Comparison · Medellín vs Mexico City · Colombia / Mexico
Medellín vs Mexico City
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Juan Gómez, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Medellín for Eternal spring climate, Metrocable, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter; choose Mexico City for Tacos al pastor, National Museum of Anthropology and free sights. Medellín is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,938 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,938 km
- Less expensive
- Medellín
- Best time for Medellín
- June–August and December–February
- Best time for Mexico City
- March–April and October–November
Side by side
| Medellín | Mexico City | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Colombia | Mexico |
| Known for | Eternal spring climate, Metrocable and Comuna 13 | Tacos al pastor, National Museum of Anthropology and Frida Kahlo |
| Best time to visit | June–August and December–February | March–April and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$150 | $120–$220 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | January, 28°C (82°F) | April, 27°C (81°F) |
| Coldest month | October, 27°C (81°F) | December, 21°C (70°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MDE, EOH | MEX, NLU, TLC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Medellín for…
Eternal spring climate, Metrocable, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter. Medellín fills the narrow Aburrá Valley at about 1,500 metres, which gives it mild weather all year and the nickname 'City of Eternal Spring'. Colombia's second city is known for its transformation since the 1990s: a clean metro system with cable cars…
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Choose Mexico City for…
Tacos al pastor, National Museum of Anthropology and free sights. Mexico City sits at about 2,240 metres in a high valley ringed by volcanoes, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Its historic centre around the Zócalo holds the Templo Mayor ruins, the cathedral and Diego Rivera's murals, while Chapultepec…
Top sights compared
| # | Medellín | Mexico City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plaza Botero | Zócalo |
| 2 | Museo de Antioquia | Metropolitan Cathedral |
| 3 | Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe | Templo Mayor |
| 4 | Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators | National Palace murals |
| 5 | Metrocable ride | Palacio de Bellas Artes |
Food compared
| Medellín | Mexico City |
|---|---|
| Bandeja paisa | Tacos al pastor |
| Arepa paisa | Chilaquiles |
| Arepa de chócolo | Tamales and atole |
| Mondongo | Tlacoyos |
Which is cheaper?
Medellín is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $80–$150 per person there, against $120–$220 in Mexico City (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Medellín on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,938 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Medellín or Mexico City cheaper?
Medellín is usually less expensive: about $80–$150 a day mid-range against $120–$220 (estimates).
+Is Medellín or Mexico City better for a first trip?
Pick Medellín for Eternal spring climate, Metrocable, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter, or Mexico City for Tacos al pastor, National Museum of Anthropology and free sights.
+How far is Medellín from Mexico City?
About 2,938 km in a straight line.