Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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.
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Should you visit Mexico City or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mexico City or Toronto? 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 colorful, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.
Toronto
Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, 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 Toronto travel costs.
Mexico City and Toronto: Pros and Cons
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Toronto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Mexico City or Toronto?
You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Toronto. Mexico City is bigger than Toronto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.
How is Mexico City different from Toronto?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto 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 Toronto?
Mexico City
Toronto
You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Toronto and Mexico City.
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.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.
Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Mexico City
Toronto
Mexico City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for Nightlife?
Mexico City
Toronto
Both Mexico City and Toronto have terrific 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 Toronto just to party. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for its Old Town?
Mexico City
Toronto
Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City is a good destination for visiting its 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.
Toronto does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Toronto?
Mexico City
Toronto
Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Mexico City and Toronto.
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.
Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for Families?
Mexico City
Toronto
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Toronto.
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.
Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for Couples?
Mexico City
Toronto
Toronto is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.
Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. 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.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Mexico City
Toronto
Mexico City and Toronto are both excellent 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 Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.
Is Mexico City or Toronto Better for Students?
Mexico City
Toronto
Toronto 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 Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.
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 Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Mexico City
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.
Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is Mexico City or Toronto a more walkable city?
Mexico City
Toronto
Toronto is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.
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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Toronto or Mexico City?
How long in Mexico City or Toronto?
Both Mexico City and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Toronto. 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 Toronto than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Mexico City 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 Toronto.
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How many days in Mexico City or Toronto? Ideal Length of StayMexico City 3-5Toronto 3-7
One day in Mexico City or Toronto?
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 nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Toronto. 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 Toronto?
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 food and shopping when visiting the diverse big city of Toronto. 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.
Five days in Mexico City or Toronto?
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.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Toronto. 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 Toronto?
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.
Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Toronto. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Mexico City Prices
Mexico PricesToronto Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMexico City $212Toronto $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMexico City $38Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMexico City $76Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mexico City $12Toronto $32
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$1.09
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Uber Ride$3.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Transfer Mexico City Airport to Downtown and Zona Rosa Hotels: $80
- Transfer Airport - Hotel or vice versa: $58
- Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $34
- Toluca Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $99
- Toluca Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Teotihuacan: Private Balloon Flight with optional Transfer: $293
- Six Flags Ticket + Hassle-Free Transfers: $116
- Shared Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with transfer: $274
- San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $156
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $111
- Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
- Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $177
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $177
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $114
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $178
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $157
- Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $827
Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $43Toronto $112
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$4.24
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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:
- Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
- Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
- Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $54
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
- Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
- Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
- Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
- Great White North Food Tour: $55
- Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $62
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
- St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
- Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
- Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $73
- St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $79
- French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mexico City $14Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
- Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $180
- Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
- Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
- Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
- Private Walking Tour Gems of the Historic Center of Mexico City: $131
- Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $279
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160
- Xochimilco Floating Gardens and Coyoacan Private Tour: $161
- "Guided Tour Plus" EN Ruins "TEMPLE MAJOR" with OFFICIAL GUIDES: $34
- 1 Day Tour to Zacatlán and Chignahuapan from Mexico city: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Casual Tour of Toronto by Land, Sky and Sea: $111
- 1 Day City Sightseeing Tour at Toronto City: $69
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $296
- 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $240
- 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $177
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $135
- Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $150
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $153
- Algonquin Park and Ragged Falls Hike and Canoe Adventure: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMexico City $19Toronto $22
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: $23
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $23
- Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
- Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222
- Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $479
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $21
- Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
- Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
- Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
- Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $45
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Toronto?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toronto. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Toronto, 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.