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

Should you visit Mexico City or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Saskatoon? 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 cultural, diverse, and vibrant 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.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a authentic, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Mexico City and Saskatoon: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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 Saskatoon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Saskatoon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Saskatoon is popular for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Mexico City different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Saskatoon. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.


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

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is a good destination for its old town. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Saskatoon?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly city. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Saskatoon make for a good 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.

Saskatoon is a nice destination for couples. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.


Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

Is Mexico City or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is a well-known place for students. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Mexico City has some very good public transit options. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.


Is Mexico City or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Saskatoon?

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

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Saskatoon. 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 Mexico City than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Mexico City or Saskatoon?

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 food when visiting the cultural city of Saskatoon. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Saskatoon?

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 food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Saskatoon. This city 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 Saskatoon?

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.

The authentic city of Saskatoon offers shopping and museums. 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 Saskatoon?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saskatoon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mexico City $212
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $38
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $76
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon


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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $12
    Saskatoon $32
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:

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer to Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Inbursa Aquarium optional Round trip transfer: $20
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure 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: $41
  • Toluca to Toluca Int Airport (TLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $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
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $14
    Saskatoon $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:

  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Children in Silence (Admission ticket): $1.36
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.57
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.57
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.57
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.47
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Skip the Line Tickets for Temple Major: $9.99
  • Night Tour of Mexico City Panoramic Ride on a Double-Decker Bus: $10
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $19
    Saskatoon $9.60

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 Saskatoon, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Saskatoon?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Saskatoon, 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.