Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Guadalajara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Phoenix, 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.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Phoenix travel costs.
Guadalajara and Phoenix: Pros and Cons
Guadalajara
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less family-friendly
Phoenix
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Phoenix. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Guadalajara is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.
How is Guadalajara different from Phoenix?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
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.
Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.
Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.
Guadalajara is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.
Phoenix does not have a historic old town.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for Hiking?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Phoenix is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.
Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.
Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for Families?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.
Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.
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 Phoenix Better for Couples?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara and Phoenix are both nice to visit as a couple.
Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.
Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.
Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara and Phoenix both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.
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 generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.
Is Guadalajara or Phoenix a more walkable city?
Guadalajara
Phoenix
Guadalajara is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix 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.
Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.
For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Guadalajara?
How long in Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Phoenix. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Guadalajara than Phoenix. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.
Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Guadalajara that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Phoenix 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.
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How many days in Guadalajara or Phoenix? Ideal Length of StayGuadalajara 2-3Phoenix 1-3
One day in Guadalajara or Phoenix?
In Guadalajara, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling city of Phoenix. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A weekend in Guadalajara or Phoenix?
In Guadalajara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the sprawling destination of Phoenix. This city 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 Phoenix?
Guadalajara is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
The desert city of Phoenix offers shopping and museums. 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 Phoenix?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Guadalajara Prices
Mexico PricesPhoenix Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuadalajara $138Phoenix $276
The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $276. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuadalajara $38Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuadalajara $76Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Phoenix? 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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guadalajara $35Phoenix $39
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 Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Roundtrip Transfer From Phoenix Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $299
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
- One Way SUV Transfer from Phoenix Int'l Airport to Phoenix Metro: $180
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $153
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $151
- Arrival Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix by Luxury SUV: $130
- Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix by Luxury SUV: $129
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $107
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $107
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuadalajara $75Phoenix $90
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
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Phoenix: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guadalajara $25Phoenix $40
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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
- 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
- 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
- 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
- Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona: $125
- Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
- Apache Trail Private Half-Day Tour: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuadalajara $16Phoenix $17
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Halloween Party Bike Bar Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale: $59
- Old Town Scottsdale Halloween Party Bike Bar Crawl : $69
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Make Alfredo Pasta at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Phoenix?
Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Phoenix, 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.