Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Cabo San Lucas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Cabo San Lucas vs. Guadalajara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Guadalajara 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.
Where Should I go: Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara?
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas ("Cabo") is on the far southern end of the Baja Peninsula. It has countless resorts and activities for visitors. There are world class golf courses, fine dining options, and five star resorts. Prior to the 1980s, Cabo was a quiet fishing village but with the construction of a nearby airport in 1977, the city rapidly grew into one of Mexico's most popular resort vacation spots. Today, Cabo has one of the country's most vibrant nightlife scenes. It also has plenty of water sport activities, and a great beach scene.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco in western Mexico, as well as one of the country's largest cities. It is best known for tequila and mariachi music, which both originate in Jalisco, as well as a thriving historic center with colonial architecture and landmarks.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCabo San Lucas $134Guadalajara $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $134, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $113. 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 Cabo San Lucas and Guadalajara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCabo San Lucas $61Guadalajara $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCabo San Lucas $122Guadalajara $82
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Guadalajara
Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara? 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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cabo San Lucas $27Guadalajara $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:
- Roundtrip Private Transfer to Los Barriles: $507
- Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $465
- Los Cabos Airport (SJD): Transfer to Cabo San Lucas Port: $447
- Transfer From Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $320
- Transfer from Airport to San José del Cabo: $320
- Los Barriles: One way Private Airport Transfer up to 8 pax: $320
- Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to Diamante Area: $310
- Todos Santos Airport Transfer from Los Cabos Airport- One-Way Suburban 5 pax: $305
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Pacific Side zone 4: $300
- Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to the Pacifica Area: $293
- Private All Inclusive Diamante Area Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $280
- Los Cabos Luxury Escalade Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $275
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara
Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport - Tequila Transfer: $319
- Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels: $110
- Airport-Chapala/Ajijic Transfer: $229
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Tequila - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Transfer to Guadalajara hotels: $178
- Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
- Guadalajara to Guanajuato One-Way Private Transfer: $200
- Guadalajara to Mexico City - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $406
- Guadalajara to Mexico City Private Transfer with Sightseeing: $362
Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara?
Prices for flights to both Guadalajara and Cabo San Lucas 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 dayCabo San Lucas $49Guadalajara $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.
- Tasting Cabo San Lucas Like a Local Food Tour: $65
- Cabo San Lucas Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $70
- Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $75
- Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
- Eat Like A Local Cabo Food Tour: $78
- Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
- Cabo: Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Music & Open Bar: $84
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
- Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $86
- Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and Party: $89
- Cabo Sunset Dinner-Party Cruise: $89
- Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara
For Guadalajara, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guadalajara private food tour: $70
- Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $107
- Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $119
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cabo San Lucas $41Guadalajara $27
Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas
Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Camel Ride and ATV Combo Adventure in Los Cabos: $145
- Evening Flavors of San Jose, Tacos and Food Tasting Experience: $83
- Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $25
- Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila: $119
- OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
- Platinum Whale Watching and Snorkel Tour (Dec 15-Apr 15): $239
- Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
- Round Trip to Touristic Corridor : $180
- Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $59
- Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo, Lunch included: $1.19
- #1 Snorkeling Tour in Catamaran. Open bar & Snacks included: $75
Tours and Activities in Guadalajara
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.
- Tour Tlaquepaque Museo y Taller de Dulces: $9.61
- Guided Tour with Tasting in Tequilera Hacienda de Oro: $14
- Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Guadalajara in French: $16
- Private Tasting Tour Hacienda de Oro, Amatitan Jalisco: $18
- Orendain Classic Tour: $20
- Guadalajara City Tour: $20
- Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
- ticket entrance to Acuario Michin: $24
- Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget: $31
- Culture, Architecture, and Market Walking Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour of Guadalajara: $34
- Tour Catholic and Historical Precincts of the Center of Guadalajara: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCabo San Lucas $27Guadalajara $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:
- Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $55
- Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara: $25
- Tequila and Distillery Tour from Guadalajara: $55
- Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $58
- full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $72
- Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $74
- Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $173
- Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $209
- Private Tour to Tequila Ocho Distillery and the Town of Arandas: $209
- Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $224
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cabo San Lucas and Guadalajara, we can see that Cabo San Lucas is more expensive. And not only is Guadalajara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guadalajara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guadalajara 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 Cabo San Lucas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cabo San Lucas than you might in Guadalajara.
Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is bigger, and its population is about 38.5 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the population of Cabo San Lucas vs. Guadalajara, 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 and the activities that interest you.
Related Articles for Cabo San Lucas
Related Articles for Guadalajara
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.
More City Comparisons
Veracruz vs. Cabo San LucasVeracruz vs. Guadalajara
Tulum vs. Cabo San Lucas
Tulum vs. Guadalajara
San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Cabo San Lucas
San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Guadalajara
Playa del Carmen vs. Cabo San Lucas
Playa del Carmen vs. Guadalajara
Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Cabo San Lucas
Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Guadalajara
Merida vs. Cabo San Lucas
Merida vs. Guadalajara
Isla Mujeres vs. Cabo San Lucas
Isla Mujeres vs. Guadalajara
Cozumel vs. Cabo San Lucas
Cozumel vs. Guadalajara
Mexico City vs. Cabo San Lucas
Mexico City vs. Guadalajara
Cancun vs. Cabo San Lucas
Cancun vs. Guadalajara
Acapulco de Juarez vs. Cabo San Lucas
Acapulco de Juarez vs. Guadalajara
Cabo San Lucas vs. Puerto Vallarta
Cabo San Lucas vs. Mazatlan
Cabo San Lucas vs. La Paz
Cabo San Lucas vs. Ensenada
Puerto Vallarta vs. Guadalajara
Mazatlan vs. Guadalajara
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.