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.

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.

Mexico City and Houston: Pros and Cons

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, 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 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 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 is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 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?

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 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 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?

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?

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 is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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 not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mexico City or Houston Better for Students?

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 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 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.

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 southern 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 diverse 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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.