A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Mexico City for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Izmir or Mexico City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Mexico City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Izmir

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

Mexico City

Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Izmir and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Izmir or Mexico City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Izmir. Mexico City is bigger than Izmir, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is more touristy than Izmir and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Izmir is well known for

How is Izmir different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Izmir or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Izmir has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Mexico City just to party. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Izmir does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Izmir does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Izmir or Mexico City?

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for Families?

Izmir
Mexico City

Both Izmir and Mexico City are superb family-friendly destinations.

Izmir is a very family-friendly place to visit. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mexico City is very family-friendly. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Izmir
Mexico City

Izmir and Mexico City both notable destinations for a couple.

Izmir is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

Mexico City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.


Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir
Mexico City

Izmir and Mexico City are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Izmir. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

Many backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Izmir or Mexico City Better for Students?

Izmir
Mexico City

Mexico City is a great destination for students. However, Izmir is not popular with students.

Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Izmir is not popular with students.

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

Izmir
Mexico City

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Izmir and Mexico City.

Public transit in Izmir is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

Mexico City has some very good public transit options. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.


Is Izmir or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Izmir
Mexico City

Izmir is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Izmir is a somewhat walkable . Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Mexico City?

In either Izmir or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Izmir because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Izmir, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Izmir if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mexico City.


  • How many days in Izmir or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Izmir 2-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Izmir or Mexico City?


Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the of Izmir. 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.

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Izmir or Mexico City?


Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Izmir. This 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Izmir or Mexico City?


Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
The of Izmir offers 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.

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Izmir or Mexico City?


Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Many people enjoy the food when visiting Izmir. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Mexico City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Izmir and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Mexico City $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Mexico City $76
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Izmir Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Mexico City $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • İzmir Airport Private Transfer Service: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $82
  • Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $82
  • Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $66
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $59
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport (Adnan Menderes) to Central Izmir: $67
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport (ADB) to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $93

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    $1.09
  • Uber Ride
    $3.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport MEX to Mexico City by Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $106
  • CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $219
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $101
  • Mexico Airport(MEX) to Ixtapan de La Sal Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Inbursa Aquarium optional Round trip transfer: $20
  • Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Visit with Transfer: $599
  • Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Private Balloon Flight Over Teotihuacan with Optional Transfer: $243
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Mexico City $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.24
  • Dinner for 2
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $54
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
  • Lunch Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $62
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Breakfast Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Mexico City $14

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
  • Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
  • Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Children in Silence (Admission ticket): $1.36
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.57
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.57
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.57
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.47
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Skip the Line Tickets for Temple Major: $9.99
  • Night Tour of Mexico City Panoramic Ride on a Double-Decker Bus: $10
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Mexico City $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222
  • Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $479


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Izmir.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Mexico City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.