Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Seoul or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul
Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.
Seoul and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Seoul
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
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 Seoul or Mexico City?
Both Mexico City and Seoul have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Seoul is more popular for its music, while Mexico City is known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
How is Seoul different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul
Mexico City
Mexico City is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Is the Food Better in Seoul or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Seoul
Mexico City
Both Seoul and Mexico City offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.
Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Seoul or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Seoul
Mexico City
Mexico City is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
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.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for Music?
Seoul
Mexico City
Seoul is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Seoul
Mexico City
Mexico City is very good for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Many people head to Mexico City to see the 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.
Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul
Mexico City
Both Seoul and Mexico City are world-class shopping destinations.
The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for Families?
Seoul
Mexico City
You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Mexico City.
Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
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.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Seoul
Mexico City
Seoul is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic 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 Seoul or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Seoul
Mexico City
Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for Students?
Seoul
Mexico City
Seoul and Mexico City are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.
Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
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.
Is Seoul or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Seoul
Mexico City
Seoul 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.
Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
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 Seoul or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Seoul
Mexico City
Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
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 Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Seoul?
How long in Seoul or Mexico City?
In either Seoul or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Seoul. 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 Seoul than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StaySeoul 3-7Mexico City 3-5
One day in Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul is a high energy 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.
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 Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul is a colorful 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.
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 Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul is a modern 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.
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 Seoul or Mexico City?
Seoul 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.
You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $107Mexico City $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $107, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $214. 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 Seoul and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $54Mexico City $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $108Mexico City $82
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $15Mexico City $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.62
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.07
-
Metro Ride$0.98
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $99
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $100
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
-
Metro$1.20
-
Uber Ride$4.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
- Aguascalientes to Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Departure Transfer: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer In Mexico City International Airport (MEX) : $25
- Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
- Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $36
- Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $36
- Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $37
- Mexico Airport (MEX) Cuernavaca Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $38
- Transfer in private vehicle from Mexico City - Mexico Airport (MEX): $43
- Mexico City Airport(MEX) to Chignahuapan Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Arival Transfer: Mexico Airport: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Seoul 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 daySeoul $30Mexico City $27
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.45
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
-
Chicken Stick$1.45
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
-
Lunch Buffet$4.34
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.76
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
-
Udon & Sushi$5.07
-
Fresh Burger$3.48
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
-
Fried Rice$3.98
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
-
Donut$1.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
- Seoul Ultimate Food Tour: $65
- HalfDay Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 land Marks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$13
-
Coffee and Snacks$4.69
-
Dinner for 2$27
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
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $26Mexico City $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.79
-
Movie Ticket$5.79
-
Kimchi Museum$2.17
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $48
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 365-day DMZ Special Tour including Monday & National Holiday: $55
- ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
- Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
- Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
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: $4.68
- Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.85
- Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.85
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Mexico for Beginners: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
- Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.24
- La Roma's Famous Sights and Local Lore: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.19
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
- Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Mexico City $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $29
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $30
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- 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 Seoul and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia 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 Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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.