Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or London?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit London or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.
London
London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
London and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
London
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular at Christmas
- Known for Christmas markets
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Big Ben
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less popular with couples
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in London or Mexico City?
Visitors will generally find more to do in London than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than London, London has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. London is very popular for its theatre productions, music, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. London is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
Big Ben
How is London different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and London. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in London or Mexico City?
London
Mexico City
You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Mexico City and London.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. 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.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Theater?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Mexico City is not a theatre destination.
The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.
Mexico City is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in London or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
London
Mexico City
Mexico City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
London
Mexico City
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both London and Mexico City.
London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.
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 London or Mexico City Better for Music?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is London or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
London
Mexico City
Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.
London does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in London or Mexico City?
London
Mexico City
If you're looking to go shopping, London and Mexico City both offer plenty of world-class spots.
Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.
Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Christmas?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Mexico City does not offer Christmas activities.
Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.
Mexico City does not offer Christmas activities.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Christmas Markets?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for visiting Christmas markets. However, Mexico City does not offer Christmas markets.
London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.
Mexico City does not offer Christmas markets.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Families?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.
Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 London or Mexico City Better for Couples?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.
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 London or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.
Backpackers come from all over to 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 London or Mexico City Better for Students?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.
Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is London or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
London
Mexico City
London is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.
Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is London or Mexico City a more walkable city?
London
Mexico City
London 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 London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.
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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or London?
How long in London or Mexico City?
In either London or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in London than Mexico City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in London, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in London than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Mexico City 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 London.
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How many days in London or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayLondon 3-7Mexico City 3-5
One day in London or Mexico City?
London is a iconic 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.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in London or Mexico City?
London is a diverse 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.
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 London or Mexico City?
London is a iconic 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.
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 London or Mexico City?
London is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, 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 dayLondon £190Mexico City £172
The average daily cost (per person) in London is £190, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is £172. 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 London and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLondon £123Mexico City £33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLondon £246Mexico City £66
Compare Hotels in London and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in London 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: London Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.London £26Mexico City £11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
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Taxi Ride£15
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Heathrow Express£18
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Luggage Storage£8.00
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London Map£1.29
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Oyster Card£36
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Train to Gatwick Airport (2)£22
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Oyster Card£27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in London
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $68
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $125
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Bus Transfers: $147
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London HTL-APT (LHR): $141
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL-APT (STN,LCY): $90
- Transfer in private car from Central London - London Airport (LGW): $96
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from London City Center- to Gatwick Airport (LGW): $115
- Transfer in Private Minivan from London Heathrow Airport(LHR)- to Central London: $112
- Transfer in Private MPV from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London: $115
- Transfer from London City Airport To Central London: $196
- Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow: $120
- Transfer London to Southampton Cruise Terminal (extra luggage): $89
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£0.97
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Uber Ride£3.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $296
- Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $286
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
- Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $252
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $195
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
- RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
- One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
- Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $141
- San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into London or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and London 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 dayLondon £34Mexico City £22
Typical Food Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
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Lunch at Starbucks£13
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Tea£6.00
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Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason£39
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Morning Tea£6.35
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Pastry£5.00
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Sushi Dinner for One£18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
- Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Pizza Making Cookery Class: $52
- Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $66
- Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $66
- No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $67
- African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $73
- Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $87
- Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark: $89
- Central London Food Tour with 10+ tastings: $94
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£11
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Coffee and Snacks£3.77
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Dinner for 2£22
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
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
- 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
- Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.London £33Mexico City £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in London
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Two Tickets to a Concert£83
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London Symphony Orchestra£34
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London Pass£47
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Comedy Show£8.00
Tours and Activities in London
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
- Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $57
- Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $44
- David Bowie "Golden Years" Walking Tour of Brixton & Soho: $32
- Little Venice and Camden Walking Tour: $95
- London (Camden Town) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Medieval Legends, ghosts and fire: $10
- Victoria and Albert Museum and Kensington Gardens Tour for Kids: $217
- 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $26
- 'Downton Abbey' TV Locations and Blenheim Palace Tour from London: $220
- 1 Hour Unlimited Games and Rides Ticket in Babylon Park: $38
- 10 Cultural Spots in the West End: London Self-Guided Audio Tour: $19
- 2 Hour Jack the Ripper Walking Tour of London in Italian: $19
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Tour/español-ingles: $68
- Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
- Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
- Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
- Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
- Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $128
- Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $37
- 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132
- 2 Days Private Tour with Hiking in Malinche from Puebla: $208
- 2-Hour Meditation Experience on the Shores of Lake Chapultepec: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLondon £15Mexico City £17
Sample the Local Flavors in London
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
- 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
- Shoreditch Bar Crawl of Five Venues with Drink Deals: $22
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
- Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour and Cocktail Ticket: $25
- London Pub Crawl: $27
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Historic Pub Tour: $31
- Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
- Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31
- Balfour Winery, Wine Tasting Masterclass: $32
- Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $32
- Camden Pub Crawl in London: $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $29
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $30
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
When comparing the travel costs between London and Mexico City, we can see that London is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though London is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is London Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, London or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of London. When comparing the sizes of London 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.