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

Should you visit Stockholm or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Mexico City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a safe, expensive, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Stockholm is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Stockholm travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Stockholm and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Stockholm or Mexico City?

Both Mexico City and Stockholm have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Stockholm is more popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Stockholm is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Stockholm different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.


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

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm 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.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Music?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Stockholm or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Stockholm or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Stockholm is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in Europe.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Families?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm 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, Stockholm is a very family-friendly destination. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Stockholm makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.


Is Stockholm or Mexico City Better for Students?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Mexico City is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Stockholm or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Stockholm
Mexico City

Stockholm is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Stockholm. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only 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 Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Mexico City?

In either Stockholm or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stockholm 2-7 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm is a safe city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

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 Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm is a clean big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm is a expensive city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the diverse 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 Stockholm or Mexico City?

Stockholm is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the live music. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Stockholm?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Stockholm Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Stockholm $224
    Mexico City $212

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $224, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. 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 Stockholm and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $110
    Mexico City $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $220
    Mexico City $76
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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.

Hotels in Stockholm


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $23
    Mexico City $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm- Private transfer to/from Arlanda Airport and city: $137
  • Stockholm- Private transfer to/from Arlanda Airport and city: $129
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port - Departure Private Transfer: $107
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Skavsta Airport: $279
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Bromma Airport: $96
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Bromma airport: $99
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Arlanda airport: $134
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Bromma Airport (BMA) to City centre or Port: $101
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) to Stockholm Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $192
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm City - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Stockholm Airport (ARN): Transfer to Stockholm city/port: $221

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 Stockholm or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Stockholm 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
    Stockholm $71
    Mexico City $43
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.

  • Boat Trip to Exe Ericson Mural & Pizza: $21
  • City Cruise with Fresh Pizza: $32
  • Stockholm Pizza Cruise - Explore Stockholm's Waterways: $32
  • Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
  • Hard Rock Cafe Stockholm Lunch or Dinner: $40
  • Food Tour: $117
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $120
  • Secret Walking Food Tour Stockholm Old Town: $124
  • Stockholm Small Group Food Tour with 7 Classic Food Tastings: $149
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $154
  • Evening Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner from Stockholm: $158
  • Stockholm Dinner Experience: $164

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.
    Stockholm $29
    Mexico City $14

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Deluxe Stockholm Tour with Vasa Museum from Cruise Port : $80
  • Junibacken Stockholm Walking Tour Discovery: $108
  • Stockholm Fire and Ice Tour! Dive into Swedish lifestyle! : $235
  • Stockholm Walking Private City Tour : $195
  • 1 day Sailing Adventure on Historic Tre Kronor: $257
  • 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $404
  • 2 Hour Escape Room City Walk and History Experience in Stockholm : $140
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Stockholm: $24
  • 3 Hours Guided Shopping Tour in Stockholm Thrifting Stores: $109
  • 3-4h Viking History Short Day Tour from Stockholm: $139
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $69
  • 5hs guided Sigtuna tour from Stockholm to Sigtuna incl. Wenngarn Castle.: $256

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
    Stockholm $30
    Mexico City $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $27
  • The Original Pub Crawl: $27
  • Stockholm New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl: $95
  • Private Pub Crawl Stockholm With VIP Entry: $211
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $335

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 Stockholm and Mexico City, we can see that Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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.