Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Rotterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Mexico City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Rotterdam travel costs.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.
Rotterdam and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Rotterdam
Pros- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.
How is Rotterdam different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Rotterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.
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.
Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.
Is the Food Better in Rotterdam or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotterdam makes for a great culinary experience. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains. The city is also known for its food halls, which provide a variety of gourmet flavors from around the globe.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.
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.
Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam 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.
Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.
Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Families?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Both Rotterdam and Mexico City are superb family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.
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 Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Rotterdam and Mexico City both nice destinations for a couple.
Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.
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 Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Mexico City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Students?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
For students, both Rotterdam and Mexico City are superb places to visit.
Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.
Mexico City is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Rotterdam and Mexico City both offer superb public transit to get you around.
Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.
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.
Is Rotterdam or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Rotterdam
Mexico City
Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.
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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Rotterdam?
How long in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
In either Rotterdam or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Rotterdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mexico City 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 Rotterdam 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.
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How many days in Rotterdam or Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayRotterdam 1-3Mexico City 3-5
One day in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Rotterdam is a modern port city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Mexico City. 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.
A weekend in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Rotterdam is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This port 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Mexico City. 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.
Five days in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
The modern port city of Rotterdam 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.
You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Mexico City. 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.
A week in Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Rotterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesMexico City Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam €191Mexico City €181
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €191, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €181. 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 Rotterdam and Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam €77Mexico City €33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam €154Mexico City €66
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Mexico City? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam €26Mexico City €10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $89
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $96
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $89
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $95
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) Private Transfer to Rotterdam/Amsterdam: $35
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $278
- Private transfer: Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in The Hague: $267
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Leiden: $262
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $286
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $267
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
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Metro€0.93
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Uber Ride€3.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Visit with Transfer: $599
- Teotihuacan: Private Balloon Flight with optional Transfer: $293
- Shared Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with transfer: $274
- Mexico Airport (MEX) Tecozautla - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $252
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Mexico Airport(MEX) to Chignahuapan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $236
- CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $219
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $216
- Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $203
- Private Transfer from Mexico City to Pachuca: $192
- Private Transfer from Pachuca to Mexico City: $192
- Private Departure Transfer from Toluca City hotels to Toluca airport: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Rotterdam 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
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Food Meals for one dayRotterdam €93Mexico City €37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $81
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
- Rotterdam City Center Food Tour: $89
- Food Tour by Bike: $105
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $131
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $286
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€10
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Coffee and Snacks€3.61
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Dinner for 2€21
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rotterdam €32Mexico City €12
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Unique Bike Adventure Gouda: cheese, snacks, drinks and lunch!: $83
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $195
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $165
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Best of small-group walking tour: $106
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $113
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $59
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.94
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $35
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
- Hiking Tour on the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano from Puebla (private): $176
- Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $180
- Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
- Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
- Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
- Private Walking Tour Gems of the Historic Center of Mexico City: $131
- Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $279
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160
- Xochimilco Floating Gardens and Coyoacan Private Tour: $161
- "Guided Tour Plus" EN Ruins "TEMPLE MAJOR" with OFFICIAL GUIDES: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRotterdam €19Mexico City €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.40
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582
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 comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Mexico City, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Rotterdam is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Mexico City, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.