Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge or Mexico City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Mexico City or Columbia River Gorge? 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.
Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mexico City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Mexico City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Mexico City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.
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.
While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.
Mexico City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.
Mexico City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.
People head to Mexico City just to party. 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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.
Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. 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.
Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.
Columbia River Gorge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.
Mexico City is not a hiking destination.
Mexico City is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.
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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Columbia River Gorge.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. 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.
Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.
Columbia River Gorge is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.
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.
Mexico City and Columbia River Gorge are both very good destinations for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Mexico City is a well-known place for students. However, Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.
Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.
Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.
Mexico City is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.
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.
Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.
For even more information, also check out Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Columbia River Gorge. 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.
Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than Columbia River Gorge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mexico City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Columbia River Gorge 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.
Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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.
Many people visit Mexico City for five days. Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.
The dynamic big city of Mexico City offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $214, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $179. 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 Mexico City and Columbia River Gorge in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Columbia River Gorge? 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge and Mexico 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.
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mexico City Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 980 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Columbia River Gorge, 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.