A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Albuquerque for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a historic, traditional, and cosmopolitan town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Albuquerque than Acapulco de Juarez. While Acapulco de Juarez is larger than Albuquerque, Albuquerque has more sights and attractions for tourists. Albuquerque is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Also, Albuquerque is famous for The Old Town.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.


Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Albuquerque is an experience not to be missed. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Acapulco de Juarez for its luxury resorts. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Acapulco de Juarez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Albuquerque offers plenty to see. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Albuquerque is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a popular place for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Albuquerque

Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque both are notable when exploring on foot.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Albuquerque. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Acapulco de Juarez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Albuquerque. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the built-up destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Albuquerque is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the desert town of Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albuquerque has to offer.


Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Albuquerque. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Albuquerque is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

  • Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Albuquerque Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Albuquerque $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $165. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Albuquerque International Sunport Private Transfer: $196
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque 2024 transfers: $625
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $45
    Albuquerque $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - Albuquerque, NM: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Albuquerque $24

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • Museums, Magic City Market & Meals: A Cultural Tour of Acapulco: $129
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $83
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour: $7.95
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $24
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $26
  • 12pm Old Town History, Legends & Lore Tour: $32
  • The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001: $32
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 10pm Late Night RATED "R" Ghost Tour Ages 18+: $38
  • Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque : $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Albuquerque $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque, we can see that Albuquerque is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Albuquerque would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albuquerque than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Albuquerque?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Albuquerque, 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.

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