A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Town vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez?

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Cape Town?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $79. 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 Cape Town and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Town $39
    Acapulco de Juarez $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Town $78
    Acapulco de Juarez $76
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez? 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.

Hotels in Cape Town


Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Town $17
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
  • Airport transfers: $22
  • 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $179
  • 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
  • 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $204
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
  • AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $28
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town): $54
  • Airport Transfer to Cape Town Cruise Terminal: $17
  • Airport Transfer: Cape Town to Cape Town Airport CPT in Luxury Car: $88
  • Airport Transfers: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Cape Town 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 day
    Cape Town $42
    Acapulco de Juarez $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $70
  • Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
  • South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
  • Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling Experience Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SATURDAYS: $72
  • Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Town $23
    Acapulco de Juarez $18

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.59
  • Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.14
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.38
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.38
  • Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.32
  • Intaka Island Kayak Tour: $5.40

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco City Tour: $56
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Town $21
    Acapulco de Juarez $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.17
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.66
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
  • Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
  • Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
  • Three Region Wine Tour: $44
  • Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $51
  • From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $52


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Town and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa and Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Town Expensive? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town and Acapulco de Juarez, 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.


When is the best time to visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Acapulco de Juarez has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Cape Town during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Town is cooler than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Town in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Town. In the summer, Cape Town often gets more sunshine than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Cape Town gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Town usually gets less rain in January than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and Acapulco de Juarez. Also, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene.

In April, Cape Town is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarezin October. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 18°C (64°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Town usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarez during autumn. Cape Town gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Cape Town usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarezin October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Town is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In the winter, Cape Town often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Cape Town gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun.

Cape Town usually gets more rain in July than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cape Town or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Cape Town is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Town in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. Cape Town usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarez during spring. Cape Town gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Cape Town usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarezin April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Cape Town

Cape Town Acapulco de Juarez
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)