A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Acapulco de Juarez. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Jakarta and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jakarta than Acapulco de Juarez. Jakarta is bigger than Acapulco de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. Also, Jakarta is famous for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acapulco de Juarez and Jakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Jakarta is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.


Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Jakarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Jakarta is an experience not to be missed. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Acapulco de Juarez for its luxury resorts. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.


Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Acapulco de Juarez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Jakarta is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.


Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Jakarta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.


Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Jakarta
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Jakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Jakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jakarta than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Jakarta.


  • How many days in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jakarta 1-3 
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5

One day in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta is a popular place to visit. Jakarta is a friendly city where you can fill many days. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer.

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Jakarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acapulco de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Jakarta?

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

  • Jakarta Prices
    Indonesia Prices
    Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jakarta $73
    Acapulco de Juarez $92

The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $73, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $92. 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 Jakarta and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $32
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $64
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta 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 Jakarta


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: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $20
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

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

  • Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $18
  • Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
  • Airport Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • All-inclusive Private Jakarta Airport Transfer : $20
  • BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK: $113
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Cipanas - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $28
  • Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK in Business Van: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Jakarta 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
    Jakarta $28
    Acapulco de Juarez $45
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.62
  • Dinner
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

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

  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $55
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

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.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $12
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

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

  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $29
  • Jakarta Culture and History Walking Tour: $33
  • Jakarta Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide : $37
  • Jakarta Walking Tour with Public Transportation Visiting Sites: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Visit The Monument with Highlight City Tour: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Shared Guided Tour Visit Monument and Old Town: $49
  • Pasar Baru Foodie Tour: $49
  • Experience Jakarta Street Food Scene with MRT Transportation: $50
  • Jakarta Half-Day Highlights Tour: $50
  • Half Day Jakarta Private Tour in two highlight place: $50
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55

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.: $60
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • Museums, Magic City Market & Meals: A Cultural Tour of Acapulco: $129
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $83
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $4.06
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Acapulco de Juarez?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta 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.