A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. West Palm Beach for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or West Palm Beach, 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 cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Guadalajara and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than West Palm Beach. Guadalajara is bigger than West Palm Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Guadalajara. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

The vibe at night is very good in both Guadalajara and West Palm Beach.

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. 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.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.


Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. 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.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is Guadalajara or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
West Palm Beach

Guadalajara is a great city for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Both Guadalajara and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Guadalajara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    West Palm Beach 3-7

One day in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

The vibrant destination of Guadalajara offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

The city of Guadalajara offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach area offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. 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.


A week in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach area.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guadalajara $138
    West Palm Beach $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, while the average daily cost in West Palm Beach is $378. 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 West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $38
    West Palm Beach $234
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $76
    West Palm Beach $468
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or West Palm Beach? 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 West Palm Beach


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 West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $35
    West Palm Beach $49

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 West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Palm Beach International Airport: Transfer to Palm Beach: $70
  • Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $114

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 West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $94
  • Downtown Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $105
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $25
    West Palm Beach $19

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 West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion from Downtown West Palm Beach: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Experience With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $80
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Peanut Island Guided Tour Palm Beach Singer Island: $90
  • Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour : $65
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures with Go Pro : $300
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour of Jupiter: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $16
    West Palm Beach $39

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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or West Palm Beach?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and West Palm Beach, 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.