A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Mazatlan vs. Ensenada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Mazatlan or Ensenada?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Ensenada? 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: Mazatlan or Ensenada?

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

Ensenada

Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city has a population of almost 500,000 and is located just 78 miles south of San Diego. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.

Which place is cheaper, Ensenada or Mazatlan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $75, while the average daily cost in Ensenada is $93. 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 Mazatlan and Ensenada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $31
    Ensenada $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $62
    Ensenada $88
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Ensenada

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan or Ensenada? 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 Mazatlan


Hotels in Ensenada


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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Ensenada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $20
    Ensenada $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) to Mazatlan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $194
  • Mazatlan International Airport(MZT) to Mazatlan hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $97
  • Mazatlan to Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Private Airport Transfer: Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) to Mazatlan: $69
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Mazatlan to Mazatlan International Airport (MZT): $69
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $130
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Mazatlan International Airport to Hotels (1 - 6): $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mazatlan International Airport (1 - 6): $120
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Mazatlan International Airport (1 - 6): $240
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Mazatlan International Airport to Hotel: $12
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mazatlan International Airport: $12
  • Shared Round -Trip Transfer: Mazatlan International Airport: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Ensenada?

Prices for flights to both Ensenada and Mazatlan 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
    Mazatlan $32
    Ensenada $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan

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

  • Mercado walking food tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mazatlan $9.07
    Ensenada $10

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

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

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $31
  • City Tour in a Traditional "Pulmonia" Open-Air Car: $33
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $34
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $36
  • Half-Day Mazatlan City Bike Tour: $36
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $39
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $41
  • Puerta de Canoas Tour from Mazatlán with Tortilla Making: $48
  • Sunset Cruise in Mazatlan: $50
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $50
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $54
  • Morning Tour All Inclusive Boat Cruise through Mazatlan Bay: $56

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

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

  • Tourist guide in the Wine Country (Valle de Guadalupe) Ensenada: $11
  • Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $28
  • The Bufadora Tour: $32
  • La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $33
  • Scenic Bufadora & Flea Market Shopping Private Tour: $35
  • From La Bufadora Geyser Tour: $36
  • Ensenada Travels Tours: $64
  • best tours ensenada: $64
  • Las Canadas Ecopark and Bufadora private tour: $65
  • Ensenada Shore Excursion: City Tour & La Bufadora: $68
  • Guadalupe Valley Wine Route Tour in Baja California: $77
  • Private tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mazatlan $17
    Ensenada $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Mazatlan

Also in Mazatlan, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Tour to El Quelite Village and Tequila Distillery from Mazatlan: $323

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private wine tour: $65
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • Private Full-Day Wine Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $89
  • From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $94
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour, All Inclusive by AKA Expeditions.: $140
  • Valle de Guadalupe Off The Beaten Path Wine Tasting: $505

About these numbers

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

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Veracruz vs. Mazatlan
Veracruz vs. Ensenada
Tulum vs. Mazatlan
Tulum vs. Ensenada
San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Mazatlan
San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Ensenada
Playa del Carmen vs. Mazatlan
Playa del Carmen vs. Ensenada
Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Mazatlan
Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Ensenada
Merida vs. Mazatlan
Merida vs. Ensenada
Isla Mujeres vs. Mazatlan
Isla Mujeres vs. Ensenada
Cozumel vs. Mazatlan
Cozumel vs. Ensenada
Mexico City vs. Mazatlan
Mexico City vs. Ensenada
Cancun vs. Mazatlan
Cancun vs. Ensenada
Acapulco de Juarez vs. Mazatlan
Acapulco de Juarez vs. Ensenada
Cabo San Lucas vs. Mazatlan
Cabo San Lucas vs. Ensenada
Puerto Vallarta vs. Mazatlan
Puerto Vallarta vs. Ensenada
Mazatlan vs. La Paz
Mazatlan vs. Guadalajara
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Mazatlan vs. Ensenada Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.