Cabo San Lucas is a scenic city known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Cabo San Lucas, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Cabo San Lucas?
You should plan to spend around $150 (MX$2,930) per day on your vacation in Cabo San Lucas. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $75 (MX$1,464) on meals
- $24 (MX$464) on local transportation
- $108 (MX$2,113) on hotels
A one week trip to Cabo San Lucas for two people costs, on average, $2,103 (MX$41,020). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,052
MX$20,510
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,103
MX$41,020
-
One Month
Per person
$4,507
MX$87,900
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,103
MX$41,020
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,206
MX$82,040
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,014
MX$175,800
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cabo San Lucas cost?
A one week trip to Cabo San Lucas usually costs around $1,052 (MX$20,510) for one person and $2,103 (MX$41,020) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cabo San Lucas on average costs around $2,103 (MX$41,020) for one person and $4,206 (MX$82,040) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cabo San Lucas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cabo San Lucas on average costs around $4,507 (MX$87,900) for one person and $9,014 (MX$175,800) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cabo San Lucas expensive to visit?
Cabo San Lucas is a terrific city that brings in many travelers, showcasing a range of travel styles and spending choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Cabo San Lucas can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $59 (MX$1,149) per day, mid-range travelers spend $150 (MX$2,930) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $386 (MX$7,538) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cabo San Lucas.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cabo San Lucas is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cabo San Lucas?
The average Cabo San Lucas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cabo San Lucas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cabo San Lucas cost?
Cabo San Lucas on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$21
(MX$411)
|
$54
(MX$1,056)
|
$142
(MX$2,762)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$9
(MX$173)
|
$24
(MX$464)
|
$68
(MX$1,325)
|
|
Food2
|
$30
(MX$578)
|
$75
(MX$1,464)
|
$190
(MX$3,700)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$15
(MX$290)
|
$36
(MX$710)
|
$85
(MX$1,651)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$5-14
(MX$90-270)
|
$12-36
(MX$236-709)
|
$33-100
(MX$647-1,941)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Cabo San Lucas without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $59 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Cabo San Lucas has plenty of hostels like Mayan Monkey Los Cabos and Sofia Hostel Cabo. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited. While food is a highlight for many in Cabo San Lucas, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Cabo San Lucas will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $150 per person, per day.
Cabo San Lucas offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. San Angel Suites is an excellent choice, while Marisol Boutique Hotel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Cabo San Lucas.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $386 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private RoundTrip from Airport to Hotels to Cabo San Lucas Zone 3 - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cabo San Lucas
The hotel prices in Cabo San Lucas might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $335, but during peak winter season, expect to pay around $625. Prices vary from $94 to $2,051, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cabo San Lucas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $108 (MX$2,113). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $54 (MX$1,056) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cabo San Lucas include:
- Villa la Estancia Beach Resort & Spa starting at $234
- Casa Natalia Los Cabos starting at $169
- Alegranza Luxury Resort - All Master Suite starting at $275
- Cabo Azul Resort By Diamond Resorts starting at $197
- Medano Hotel and Suites starting at $117
Thanks to Cabo San Lucas's great public transit, staying outside the city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
Cabo San Lucas is a very family friendly city. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space.
In this city, you'll have a variety of resorts to select from. You might find accommodations that include meals, or at least breakfast, with many having onsite dining.
If your visit to Cabo San Lucas lasts a week or longer, staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen might make sense for preparing your own meals.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than winter, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Walking is a popular way to explore Cabo San Lucas, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
The city's old town is a significant attraction for travelers. Although hotels in this area may be more expensive, they usually feature plenty of character and easy access to all that the area has to offer.
Transportation Budget in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has a good public transit system that reaches some of the major sights. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go if it's conveniently located to where you're going. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $24 (MX$464) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cabo San Lucas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cabo San Lucas is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
MX$464
Most people use taxis to get around Cabo. They are usually abundant and easy to find. They are also reasonable in cost. It's also possible to rent a car. There are plenty of rental agencies around town, and this option gives you more freedom and flexibility with your travel plans. A more interesting and unique option for transportation is to rent a BMW motorcycle. There are also scooters for rent as well. It's great to rent a bike and head out of town to experience some of the countryside. You should only rent a vehicle if you're experienced with driving in Mexico and you are fluent in Spanish. You will need to get third party liability insurance.
There are also many public buses in the area. The most convenient bus for tourists goes between Cabo San Lucas and the airport. It runs every 20 minutes during daytime hours and is 35 Peso. Shared and private transportation options are also available through a variety of companies.
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport for $210 details
- Cabo San Lucas Affordable Luxury Transfers for $145 details
- Private Airport Transfer Reliable, English, Rescue Dog Copilot! For $94 details
How much does it cost to go to Cabo San Lucas? 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 Cabo San Lucas 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.
Food Budget in Cabo San Lucas
The cuisine in Cabo San Lucas is amazing, and you definitely want to take the time to sample all the local flavors. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cabo San Lucas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cabo San Lucas is $75 (MX$1,464) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$75
MX$1,464
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cabo San Lucas is around $75 (MX$1464) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $190. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cabo San Lucas are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $23 to $53
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Cabo is a "high end" tourist destination, and as such there are plenty of fine dining options available. You'll find everything from French cuisine to Italian, sushi, and steak. Of course, there is also plenty of Mexican food and seafood. Some of the more expensive and popular restaurants can get crowded and require reservations. There are also some great casual restaurants where you can enjoy fajitas, tacos, or other typical and classic Mexican dishes. Plenty of markets and grocery stores are also in the area if you plan to cook your own meals. Check out La Comer in Cabo which has everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and other necessities.
When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Cabo San Lucas, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Cabo San Lucas Food Tour for $74 details
- Love is in the air! Private horseback ride on the beach and sunset dinner! For $280 details
- Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo for $90 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cabo San Lucas
It's not a shock that Cabo San Lucas draws crowds, as it is known for its nightlife, romance, food, and resorts.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cabo San Lucas typically cost an average of $36 (MX$710) 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.
$36
MX$710
Cabo San Lucas is filled with character. There are plenty of natural attractions and monuments in the area, but most people visit for the beaches.
Land's End is a great place to visit with excellent views. There are large rock formations that have been carved by the wind and water. It's possible to walk here during low tide along Playa del Amante. Also make sure you check out the Church of San Luca and the Cultural Center in town so you can understand some of the history in the area.
If you're in town between the months of January and March then you must go whale watching. It's easy to find a boat and the sight is very impressive.
Water sports are abundant in Cabo San Lucas. Scuba diving is particularly good and there plenty of dive shops to choose from. Snorkeling is also an option.
Cabo is also considered a top fishing destination in the world. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo are all common in the waters where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. There are large charter boats and prices and trip length can vary.
Other interesting things to do in Cabo San Lucas include boat trips, buggy rides, and hiking. With enough activities for every member of the family, no one will be bored here!
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Many travelers consider scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas to be a must-do activity. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.
Beaches:
Relaxing on the beach is a top reason many visit Cabo San Lucas. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.
Historical Sights:
Visitors love to explore the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.
Hiking:
Adventurers will find the hiking around Cabo San Lucas to be excellent. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cabo San Lucas. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hidden Waterfalls Hiking Adventure for $180 details
- Cabo Migrino Beach & Desert Tour (Single UTV) for $205 details
- Private Can-am X3 turbo experience + Tequila Tasting for $250 details
Nightlife Budget in Cabo San Lucas
The nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $24 (MX$473) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cabo San Lucas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$24
MX$473
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Cabo San Lucas. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo for $280 details
- Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo for $60 details
- Los Cabos: Bar Crawl for $80 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 27, 2025
Traveling in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas ("Cabo") is on the far southern end of the Baja Peninsula. It has countless resorts and activities for visitors. There are world class golf courses, fine dining options, and five star resorts. Prior to the 1980s, Cabo was a quiet fishing village but with the construction of a nearby airport in 1977, the city rapidly grew into one of Mexico's most popular resort vacation spots. Today, Cabo has one of the country's most vibrant nightlife scenes. It also has plenty of water sport activities, and a great beach scene.
Cabo San Lucas has a tropical desert climate. Winter is the high season and you can expect large crowds between the months of November and February. Nighttime low temperatures rarely drop below the 50s Fahrenheit and summer temperatures can climb into the 90s Fahrenheit. Sea temperatures in the winter months are in the low 70s Fahrenheit and during the summer they are in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Rain and humidity are at their highest between the months of July and September. Hurricanes are not uncommon and it is best to plan your vacations around this time.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cabo is divided into three different areas. San Jose del Cabo is known as the "Old Town". This area has old world Mexican charm intermingled with new, high end resorts. It's also the area closest to the airport.
The "Main Town" is further from the airport and houses most of the entertainment options in town. There's plenty of nightlife and shopping here, as well as the famous arch.
The highway connecting the two areas is known as "the corridor". It is lined with golf courses, new condos, and resorts along the coastline.
Related
Looking for a
party hostel in Mexico? Heading to
San Diego or
LA?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
We loved our trip to Cabo, but it's not a cheap place to go. The resort hotels are all high in price, but they are also really nice. The food can also be expensive at a lot of the resorts and nearby restaurants. I think you can do better if you find more of the local restaurants a bit back from the main stretch.