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

Should you visit Mexico City or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or The Hamptons? 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 colorful, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Mexico City and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mexico City than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mexico City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while The Hamptons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Mexico City different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

People head to Mexico City just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.


Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or The Hamptons?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Mexico City and The Hamptons.

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.

The Hamptons is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons More Beautiful?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.


Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

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

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a great destination for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options 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.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons Better for Students?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a great destination for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.


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

Mexico City
The Hamptons

Mexico City is a great destination for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Mexico City or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Mexico City
The Hamptons

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

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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 The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or The Hamptons?

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

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Mexico City or The Hamptons?

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 lavish beach destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 The Hamptons?

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 wealthy destination of The Hamptons. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This beach destination 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 The Hamptons?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. 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. Most people visit for the shopping. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mexico City $212
    The Hamptons $267

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $212, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $267. 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 The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $38
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $76
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or The Hamptons? 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 The Hamptons


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
    The Hamptons $63
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:

  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $90
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $101
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $90
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $101
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $203
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $107
  • CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $219
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $101
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Tecozautla - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $252
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Chignahuapan - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Tecozautla - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
  • Mexico Airport(MEX) to Chignahuapan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $236

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $104
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
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
  • 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
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mexico City $14
    The Hamptons $22

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
  • Museum Memory and Tolerance-Children in Silence ticket entry: $1.45
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $5.13
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.16
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.59
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.59
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.51
  • La Roma's Famous Sights and Local Lore: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Guided tour POR the Basilica DE Guadalupe with architect: $8.34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mexico City $19
    The Hamptons $31

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
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • 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 The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mexico City or The Hamptons?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 2730 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and The Hamptons, 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.