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

Should you visit Mexico City or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Jaco? 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Jaco travel costs.

Mexico City and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Jaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Jaco are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. 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 Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Both Mexico City and Jaco have fantastic 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 Jaco just to party. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Jaco has a few good snorkeling spots. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Beaches?

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

Jaco is a good option for a beach vacation. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Jaco?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Families?

Mexico City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Jaco 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.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

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

Mexico City and Jaco 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 Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Is Mexico City or Jaco Better for Students?

Mexico City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco 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.

Jaco is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Mexico City or Jaco a more walkable city?

Jaco is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

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 Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Mexico City or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mexico City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Jaco. 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 Jaco. 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 Jaco 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 Jaco?

Mexico City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the touristy town of Jaco. 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 Jaco?

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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the touristy destination of Jaco. This town 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 Jaco?

Mexico City is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The touristy town of Jaco offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 Jaco?

The diverse city of Mexico City offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Jaco, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mexico City is in North America and Jaco is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Jaco.

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 Jaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Jaco?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 2760 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Jaco, 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.