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

Should you visit Mexico City or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or West Palm Beach? 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 diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Mexico City and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or West Palm Beach?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than West Palm Beach. Mexico City is bigger than West Palm Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. 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 West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Mexico City is very popular for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mexico City or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is very popular for nightlife. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for nightlife and partying.

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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is very popular for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a popular place for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or West Palm Beach?

Mexico City is very popular for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mexico City. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or West Palm Beach.

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.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Mexico City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

Mexico City is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Mexico City is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its public transit.

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.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Mexico City or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or West Palm Beach?

Both Mexico City and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Mexico City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in West Palm Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 West Palm Beach?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach area 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 West Palm Beach?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant beach area of West Palm Beach. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or West Palm Beach?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and West Palm Beach, 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.