Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Guatemala City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guatemala City or Guadalajara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City or Guadalajara? 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: Guatemala City or Guadalajara?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $44Guadalajara $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $44, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $117. 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 Guatemala City and Guadalajara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $24Guadalajara $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $48Guadalajara $84
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Guadalajara
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.17Guadalajara $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
- Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $150
- Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
- Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $80
- Transfer from Guatemala City hotel to INTL Airport La Aurora: $75
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
- One way private transfer to Antigua: $74
- Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Puerto Quetzal Port: $73
- Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $65
- Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
- Private Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $45
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Hotels: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara
Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport: $26
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Tequila - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Private transfer: Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara: $73
- Private Transfer from Guadalajara city hotels to Manzanillo Port: $76
- Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
- Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
- Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels: $119
- Airport to City Transfer: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Guadalajara?
Prices for flights to both Guadalajara and Guatemala City 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 dayGuatemala City $15Guadalajara $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Cooking class/Pepian Workshop: $35
- Taste Antigua Guatemala Walking Food Tour : $75
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $178
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $180
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.21Guadalajara $28
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $130
- 3-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South: $55
- 4-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South Center: $65
- Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure from Guatemala City : $300
- Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $77
- Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $75
- Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $58
- Antigua walking tour from Guatemala City : $90
- Bike Tour to Antigua Villages from Guatemala City : $175
- Chichicastenango - Panajachel collective tour: $150
- Chichicastenango Market Tour: $116
- City Tour - Test Fly by Escuela de Flight S.A: $158
Tours and Activities in Guadalajara
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.
- Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
- KidZania Entrance Ticket: $12
- 10-Day Audio Guide Tour of Guadalajara: $12
- 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
- Guadalajara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Private Walking Tour of Guadalajara: $36
- Private City Sightseeing Tour: $36
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.84Guadalajara $18
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
- Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $173
- Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
- Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour to El Tequileño 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: $264
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guatemala City and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guatemala City is in Central America and Guadalajara 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara than you might in Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is Guadalajara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Guadalajara?
Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City and 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 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.