A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Mazatlan or Rapid City?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Rapid City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a activity-filled, friendly, and fascinating city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Rapid City travel costs.

Mazatlan and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Rapid City. Mazatlan is bigger than Rapid City, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Rapid City is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Rapid City is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

Rapid City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rapid City are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Rapid City area. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mazatlan. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rapid City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Rapid City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its old town. However, Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rapid City and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Rapid City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Rapid City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Rapid City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Rapid City are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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

Mazatlan is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Mazatlan or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Rapid City 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Rapid City offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rapid City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rapid City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

Mazatlan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Rapid City?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Rapid City?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rapid City. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Rapid 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.