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

Should you visit Tokyo or Mexico City?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Mexico City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic 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.

Tokyo and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

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
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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Tokyo or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tokyo than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Tokyo, Tokyo has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its music and impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its historical sights. Tokyo is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Tokyo different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo
Mexico City

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Mexico City and Tokyo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. 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 Tokyo or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo
Mexico City

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Tokyo and Mexico City.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo
Mexico City

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Tokyo and Mexico City.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Music?

Tokyo
Mexico City

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

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Tokyo or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Tokyo
Mexico City

Mexico City is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Mexico City?

Tokyo
Mexico City

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Mexico City both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Families?

Tokyo
Mexico City

Tokyo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Mexico City is 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.


Is Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Tokyo
Mexico City

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

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tokyo
Mexico City

Mexico City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Mexico City Better for Students?

Tokyo
Mexico City

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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


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

Tokyo
Mexico City

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Tokyo
Mexico City

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Mexico City?

In either Tokyo or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tokyo 3-7 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Tokyo or Mexico City?

Tokyo is a cutting edge 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 vibrant 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 Tokyo or Mexico City?

Tokyo is a high energy 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 Tokyo or Mexico City?

Tokyo is a iconic 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 Tokyo or Mexico City?

Tokyo 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 vibrant 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Tokyo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $158, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. 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 Tokyo and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tokyo $77
    Mexico City $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tokyo $154
    Mexico City $82
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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 Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tokyo $18
    Mexico City $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $343
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port: $92
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port: $70
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $90
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $81
  • Transfer in private minivan from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $110
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $110
  • Private transfer to/from Yokohama Osanbashi Port: $165
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama: $180
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Fuji: $386
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $71

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    $1.19
  • Uber Ride
    $4.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $292
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $273
  • Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $256
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $240
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • Mexico City to Puebla - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $155
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $147
  • Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $143
  • Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Toluca Int Airport(TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $38
    Mexico City $27
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.28
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.28
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $34
  • Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
  • Tokyo Food Tour: An Afternoon in Nakameguro!: $49
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $61
  • Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $70
  • Sustainable Vegetable Temari Sushi Cooking Class in Asakusa: $71
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $74
  • Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $75
  • Retro Food Tour in Yanaka: $78
  • Mochi and Nerikiri Wagashi Combination Cooking Class: $81
  • 2 and a Half Hour Cooking Home Style Dishes in Japan: $81
  • Private Cooking Lesson With a Tokyo Native Makiko in Her Local Home: $84

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
    $4.65
  • 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
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
  • San Angel Mexican Food Tour : $80
  • Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
  • Rural Cooking Class at the Mountains: $85
  • Small Group Multi Variety Mole Cooking Class in La Condesa: $86
  • Small Group Multi-Variety Tamal Cooking Class in La Condesa: $86
  • Private Mexican Cooking Lesson in a Coyoacan Apartment: $86
  • Mexico City Origins: Archeology, History, Art & Food Tour: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tokyo $69
    Mexico City $15

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • 4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $135
  • Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $24
  • Feel the History Walking Tour Starting from Imperial Palace: $52
  • Tokyo Full Day Tour With Guide and Foods Included: $275
  • Walking Tour to Temple and Izakaya from the River: $119
  • “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $139
  • "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
  • **Starting / Ending at Your Hotel** Tokyo Private E-bike Tour: $139
  • 1 Day Mount Nokogiri Hiking Tour from Tokyo: $257
  • 1 Day private Tour in Hakone with Hakone Freepass & Train Ticket: $83
  • 1 Hour Meiji Jingu Shrine Walking Tour in Harajuku: $52
  • 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour: $118

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
  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $119
  • Private City Tour Downtown Mexico City: $35
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $130
  • Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $42
  • Teotihuacan Private Tour: $135
  • 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
  • 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tokyo $33
    Mexico City $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

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


  • Sake
    $3.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $30
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $81
  • 【Tokyo】Yokocho walking and Japanese pub crawl tour: $100
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $108
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Premium Sake Tasting & Pairing Experience in a Historical Brewery: $169
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $236

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: $25
  • Mexico City Bar Crawl: $39
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Private Mexican Wine Tasting & Food Tasting: $78
  • 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 Tokyo and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo 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 Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.

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


Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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.