A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Cape Canaveral for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Cape Canaveral?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.


Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Guadalajara has something for everybody. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Resorts?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.


Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Beaches?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.


Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.


Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Cape Canaveral

Guadalajara is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable city. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Canaveral or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Guadalajara than Cape Canaveral. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cape Canaveral.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Guadalajara. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Canaveral that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Cape Canaveral 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 Guadalajara.


  • How many days in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    Cape Canaveral 1-3

One day in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

In Guadalajara, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Cape Canaveral. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Canaveral or Guadalajara?

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

  • Guadalajara Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guadalajara $138
    Cape Canaveral $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, while the average daily cost in Cape Canaveral is $251. 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 Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $38
    Cape Canaveral $155
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $76
    Cape Canaveral $310
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral? 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 Guadalajara


Hotels in Cape Canaveral


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $35
    Cape Canaveral $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Guadalajara Airport Private Transfer to Ajijic & Chapala: $289
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Private Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels Safe & Stress-Free: $159
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Transfer from International Airport to Tequila Jalisco: $89
  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Lake Mary: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Prices for flights to both Cape Canaveral and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $75
    Cape Canaveral $74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

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

  • Private Street Food Tour and City Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated : $44
  • Guadalajara Private Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $108
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $195
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $25
    Cape Canaveral $17

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

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

  • Walking Tour Experience in Ajijic Mexico: $50
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $36
  • A unique tour! Visiting Hacienda Casa herradura From Guadalajara: $120
  • Architecture of Luis Barragan Walking Tour with Street Food: $70
  • Bar Tour of the Coolest Quarter of Guadalajara: $17
  • Cantaritos and Tequila Factory Tour: $89
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Chapala Lake & Ajijic Tour with "Tres Potrillos Ranch": $65
  • Chapala and Ajijic Private Full-Day Tour: $128
  • Charreria heritage tour be a charro for a day: $50
  • City Tour Downtown Guadalajara Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $79
  • City tour in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque: $90

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Ship to Brightline Orlando Train Station : $171
  • Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $16
    Cape Canaveral $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

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

  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara Mexico: $25
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $65
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $95
  • Guided Tour of Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery: $105
  • Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos: $155
  • Private Adventure Day Tour to Tequila and Cazcanes Distillery: $156
  • Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $161
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $167
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $211
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Cape Canaveral?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Cape Canaveral, 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.