A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Beaufort for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Mexico City or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Beaufort? 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.

Mexico City

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

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Beaufort offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Beaufort travel costs.

Mexico City and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or Beaufort?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mexico City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Beaufort is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Mexico City different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.


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

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is renowned for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Beaufort is a popular place for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.


Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Beaufort is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is renowned for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Mexico City or Beaufort More Beautiful?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Beaufort is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beaufort offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Families?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Beaufort is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. 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 Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.


Is Mexico City or Beaufort Better for Students?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is notable for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City
Beaufort

Mexico City is notable for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Mexico City or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Beaufort

Beaufort is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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.


For even more information, also check out Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Beaufort. 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 Beaufort than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Mexico City or Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mexico City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. 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.

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort or Mexico City?

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

  • Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Beaufort Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mexico City $212
    Beaufort $154

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $154. 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 Mexico City and Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $38
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $76
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Beaufort

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Beaufort? 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 Mexico City


Hotels in Beaufort


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: Mexico City Hotel Prices and Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $12
    Beaufort -
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:

  • Inbursa Aquarium optional Round trip transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Mexico City: $27
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $29
  • Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $32
  • Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $40
  • Toluca Airport (TLC) to Toluca - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfers from Airport to Hotel: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort and Mexico City 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
    Mexico City $43
    Beaufort $54
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
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
  • 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
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $14
    Beaufort -

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
  • Museum Memory and Tolerance-Children in Silence ticket entry: $1.45
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $5.13
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.16
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.59
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.59
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.51
  • La Roma's Famous Sights and Local Lore: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Guided tour POR the Basilica DE Guadalupe with architect: $8.34

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $59
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $52
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $37
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $38
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $19
    Beaufort -

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
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • 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 Mexico City and Beaufort, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.

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


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Beaufort?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 920 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Beaufort, 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.