Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Dublin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dublin or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Mexico City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Dublin
Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Dublin and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Dublin
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- 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
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Dublin or Mexico City?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Dublin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Dublin is known for its music and historical sights. Dublin is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.
How is Dublin different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Dublin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dublin or Mexico City?
Dublin
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Is the Food Better in Dublin or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Dublin
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.
Is Dublin or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Dublin
Mexico City
It's hard to distinguish whether Dublin or Mexico City has a better nightlife scene.
Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.
Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Is Dublin or Mexico City Better for Music?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Dublin has diverse options. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is Dublin or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.
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 Dublin or Mexico City?
Dublin
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.
Is Dublin or Mexico City Better for Families?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin and Mexico City are both very good destinations for the whole family.
Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. 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 Dublin or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin and Mexico City are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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 Dublin or Mexico City Better for Students?
Dublin
Mexico City
Mexico City is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.
Is Dublin or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Dublin
Mexico City
Mexico City is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.
Is Dublin or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Dublin
Mexico City
Dublin 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 Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.
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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Dublin?
How long in Dublin or Mexico City?
In either Dublin or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mexico City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mexico City than Dublin. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dublin that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Dublin 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 Dublin or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayDublin 2-5Mexico City 3-5
One day in Dublin or Mexico City?
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back city of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Dublin or Mexico City?
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. 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 great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Dublin or Mexico City?
Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun city of Dublin. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Dublin or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Dublin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Mexico City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, 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 dayDublin €143Mexico City €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Dublin is €143, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €195. 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 Dublin and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDublin €68Mexico City €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDublin €136Mexico City €76
Compare Hotels in Dublin and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Dublin 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: Dublin Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dublin €19Mexico City €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:
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Rental Car for a Day€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:
- The Westin Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $167
- The Marker Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport To Private Chauffeur Transfer: $155
- The Croke Park Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $179
- Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $619
- Private transfer service from Dublin to Galway: $499
- Private transfer service from Dublin to Belfast: $431
- Private Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer from Navan to Belfast Airport (BFS): $272
- Private Transfer from Dundalk to Belfast Airport (BFS): $178
- Private Transfer from Dun Laoghaire Port to Dublin Airport (DUB): $46
- Private Transfer from Dublin city to Dun Laoghaire Cruise Port: $46
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€1.09
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Uber Ride€3.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Aguascalientes - RoundTrip Transfer: $48
- Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Dublin or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Dublin 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 dayDublin €49Mexico City €25
Typical Food Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:
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Lunch Lynam's Pub€3.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.
- Discover the Flavors of Dublin on a Guided Street Food Tour: $30
- Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
- No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
- Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $62
- Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
- Delicious Walking Food Tour: $81
- Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
- Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
- Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $96
- Bread, Beer & Bia: Irish Cooking Class & Dinner in Dublin: $99
- Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106
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€12
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Coffee and Snacks€4.27
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Dinner for 2€25
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
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dublin €25Mexico City €14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin
Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Wild Wicklow Tour€26
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Guinness Brewery for Two€27
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St Pauls Cathedral€4.50
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Dublin Writer's Museum€6.30
Tours and Activities in Dublin
Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
- (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $141
- 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $49
- 2 Hours Senior’s Historical Private Walking Tour of Dublin : $193
- 2-Day Southern Ireland Tour from Dublin:Including Blarney and Cliffs of Moher: $217
- 2-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour From Dublin: $217
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
- 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
- 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,181
- 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,461
- 6-Day Tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin: $946
- A Guided Walking Tour of Trinity College Campus: $17
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: $4.71
- Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
- Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.89
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
- Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
- Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.25
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
- Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDublin €17Mexico City €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin
Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
- Generation Pub Crawl: $15
- Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
- "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
- The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
- The Dublin Liberties Distillery - Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting: $19
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
- Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins: $22
- Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
- The Black Experience Pub Tour: $22
- City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
- Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
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: $24
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- 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 Dublin and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dublin 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 Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Dublin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dublin Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dublin or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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.