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

Should you visit Milan or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Mexico City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Milan travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.

Milan and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milan or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milan is very popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Milan different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Milan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milan or Mexico City?

Milan
Mexico City

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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 can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


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

Milan
Mexico City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Milan and Mexico City can be difficult as they are each terrific in their own way.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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.

Is Milan or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Milan
Mexico City

The vibe at night is terrific in both Milan and Mexico City.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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.

Is Milan or Mexico City Better for Music?

Milan
Mexico City

Milan is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Milan or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Milan
Mexico City

Milan is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Milan has a world-famous historical area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Mexico City?

Milan
Mexico City

If you're looking to go shopping, Milan and Mexico City both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Milan or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Milan
Mexico City

Milan is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Milan is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Milan or Mexico City Better for Families?

Milan
Mexico City

Mexico City is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Milan or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Milan
Mexico City

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

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan
Mexico City

For backpackers, both Milan and Mexico City are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.


Is Milan or Mexico City Better for Students?

Milan
Mexico City

Milan 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 Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

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

Milan
Mexico City

Milan 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.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Milan
Mexico City

Milan is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Milan?

How long in Milan or Mexico City?

In either Milan or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Milan than Mexico City. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Milan. 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 Milan than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.


  • How many days in Milan or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milan 1-5 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Milan or Mexico City?

Milan is a cultural city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Mexico City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Milan or Mexico City?

Milan is a trendy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Milan or Mexico City?

Milan is a trendy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. In Mexico City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Milan or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Milan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Mexico City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Milan?

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

  • Milan Prices
    Italy Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Milan 195
    Mexico City 182

The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €195, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €182. 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 Milan and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milan 96
    Mexico City 33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milan 192
    Mexico City 66
Compare Hotels in Milan and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Milan or Mexico City? 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 Milan


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Milan Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milan 35
    Mexico City 10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

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


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • transfers: $826
  • taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $232
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $826
  • Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $165
  • Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $269
  • Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $248
  • Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $178
  • Transfer from Milan City Center to Linate Airport (LIN) : $100
  • Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
  • Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city: $207
  • Transfer from Linate Airport (LIN) to Milan City Center: $102
  • Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    0.93
  • Uber Ride
    3.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City to Morelia - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $298
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Chignahuapan Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $287
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $260
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $252
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $187
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $187
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Pachuca to Mexico City: $168
  • Private Transfer from Mexico City to Pachuca: $168
  • San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $161
  • Mexico City Airport (MEX) to Tecozautla Thermal Arrival Transfer: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Milan 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
    Milan 67
    Mexico City 37
Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Sightseeing with Local Guide: $31
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $37
  • Dinner with Friends: Milanese Apartment Dinner: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $43
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $44
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $44
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $47
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Fresh pasta experience for children - Cooking Class: $62
  • Piedmontese dinner in Milan all included: $62

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    10
  • Coffee and Snacks
    3.64
  • Dinner for 2
    21

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
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $55
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milan 31
    Mexico City 12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Gallery Art and Culture Guided Walking Tour in Brera: $131
  • Duomo Cathedral Tour : $59
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.29
  • Self Guided Tours In Milan With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.14
  • 1 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $121
  • 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $38
  • 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $82
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $151
  • 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $176
  • 2H Private Tour of the Historic Center of Milan and Photo Shoot: $211
  • 3-Hour and 8 Italian Food Tasting Experience in Milan: $114
  • 3-hour Milan The Last Supper and Vintage tram tour in Milan - small group tour: $131

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour/español-ingles: $68
  • Discover Mexico City’s (CDMX) Gay (LGBTQ) Hotspots Guided Tour: $100
  • Hiking Tour on the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano from Puebla (private): $141
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $100
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • One Day Mexico City Bus Tour with Major Landmarks: $85
  • Private Tour from your Hotel to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan: $90
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $115
  • Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $249
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milan 24
    Mexico City 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

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

  • Guided Riviera Bar Crawl with Shots and VIP Entry: $26
  • Legendary Halloween Pub Crawl Party in Milan!: $26
  • Milan Pub Crawl Party with Free Shots and Drink Deals by Riviera: $26
  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $46
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $47
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $51
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $52
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $57
  • Wine Tasting and Milanese Risotto Making Class: $58
  • Fun Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $67
  • Fun Wine Tasting with the most italian Sommelier in Milan: $72

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
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $78
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $84
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • Teotihuacan Full Day: Balloon flight+Pyramids Tour and Craft Brewery: $229


When comparing the travel costs between Milan and Mexico City, we can see that Milan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Milan is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milan Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Milan or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Mexico City, 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.