best Rated: $29
- Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $51
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $58
- Secret Food Tours Mexico City: $65
- Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Budapest $22Mexico City $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.93
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Downtown Guided Segway Tour : $3.40
- City Segway Tours Budapest ( Buda + Pest ) : $46
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $273
- UNESCO World Heritage Hollókő and Eger Private Tour by 4WD: $270
- 1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails: $44
- 1 Hour Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest: $14
- 1,5 Hour/HERO'S SQUARE-City Segway Tour Budapest: $56
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area : $56
- 101 things in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Metro Pass: $193
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $45
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $132
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $67
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: $105
- Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
- Mexico City Jewish History Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
- Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $100
- Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
- Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
- Private City Tour Mexico City - Best Rated: $29
- Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
- Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $131
- Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $263
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $18Mexico City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $17
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $19
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $23
- Brewery Tour at "First Craft Beer" & Beer Tasting: $25
- UNLIMITED DRINKS- Budapest Bar Pub Crawl - FREE SHOTS - VIP Entry: $25
- Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 3 drinks included: $28
- Budapest Pub Crawl +6 free Shots +VIP Access +Drinking Games : $28
- Private Pub Crawl Tour with Local Guide in Budapest: $30
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $32
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $39
- Budapest Wine Tasting and Heritage Experience at Goldcentral: $40
- Budapest - Opera Gin Distillery Tour: $42
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $22
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $22
- Mexico City Craft Cocktail Bar Crawl: $39
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $82
- Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $88
- Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest is in Europe 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Budapest or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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.