A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Hilton Head Island for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Hilton Head Island? 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 vibrant, dynamic, and colorful 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Mexico City and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is terrific for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilton Head Island makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Mexico City is a must-see party destination. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

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

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Hilton Head Island make for a nice place to visit.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Mexico City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Mexico City or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Hilton Head Island are reasonable when it comes to 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Both Mexico City and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is a popular place to visit. Mexico City is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the resort-filled destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town 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 Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the resort-filled coastal town of Hilton Head Island. 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 Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Hilton Head Island?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Hilton Head Island, 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.