How expensive is Mexico? How much money do I need for Mexico?
How much does a trip to Mexico cost? Is Mexico cheap or expensive? The average Mexico trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Mexico prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel.
Accommodation Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Mexico is M$854. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Mexico is M$1,708. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mexico? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Mexico is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent M$345 per person, per day, on local transportation in Mexico.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
M$345
Typical prices for Transportation in Mexico are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Mexico, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Intercity Transportation Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Transportation between cities and towns in Mexico costs an average of M$1,624, based on spending from travelers. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
-
Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
M$1,624
How much does it cost to go to Mexico? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Mexico will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Intercity Transportation in Mexico are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Intercity Transportation prices in Mexico, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Scooter Rental
M$350
-
Car Rental
M$700
Food Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Mexico can vary, the average cost of food in Mexico is M$504 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Mexico should cost around M$202 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Mexico is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
M$504
Typical prices for Food in Mexico are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Mexico, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Dinner for 2
M$455
-
Mexican Chips
M$7.00
-
Ice Cream
M$22
-
Lunch for Two
M$350
-
Lunch for Two
M$108
-
Coffee and Snacks
M$78
-
Lunch for Two
M$221
-
Lunch
M$50
Entertainment Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Mexico typically cost an average of M$432 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
M$432
Typical prices for Entertainment in Mexico are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Mexico, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Mexico is M$78, as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
M$78
Alcohol Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about M$301 on alcoholic beverages in Mexico per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
M$301
Water Budget in Mexico
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend M$30 on bottled water in Mexico per day. The public water in Mexico is considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
M$30
Typical prices for Water in Mexico are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in Mexico, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Water
M$50
-
Water
M$18
-
Water
M$9.50
-
Water
M$25
-
Bottled Water
M$13
Last Updated: Feb 28, 2023
Mexico On a Budget
Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico is a convenient destination for Americans and Canadians looking to find warm weather and tropical beaches. For decades, this country has been popular as a spring break destination. College kids head to its beaches to cut loose and have fun. Popular cities like Cancun, Cozumel and Acapulco have long been the destination for American youth looking to have a good time, but while Mexico is known for its beach resorts, there really is so much more. If you take the time to head inland, you can explore its villages and cities. From the mountains, to the tropical beaches, to the jungle, there are plenty of undiscovered areas still to be found. Hit up a festival. Drive through the countryside. Stop by an undiscovered restaurant. Get off the tourist trail and you'll see this country has so much more to offer.
Mexican food has spread throughout North America. Everyone craves tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, but nothing can top the experience of eating the food in the country where it originated. Food stands abound in most cities and towns. The food is typically quite fresh and delicious and when you're on the coast, seafood is the most common food of choice.
Mexico can be an expensive destination, particularly if you stick to the resorts and package tourism areas. If you venture a little farther off the beaten path then you'll likely save yourself a little money while you have a more adventurous experience. Stay at locally owned hotels and skip the large resort options and your money will go a lot farther and stay within the local economy. Likewise, restaurants that are targeted specifically at tourists are often far more expensive than local options. Stick to where the locals eat you you'll save yourself a good amount of money. Also try picking up some food in the markets. The food is often fresh and far cheaper than the options that are available in sit down restaurants.
Also remember to negotiate prices. This is particularly true with taxis. Drivers often refuse to use their meters, so you'll do better to agree on a set price before you even get in the vehicle.
At A Glance
- If you're going to spend any time on the Caribbean coast you are better off avoiding the hurricane season, which is during the fall months. If a hurricane hits the area during your scheduled trip you'll almost guaranteed to have to cancel. If you do decide to travel during this time make sure you have good travel insurance.
- Many of the best roads in Mexico are toll roads. These roads are usually in good condition and allow for the shortest travel time. You can expect to pay anywhere from 400 to 800 pesos to travel on a toll road with a private vehicle. If you're taking a bus, only the more expensive buses use the toll roads, as this fee is included in the price of your ticket.
- If you're traveling between cities by bus, you want to take the express bus. These buses are called directo throughout the country and they are much faster and more efficient than the local options, which stop in all of the small towns along the way.
- If you have money that you want to exchange for Mexican pesos it is best not to do this in your hotel. The rates in hotels are usually outrageously high. There are often places around town where you can exchange money. If you have a banking card, ATMs almost always give the best rate, but this does vary by bank.
- There are any number of activities to do in Mexico. On the coast you can enjoy surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. It can be cheaper to wait until you arrive in the country as the prices will be a lot less, but you run the risk of some activities being sold out. Many hotels can organize activities and tours, but ask around because the rate is usually better outside of your hotel, particularly if you're staying at a resort.
Related
Looking for a
party hostel in Mexico? Heading to
San Diego or
LA?
Top Tourist Attractions
Dias des los Muertos: Head to this festival in Oaxaca for one of the best examples of the
Day of the Dead Festival in Mexico. It is celebrated at the end of October and is a time when Mexican families remember those who have died. Gifts are often left on graves and prayers are said for those who are deceased.
Palenque: This archaeological site in Chiapas, although smaller than some other sites throughout the country, is a wonderful example of Mayan architecture. It dates back to 100BC and is and impressive sight to see.
Copper Canyon: This is a network of canyons that, when combined, are larger than the Grand Canyon. They are located in the southwest portion of the state of Chihuahua and offer stunning views and breathtaking scenery.
Popular Foods
Mexican food has a lot of regional specialties which you will become familiar with as you travel through the area. In the north most dishes are meat based, and many of the options are influenced by American cuisine. In the central areas most dishes are corn based while in the southeast they are spicier and made with chicken and vegetables. Along the coast you will find a lot of seafood options. For yet even more information about the cuisine, make sure you read this
authentic Mexican food guide which covers everything, or read on for a few highlights.
Tamales: Tamales are a corn and meat based dish that is either steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper and served with sauce. It's popular in most Mexican restaurants and makes a good lunch or dinner option.
Quesadillas: Quesadillas are a flour or corn tortilla that is typically filled with cheese and a meat or vegetables. They're common throughout Mexican and are also available in most restaurants abroad as well. They're a simple dish to prepare but can be quite good.
Tacos: Perhaps the most popular food option, tacos are made with a corn or wheat shell that is filled with meat or beans and served with cheese and vegetables. You can typically pick up several at food stands anywhere in the country for a very low cost. They're a great option for a filling but cheap lunch.
