Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Rome?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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.
Rome
Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Rome and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
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
Is there more to do in Rome or Mexico City?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rome than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Rome, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its music and impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Rome. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome
Mexico City
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Rome or Mexico City.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
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.
Is the Food Better in Rome or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Mexico City
Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Mexico City can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
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 Rome or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Mexico City
It's hard to distinguish whether Rome or Mexico City has a better nightlife scene.
The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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 Rome or Mexico City Better for Music?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is Rome or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Rome
Mexico City
Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City offers a nice historic old town area. 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.
Rome does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome
Mexico City
Shopping is a popular activity in both Mexico City and Rome.
Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
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.
Is Rome or Mexico City Better for Families?
Rome
Mexico City
Both Rome and Mexico City are excellent to visit with kids.
Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
Mexico City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Is Rome or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
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 Rome or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).
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 Rome or Mexico City Better for Students?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Rome or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome 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.
Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
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 Rome or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Rome
Mexico City
Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
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 Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Rome?
How long in Rome or Mexico City?
In either Rome or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Couples should spend more time in Rome than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.
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How many days in Rome or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Mexico City 3-5
One day in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome is a fun-filled city where you can fill many days. 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.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
A weekend in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome is a popular big city where you can fill many days. 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.
Mexico City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Five days in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome is a ancient city where you can fill many days. 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.
Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant big city of Mexico City. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Rome or Mexico City?
Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.
The cultural city of Mexico City offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €170Mexico City €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €170, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €200. 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 Rome and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €89Mexico City €39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €178Mexico City €78
Compare Hotels in Rome and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Rome 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: Rome Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Mexico City €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)€2.00
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Train to the Airport€15
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Taxi to Airport€45
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)€10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $54
- Welcome in airport Transfer with welcome box: $88
- Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $702
- VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $51
- VIP Transfer from Civitavecchia Port to Rome or Vice Versa: $109
- VIP Experience Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: $76
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (FCO): $160
- Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,522
- Transfers from Fiumicino airport: $76
- Transfers from Airports to Rome city or Rome city to Airports: $63
- Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $153
- Transfers Ciampino airport To Rome: $46
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€1.13
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Uber Ride€3.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) to Aguascalientes - Arrival Transfer: $24
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
- Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $90
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $90
- Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $90
- International Airport Felipe Angeles(NLU) - Private Transfer To/from Mexico City: $104
- Mexico Airport (MEX) to Chignahuapan Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Rome 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 dayRome €47Mexico City €26
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€14
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches€2.99
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Cafe e doce€4.00
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Pizza (Fast Food)€2.65
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)€32
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Cheese and bread€10
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Espresso€2.00
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Dinner€58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $15
- Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $16
- Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
- Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $32
- Cooking Class with Wine - Become a Roman Master Chef: $36
- Urban Rafting Tour to Tiber Island with A Local Pizza: $38
- Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
- Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $41
- Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
- Handmade Pasta Cacio e Pepe and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $42
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€4.39
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Dinner for 2€26
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:
- 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
- Uruapan Food Tour: $62
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $72
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
- 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
- Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
- Flamenco Live Show and Dinner in Mexico City: $83
- Rural Cooking Class at the Mountains: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Mexico City €14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)€69
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)€33
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Roma Pass€30
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)€20
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Segway Tour€75
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
- Borghese Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket & Golf Cart Ride: $56
- Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
- Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
- Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $74
- Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
- Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
- Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour Professional Guided Tour : $151
- Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $95
- Electric Bike Tour of City Centre with Gelato Highlights of Rome: $75
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: $4.81
- Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $6.01
- Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $6.01
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
- Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.24
- Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.41
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Tula Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Mexico City €19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine€6.50
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Pint of Beer€6.34
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Beer€10
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Casella's Follies a Night of Live Music and Burlesque: $17
- Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
- Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $52
- Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $53
- Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $53
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $54
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
- Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $67
- E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
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: $25
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $28
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
- 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 Rome and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Rome much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome 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 Rome would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rome 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 Rome.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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.