Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas 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.
Should I visit Mexico City or Las Vegas? 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 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.
Las Vegas is a glamourous, ritzy, and colorful entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Las Vegas travel costs.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions, music, and resorts, while Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and big city activities. Las Vegas is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Mexico City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Mexico City is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Las Vegas is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Mexico City is not a theatre destination.
The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Mexico City is not a theatre destination.
Both Mexico City and Las Vegas offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.
For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.
Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
Both Mexico City and Las Vegas have amazing vibes after the sun sets.
Mexico City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.
People head to Las Vegas just to party. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Las Vegas is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Mexico City is not a resort destination.
Mexico City is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Mexico City and Las Vegas.
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.
Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Mexico City is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Las Vegas is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
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.
Mexico City is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.
Mexico City is notable for students. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Mexico City is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors to Mexico City can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Both Mexico City and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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.
People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy entertainment capital of Las Vegas. 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.
People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the ritzy big city of Las Vegas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This entertainment capital 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.
People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the sexy entertainment capital of Las Vegas. 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.
Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Las Vegas. 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 entertainment capital.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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 Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Las Vegas? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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.
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Las Vegas, 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.