A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach, 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach 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 and beaches.

Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Myrtle Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Myrtle Beach and Guadalajara. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Guadalajara is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.


Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.


Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Neither Guadalajara nor Myrtle Beach are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Guadalajara is not always the best place to visit. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Myrtle Beach is not the most family-friendly destination. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach are both nice to visit as a couple.

Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.


Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city to visit as a student. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Guadalajara is not popular with students.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Myrtle Beach

Guadalajara is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.


For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Both Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Guadalajara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Guadalajara than Myrtle Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Guadalajara, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Guadalajara that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Myrtle Beach 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 Guadalajara.


  • How many days in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    Myrtle Beach 2-7

One day in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the party-filled destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the jam-packed beach city of Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.


A week in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Guadalajara is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Myrtle Beach or Guadalajara?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $117, while the average daily cost in Myrtle Beach is $173. 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 Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $42
    Myrtle Beach $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $84
    Myrtle Beach $176
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach? 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 Guadalajara


Hotels in Myrtle Beach


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $39
    Myrtle Beach $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Airport-Chapala/Ajijic Transfer: $229
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Transfer to Guadalajara hotels: $174
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
  • Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Airport to City Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Manzanillo Port: $77
  • Private transfer from Guadalajara to Sayulita: $241
  • Private transfer: Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara: $73
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport: $26
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Departure Private Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Prices for flights to both Myrtle Beach and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $48
    Myrtle Beach $56

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: $68
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $151

Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $28
    Myrtle Beach $46

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.

  • Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • KidZania Entrance Ticket: $12
  • 10-Day Audio Guide Tour of Guadalajara: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Guadalajara in French: $15
  • Guadalajara City Tour: $20
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • ticket to Michin Aquarium: $28
  • Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget: $31
  • Culture, Architecture, and Market Walking Tour: $32
  • Private Tour with a Local Guide in Guadalajara: $34
  • Guadalajara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $18
    Myrtle Beach $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $56
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $77
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $85
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $175
  • Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
  • Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to Distillery Tequila Ocho and Arandas : $200
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $212
  • Private Tour to Tequila Ocho Distillery and the Town of Arandas: $212


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Myrtle Beach than you might in Guadalajara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guadalajara Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Myrtle Beach?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Myrtle Beach, 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.