Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Naples?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Naples or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Mexico City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Naples
Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Naples and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Naples
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
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Naples or Mexico City?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Naples. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Naples attracts visitors for its historical sights. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.
How is Naples different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Mexico City?
Naples
Mexico City
Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mexico City on the map. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Is the Food Better in Naples or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Naples
Mexico City
Foodies will find both Naples and Mexico City both to be fantastic destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
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.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Naples
Mexico City
Mexico City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
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 Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Naples
Mexico City
Naples is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
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 Naples or Mexico City?
Naples
Mexico City
Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for Families?
Naples
Mexico City
Mexico City is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Naples
Mexico City
Naples is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
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 Naples or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Naples
Mexico City
Naples and Mexico City are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
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.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for Students?
Naples
Mexico City
Mexico City is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
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.
It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Is Naples or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Naples
Mexico City
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Naples and Mexico City.
Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is Naples or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Naples
Mexico City
Naples is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Naples?
How long in Naples or Mexico City?
In either Naples or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Naples because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Naples. 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 Naples than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Naples 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 Naples 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.
-
How many days in Naples or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayNaples 1-3Mexico City 3-5
One day in Naples or Mexico City?
Naples is a fascinating city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. 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.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Naples or Mexico City?
Naples is a gritty 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.
Mexico City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Naples or Mexico City?
The authentic city of Naples offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Naples or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Mexico City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNaples €129Mexico City €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is €129, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €195. 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 Naples and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNaples €66Mexico City €38
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNaples €132Mexico City €76
Compare Hotels in Naples and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Naples 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.
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: Naples Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Naples €21Mexico City €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
-
Subway Ticket€1.20
-
Alibus From Airport€3.00
-
Short Taxi Ride€7.34
-
Train to Pompeii€3.20
-
Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- transfer from napoli to positano or back: $108
- transfer from Naples Airport to the Port of Naples: $55
- transfer: $207
- private transfer from Naples to Peastum or Peastum to Naples: $109
- private transfer Naples to Sorrento: $121
- from Naples; Private and deluxe transfer to Sorrento up to 7 people: $98
- Vesuvius easy Transfer: $25
- Vesuvio Tour_Transfer+Entrance ticket: $40
- Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $323
- Transfers from the Beverello pier (Naples) to Fiumicino Aereoprto: $277
- Transfers from Sorrento to Naples plus 2 hours Pompeii excavations or vice versa: $158
- Transfers from Naples to Caserta by car and minivan: $87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
-
Metro€1.09
-
Uber Ride€3.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Aguascalientes - RoundTrip Transfer: $48
- Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Naples 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 dayNaples €40Mexico City €25
Typical Food Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
-
Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
-
Napoli Pizza€7.24
-
Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $37
- Naples Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $41
- Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
- Tasty Naples Street Food Tour of MustEat Gourmet Specialties and MustSee Sites: $46
- Eating Naples Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Enjoy an Authentic Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
- Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
- Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $48
- Be my Guest at Dinner ! Taste and experience an authentic Neapolitan dinner !: $49
- No Diet Club - Unique Food Tour in Napoli: $53
- Food Tour with Davide: $54
- The Neapolitan culinary art Street Food Tour: $57
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two€12
-
Coffee and Snacks€4.27
-
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:
- Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
- Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
- La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Naples €30Mexico City €14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
-
Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
-
Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Herculaneum Private Walking Tour: $164
- Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
- Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Naples with skip the line: $120
- Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $273
- Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
- Sea and Land Small Group Capri Island Tour from Naples Main Port: $163
- Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi Day Tour from Naples : $164
- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello tour from Naples : $131
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour to Naples Archeological Museum: $109
- 2-Hour Guided Naples Walking Tour: $280
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Herculaneum: $273
- 2-hour guided tour of the island by boat from Procida: $38
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.71
- Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
- Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.89
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
- Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
- Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.25
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
- Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNaples €21Mexico City €19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
-
Beer€4.10
-
Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Napoli Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $15
- Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
- Vesuvius wine tasting with company tour: $29
- Private WINE Tasting in Napoli with BOOKS: $44
- Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $52
- Regional food and wine tasting: $54
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
- Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $65
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $76
- Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $80
- Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $96
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples is in Europe and Mexico City is in North 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 Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Naples Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Naples or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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.
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.