Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Mexico City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mexico City or Guadalajara? 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 dynamic, colorful, and cultural 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.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Guadalajara
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Guadalajara. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Guadalajara attracts visitors for its historical sights. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals.
How is Mexico City different from Guadalajara?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.
Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.
Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.
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.
Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.
Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Families?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.
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.
Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Couples?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Guadalajara 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.
Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City and Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Students?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara 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.
Guadalajara is not popular with students.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Mexico City is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.
The public transit in Mexico City can get you to most places easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.
Is Mexico City or Guadalajara a more walkable city?
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.
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 Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Mexico City?
How long in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara 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.
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How many days in Mexico City or Guadalajara? Ideal Length of StayMexico City 3-5Guadalajara 2-3
One day in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Mexico City is a dynamic 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.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Guadalajara?
Mexico City is a vibrant 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.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.
Five days in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Mexico City is a dynamic 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.
The historical city of Guadalajara offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
A week in Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMexico City $197Guadalajara $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $197, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $107. 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 Guadalajara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMexico City $39Guadalajara $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMexico City $78Guadalajara $78
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Guadalajara
Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Guadalajara? 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: Mexico City Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mexico City $12Guadalajara $36
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$1.10
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Uber Ride$3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $294
- Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $257
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $242
- Balloon flight (TRANSFER) and TOUR in Teotihuacán. From 1-6 people : $228
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $200
- San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $159
- Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Toluca Int Airport(TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $129
- Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure Arrival Transfer: $129
- Private Transfers To San Miguel de Allende: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara
Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $27
- Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $167
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport: $26
- Private transfer: Guadalajara to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): $74
- Private transfer from Guadalajara to Sayulita: $244
- Private Transfer from Guadalajara city hotels to Manzanillo Port: $78
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Guadalajara, Chalapa & Tequila Hotels: $63
- Airport to City Transfer: $115
- Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $166
- Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
- Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Prices for flights to both Guadalajara 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
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Food Meals for one dayMexico City $25Guadalajara $44
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$12
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Coffee and Snacks$4.31
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Dinner for 2$25
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
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Xochimilco COOKING CLASS: handmade tortillas, sopes and more: $55
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $63
- Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $64
- Secret Food Tours Mexico City: $65
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $66
- Tamales 101: Multi-variety tamal cooking class and feast: $66
- Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara
For Guadalajara, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated: $23
- Private - Guadalajara Street Food Tour : $26
- Mexican Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Food Tour in Guadalajara: $102
- Flavors of Jalisco: Cooking Class & Tequila tasting in GDL: $108
- Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $136
- VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mexico City $14Guadalajara $26
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
- Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $119
- 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: $121
- Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $289
- Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
- Teotihuacan Immersive Early Access or Afternoon Tour: $37
- The best of Mixquic walking tour: $150
- VIP - FULL DAY - Mexico City Private Tour : $219
- 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
Tours and Activities in Guadalajara
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.
- 3 hours Guadalajara Private City Tour : $45
- 3-Hour Guadalajara Bike and Food Guided Tour: $65
- 6 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $78
- Adventure on the Jose Cuervo Express Train: $222
- Bike Tour in Guadalajara: $51
- Canopy Experience Panoramic Flight in Zip Lines: $41
- Cantaritos and Tequila Factory Tour: $82
- Chalapa: Vineyards Tour: $108
- Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
- Chapala and Ajijic Private Full-Day Tour: $128
- City Tour Downtown Guadalajara Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $79
- City tour in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMexico City $19Guadalajara $16
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: $28
- Mexico City Bar Crawl: $41
- Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $95
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $162
- Polanco: Private Tacos and Wine Tour: $197
- Polanco: Premium Foodie Tour with Wine Tasting: $216
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara, Mexico: $25
- Cultural tour, city fields and distillery: $32
- Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $53
- Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $77
- Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $165
- Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $165
- Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
- Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
- Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $199
- Private Adventure to Casa Sauza Distillery and Visit to Tequila: $199
- Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Guadalajara, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Guadalajara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guadalajara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.
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 Guadalajara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Guadalajara?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Guadalajara. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Guadalajara, 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.