A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Cape Canaveral for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Cape Canaveral? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a wonder-filled, unique, and iconic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Mexico City and Cape Canaveral: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Cape Canaveral?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Cape Canaveral and Mexico City.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.


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

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Resorts?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.


Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Beaches?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

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

Cape Canaveral is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.


Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Families?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is a very family-friendly destination. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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.

Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

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

Cape Canaveral makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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 Cape Canaveral Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.


Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral Better for Students?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Mexico City or Cape Canaveral a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Cape Canaveral

Mexico City is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable city. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.


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

Should I spend more time in Cape Canaveral or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Cape Canaveral 1-3

One day in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Cape Canaveral?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Canaveral. 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 Cape Canaveral?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

The iconic town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and 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.


A week in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Mexico City. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Cape Canaveral. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mexico City $212
    Cape Canaveral $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in Cape Canaveral is $251. 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 Cape Canaveral in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $38
    Cape Canaveral $155
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $76
    Cape Canaveral $310
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Cape Canaveral

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Cape Canaveral? 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 Cape Canaveral


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $12
    Cape Canaveral $35
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:

  • Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Visit with Transfer: $599
  • Teotihuacan: Private Balloon Flight with optional Transfer: $293
  • Shared Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with transfer: $274
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Private Balloon Flight Over Teotihuacan with Optional Transfer: $243
  • CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $219
  • Private Transfer from Mexico City to Pachuca: $191
  • Private Transfer from Pachuca to Mexico City: $191
  • San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $156
  • Private Transfers To San Miguel de Allende: $125
  • Six Flags Ticket + Hassle-Free Transfers: $116
  • Private Transfer From Juarez Airport: $111

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $295
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vista Cay: $253
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $237
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Lake Mary: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Prices for flights to both Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $74
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $14
    Cape Canaveral $17

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Hiking Tour on the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano from Puebla (private): $176
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $180
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
  • Private Tour from your Hotel to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan: $168
  • San Andres Mixquic Car Tour Experience: $145
  • Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160
  • "Guided Tour Plus" EN Ruins "TEMPLE MAJOR" with OFFICIAL GUIDES: $33
  • 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $280
  • 100% Private Tour in Teotihuacán Pyramids from Mexico City: $95
  • 100% private tour in Chapultepec Castle & around (with transport): $72
  • 100% private tour in Guadalupe's Basilica with transport: $80

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Ship to Brightline Orlando Train Station : $171
  • Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $19
    Cape Canaveral $13

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 Mexico City and Cape Canaveral, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Mexico City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mexico City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mexico City 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral than you might in Mexico City.

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 Cape Canaveral Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Cape Canaveral?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 1120 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Cape Canaveral, 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.