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

Should you visit Mexico City or Houston?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Houston? 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 cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Mexico City and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Houston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Houston is known for its music. Mexico City is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Mexico City different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston 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 Houston?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.


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

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Music?

Mexico City
Houston

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

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Mexico City or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is a good destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Houston?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Families?

Mexico City
Houston

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Houston.

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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.


Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Houston

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Houston make for a good 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.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Students?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.


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

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Mexico City can get you to some places easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Mexico City or Houston a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Houston

Mexico City and Houston are decent when it comes to walkability.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Houston. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Mexico City or Houston?

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the sprawling city of Houston. 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 Houston?

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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 Houston?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The southern city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Houston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Mexico City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mexico City $189
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $189, while the average daily cost in Houston is $287. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $34
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $68
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $11
    Houston $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    $0.97
  • Uber Ride
    $3.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Aguascalientes - RoundTrip Transfer: $56
  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) to Aguascalientes - Arrival Transfer: $56
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $127
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $94
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $83
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $188
  • CDMX: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon with Transfers & Breakfast: $139
  • Ciudad de México Private Transfer from City to Airport (MEX): $17
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $94
  • From Grutas de Tolantongo Day Trip w/ Transfer: $88
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Chignahuapan Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $253

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $216
  • Private Transfer IAH Airport to Houston Space Center Galveston: $42
  • Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $68
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port: $252
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Houston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $38
    Houston $60
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $11
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $3.77
  • 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:

  • Private Mexico City Street Food Tour - Best Rated: $29
  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $49
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $55
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $60
  • Mexico City Food Tour: Historic Center, Heritage on a Plate: $63
  • Mexico City Food Tour in Coyoacán: Bohemian Bites & Sites: $68
  • Private Market Tour & Authentic Mexican Cooking with Fernanda: $68
  • Mexico City Food Tour in the Historic Center: Heritage on a Plate: $69
  • Dinner at Miralto: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $12
    Houston $14

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: $3.89
  • Franz Mayer Museum Regular Admission Ticket: $4.87
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.00
  • The best tour of the historic center-Guided by a Storyteller: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Mexico for Beginners: $6.99
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $7.30
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $7.30
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Teotihuacan Pyramids (no ticket): $7.36
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.01
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $9.74
  • Mexico:Day of the Dead House-Artisan Workshop and tour: $9.74
  • Skip the Line Ticket to the Museum of Anthropology : $9.99

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck : $46
  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $31
  • The Art of Fufu Cookbook Experience: West African Soup & Fufu : $100
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • All-Inclusive Hip-Hop Brunch Party Bike Tour: $60
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $85
  • Astroville Houston Tunnel Tour (in Spanish): $30
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $85
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $30
  • Bike and Brunch City Tour in Houston: $40
  • Brazos Bend Wildlife and Nature Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $17
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $21
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $21
  • Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $78
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $84
  • Teotihuacan Full Day: Balloon flight+Pyramids Tour and Craft Brewery: $229

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115


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

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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Houston?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Houston, 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.