A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Daytona Beach for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Daytona Beach? 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

Mexico City is a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Mexico City and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

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 public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Daytona Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Daytona Beach attracts visitors for its music, resorts, and beaches. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mexico City on the map. 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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Daytona Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Both Mexico City and Daytona Beach have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

Mexico City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is known to be 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Daytona Beach make for a nice place to visit.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.


Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Mexico City is a very popular city 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.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

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

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

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.


Is Mexico City or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Daytona Beach

Mexico City is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Both Mexico City and Daytona Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Daytona Beach than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 7 days is enough time in Daytona Beach.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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 Mexico City or Daytona Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Daytona Beach 7

One day in Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Daytona Beach. This beach 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 Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. 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 Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Mexico City. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Daytona Beach or Mexico City?

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 Daytona Beach is $211. 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 Daytona Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $41
    Daytona Beach $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $82
    Daytona Beach $168
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Daytona Beach

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Daytona Beach? 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 Mexico City


Hotels in Daytona Beach


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 and Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $13
    Daytona Beach $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    $1.20
  • Uber Ride
    $4.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
  • Private One way Transfer from Mexico Airport to Mexico City: $21
  • Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Private Transfer: Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) to Mexico City: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $37
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Cuernavaca Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Mexico City - Mexico Airport (MEX): $43
  • Ixtapan de La Sal to Mexico Airport (MEX)-Departure Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Prices for flights to both Daytona Beach 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mexico City $27
    Daytona Beach $80
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.69
  • Dinner for 2
    $27

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
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $15
    Daytona Beach $28

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.66
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.83
  • Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.83
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
  • Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.16
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
  • Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $21
    Daytona Beach $43

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $29
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40


When comparing the travel costs between Mexico City and Daytona Beach, we can see that Mexico City 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Daytona Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Daytona Beach?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Daytona Beach, 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.