A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Mexico City for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Mexico City? 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.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City. Although Ilha Grande and Mexico City are both popular with visitors, Mexico City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ilha Grande is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Mexico City is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Ilha Grande is popular for

How is Ilha Grande different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Mexico City are world-renowned. 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.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ilha Grande area. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Ilha Grande is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a popular place for its old town. However, Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Mexico City. 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.

Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Mexico City draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Ilha Grande is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Families?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mexico City is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Ilha Grande is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

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 Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Ilha Grande and Mexico City are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Mexico City is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Students?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ilha Grande is not popular with students.

Mexico City is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Ilha Grande is not popular with students.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Mexico City is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mexico City has some very good public transit options. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande
Mexico City

Ilha Grande is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable destination. There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

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.


Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

In either Ilha Grande or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Ilha Grande because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Ilha Grande 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.


  • How many days in Ilha Grande or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ilha Grande 2-4 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?


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Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. 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 cultural city where you can fill many days. 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 Ilha Grande or Mexico City?


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Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. This 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 vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ilha Grande or Mexico City?


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The of Ilha Grande offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City is a diverse city where you can fill many days. 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 Ilha Grande or Mexico City?


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Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Ilha Grande. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Ilha Grande?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ilha Grande Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ilha Grande $80
    Mexico City $212

The average daily cost (per person) in Ilha Grande is $80, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. 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 Ilha Grande and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ilha Grande $35
    Mexico City $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ilha Grande $70
    Mexico City $76
Compare Hotels in Ilha Grande and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande 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.

Hotels in Ilha Grande


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ilha Grande $17
    Mexico City $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

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

  • Regular Transfer Angra dos Reis x Rio de Janeiro and Airports: $36
  • Private Transfer from GIG to anywhere in the City Angra dos Reis: $182
  • Private Transfer from Angra dos Reis to Airport GIG in Rio : $182
  • Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.09
  • Uber Ride
    $3.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Transfer Mexico City Airport to Downtown and Zona Rosa Hotels: $80
  • Transfer Airport - Hotel or vice versa: $58
  • Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $34
  • Toluca Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $99
  • Toluca Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Teotihuacan: Private Balloon Flight with optional Transfer: $293
  • Six Flags Ticket + Hassle-Free Transfers: $116
  • Shared Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with transfer: $274
  • San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $156
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Ilha Grande or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Ilha Grande 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
    Ilha Grande $35
    Mexico City $43

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.24
  • 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:

  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $54
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ilha Grande $6.36
    Mexico City $14

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

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

  • Angra dos Reis Lagoons Shared Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Angra Dos Reis Daily Tour To Paradise. Boat Trip Lunch And Fruits Included: $67
  • Angra Super Blue Lagoon Speedboat Tour: $76
  • Angra dos Reis Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Ilha Grande: $69
  • Boat Adventure through the Super Blue Lagoon in Angra dos Reis: $77
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $18
  • Discover Angra’s Hidden Paradise Islands by Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Diving Adventures in Angra dos Reis: $177
  • From Ilha Grande - Paradise Island 7 h - Speedboat tour: $65
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $42
  • Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking: $25

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Hiking Tour on the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano from Puebla (private): $176
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $180
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
  • Private Walking Tour Gems of the Historic Center of Mexico City: $131
  • Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $279
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160
  • Xochimilco Floating Gardens and Coyoacan Private Tour: $161
  • "Guided Tour Plus" EN Ruins "TEMPLE MAJOR" with OFFICIAL GUIDES: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ilha Grande $10
    Mexico City $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $23
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222
  • Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $479


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America 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 Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.