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

Should you visit Mexico City or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Santa Monica? 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 diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Mexico City and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Santa Monica, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Monica is known for its beaches. Santa Monica is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a popular place for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the 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.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Santa Monica?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica Better for Students?

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

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

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Mexico City and Santa Monica.

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 in Santa Monica is fairly effecient and thorough. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Mexico City or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Santa Monica?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Monica than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic town of Santa Monica. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Monica?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The funfilled town of Santa Monica offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

Mexico City is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Santa Monica?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Santa Monica, 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.