Is Mexico Expensive?

Is Mexico expensive to visit?

Mexico is a moderately priced travel destination. Compared to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a very affordable country to visit. It's ranked in the top 10% of countries in North America for its affordability, and is comparable to places like Canada.

Because Mexico is a fairly popular destination, there are a number of great detstinations in the country that attract visitors. Some of the more expensive places to visit in Mexico include Cabo San Lucas, Isla Mujeres, and Mexico City. For more affordable options, you can visit Oaxaca de Juarez, Playa del Carmen, and Acapulco de Juarez.


Average daily price of selected cities in Mexico, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Mexico City $230
Isla Mujeres $178
Cabo San Lucas $173
Cancun $166
Veracruz $156
Guadalajara $150
Tulum $144
Ensenada $125
San Cristobal de Las Casas $116
Merida $107
Mazatlan $102
Acapulco de Juarez $100
Playa del Carmen $97
Oaxaca de Juarez $56


Veracruz, Mexico

How expensive is Mexico?

On average, visitors spend about $148 per day during their visit to Mexico (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Mexico here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Mexico?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Mexico costs around $1,038 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,076.

How expensive is a two week trip to Mexico?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Mexico will cost around $2,076 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $4,153.

How expensive is a month long trip to Mexico?

On average, a one month trip to Mexico costs about $4,449 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $8,898.



Cancun, Mexico

Is it expensive to backpack in Mexico?

Mexico is a popular backpacker destination with more than 550 hostels around the country. Hostels cost, on average, $16 per night for a dorm. (See hostel prices in Mexico here.) In particular, many backpackers head to Mexico City, Puerto Escondido, and San Cristobal de Las Casas. You'll find the most expensive hostels in San Jose del Cabo, Monterrey, and Isla Mujeres, which average $28, $24, and $22 a night. The cheapest hostels are in Valladolid, Puebla, and San Cristobal de Las Casas which average $12, $11, and $10 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Mexico.

  • $15 for a dorm bed at Suites DF Hostel in Mexico City
  • $9 for a dorm bed at Tower Bridge Hostel in Puerto Escondido
  • $12 for a dorm bed at Puerta Vieja Hostel in San Cristobal de las Casas

Where to find affordable hostels in Mexico
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Mexico City 81 $19
Puerto Escondido 64 $15
San Cristobal de Las Casas 46 $10
Tulum 39 $15
Guadalajara 33 $15
Cancun 29 $17
Playa del Carmen 28 $17
Bacalar 23 $15
Merida 23 $16
Puebla 22 $11
Valladolid 20 $12
Puerto Vallarta 19 $19
Isla Holbox 13 $20
Isla Mujeres 8 $22
Cozumel 8 $14
Queretaro 7 $14
Monterrey 7 $24
Guanajuato 7 $17
La Paz 6 $17
San Miguel de Allende 6 $14
Tepoztlan 5 $18
San Jose del Cabo 5 $28

Are hotels expensive in Mexico?

When analyzing the price of hotels in Mexico, they're generally moderately priced compared to the rest of the world. The average price is $114 per night for a decent hotel room. Keep in mind that places like Cabo San Lucas are more expensive, averaging around $335 per night. But fear not, there are budget-friendly destinations like San Cristobal de Las Casas where you can book a room for an average of $44 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Mexico
City Average Hotel Price
Cabo San Lucas $335
Isla Mujeres $199
Playa del Carmen $195
Puerto Vallarta $184
Mazatlan $176
Mexico City $93
Oaxaca de Juarez $84
Merida $80
Guadalajara $66
Veracruz $54
San Cristobal de Las Casas $44

Blvd Manuel Avila Camacho, Veracruz
Overall Rating 8.7
Carretera Tulum a Boca Paila Km 8.2, Tulum
Overall Rating 8.7


Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Mexico?

Activities and things to do in Mexico can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $26 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

  • VIP Cenotes Private Tour: $225
  • Bestseller! Tulum Private Tour with Turtles and Cenote Snorkeling: $274
  • Private Tour to Tulum, Cenote and Swimming with Turtles: $297
  • Teotihuacán: Private Tour from Mexico City: $140
  • Private Cenotes tour: $245
  • Private Tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman and Valladolid: $230
  • Birdwatching in Sian Ka´an Muyil from Tulum - Shared Group Tour: $119
  • Private Coba & Cenotes tour: $245

Is food expensive in Mexico?

Food in Mexico can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $49 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa Maya: $75
  • Oaxacan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $87
  • PRIVATE Mexico City Cooking Class with Culinary Historian Lucia: $129
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour: $99
  • Coyoacan Food Tour: $110
  • Traditional Mexican Cooking Class: $134


Guadalajara, Mexico

Is transportation expensive in Mexico?

Local transportation in Mexico can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $20 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Mexico can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $96 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Mexico

If you're planning a trip to Mexico, check out these other informative travel guides.



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.



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