Travel Budget for Mexico City Visit Mexico City on a Budget or Travel in Style

Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Mexico City is a colorful city known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. 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. This will help you plan the best trip to Mexico City and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Mexico City?

You should plan to spend around $189 (MX$3,907) per day on your vacation in Mexico City. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $38 (MX$792) on meals
  • $11 (MX$220) on local transportation
  • $68 (MX$1,407) on hotels

A one week trip to Mexico City for two people costs, on average, $2,645 (MX$54,698). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $189
    MX$3,907
  • One Week Per person
    $1,323
    MX$27,349
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,645
    MX$54,698
  • One Month Per person
    $5,668
    MX$117,210
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,645
    MX$54,698
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,290
    MX$109,396
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,336
    MX$234,420
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Mexico City cost?

A one week trip to Mexico City usually costs around $1,323 (MX$27,349) for one person and $2,645 (MX$54,698) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Mexico City on average costs around $2,645 (MX$54,698) for one person and $5,290 (MX$109,396) 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 Mexico City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Mexico City on average costs around $5,668 (MX$117,210) for one person and $11,336 (MX$234,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Mexico City expensive to visit?

Mexico City is a large and exciting city where activities abound. You'll meet travelers with all kinds of budgets and styles, each finding their own way to enjoy this fantastic spot. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

While Mexico City can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $66 (MX$1,375) per day, mid-range travelers spend $189 (MX$3,907) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $618 (MX$12,780) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mexico City.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Mexico City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Jekyll Island or Durango.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mexico City Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Mexico City?

The average Mexico City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mexico City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mexico City cost?

Mexico City on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$13
(MX$271)
$34
(MX$703)
$91
(MX$1,883)
Local Transportation 1 $4
(MX$84)
$11
(MX$220)
$29
(MX$603)
Food 2 $14
(MX$290)
$38
(MX$792)
$113
(MX$2,333)
Entertainment 1 $5
(MX$103)
$12
(MX$253)
$29
(MX$593)
Alcohol 2 $3-10
(MX$67-202)
$8-25
(MX$172-515)
$21-64
(MX$440-1,319)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Mexico City on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $66 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Mexico City is home to plenty of hostels, including Suites DF Hostel, Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral, and Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities. The city also offers superb public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxis and Ubers. Visitors to Mexico City often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Mexico City to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $189 per person, per day.

In Mexico City, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Historico Central is a fantastic option for families, and Casa Comtesse is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Mexico City here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $618. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Teotihuacan Private Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Mexico City

In Mexico City, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak winter season. Off-season prices average around $63, but in peak season, they can average around $118. Prices generally range from $32 to $243, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Mexico City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $68 (MX$1,407). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $34 (MX$703) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $34
    MX$703
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $68
    MX$1,407

Hotels in Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Mexico City

The average hotel room price in Mexico City based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $63 in the low season and $118 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mexico City include:

  • Hotel Historico Central starting at $114
  • Hacienda Pena Pobre starting at $89
  • Isaaya Hotel Boutique by WTC starting at $111
  • Casa Mali by Dominion Boutique Hotel starting at $169
  • Hotel Zocalo Central starting at $124
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Mexico City

In the bustling city of Mexico City, you'll find a range of accommodations. You can choose from hostels like Suites DF Hostel, vacation rentals, or high-end hotels. Expect to pay more if you want to stay close to the city center, but you'll benefit from easy access to public transportation and popular attractions.

Mexico City offers a great public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.

As a family-friendly city, Mexico City is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room. Rooms in a big city like this can be small and feel a little cramped.

With many people staying up to a week in Mexico City, it might be worth booking a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can prepare your own food.

By avoiding the peak winter season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.

The city's old town is a popular spot for tourists. Although hotels in this area might be more expensive, they often come with plenty of character and easy access to nearby attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Mexico City

In a large city like Mexico City, you'll need to think about how to get around. Fortunately, the city has a solid public transit system. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses. For a cost-effective option, stick to public transit, but you can also easily grab a taxi or rideshare when needed.

Unfortunately, many areas of the city do not support walking. 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.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $11 (MX$220) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mexico City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mexico City is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $11
    MX$220

Transportation Tips

If you'll be frequently using public transit, consider investing in multi-day transit passes to save some cash.

Stay vigilant against pickpockets on the buses and trains, and don't let your guard down in the stations. Mexico City is quite a big city.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private One way Transfer from Mexico Airport to Mexico City for $41 details
  • Club America Football match in Estadio Azul CDMX with transfer for $45 details
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV for $95 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Mexico City
How much does it cost to go to Mexico City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Mexico City
The price of renting a car in Mexico City 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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Mexico City?

The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Mexico City, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.


  • Metro
    MX$20
  • Uber Ride
    MX$70


Food Budget in Mexico City

The dining in Mexico City is truly world-class, and you should definitely experience it. Be sure to enjoy meals at local restaurants and sample some unique offerings. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Mexico City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mexico City is $38 (MX$792) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $38
    MX$792

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mexico City is around $38 (MX$792) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $113. 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 Mexico City are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $6 to $15
  • Dinner: $11 to $27
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Mexico is a large and diverse city and its restaurant scene can be quite diverse. In addition to the typical Mexican fare which you can find everywhere, there are international restaurants with cuisine from Poland, China, Japan, France, Italy, and Argentina among many others.

The most popular restaurant neighborhoods are found in Polanco, Condesa and Roma, Centro, Zona Rosa, and along Avenida Insurgentes from Viaducto to Copilco. There is also a growing scene in Santa Fe.

Food in Mexico City

Food & Dining Tips

To save money, consider dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many establishments in tourist districts or business areas feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often just more affordable and smaller versions of their dinner selections. With a bit of searching, you could enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a reasonable price. Then, just have a light dinner.

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.

Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.

Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Mexico City, 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:

  • Food Tour with home made food (my home is your home) for $78 details
  • Market Tour and Home Cooking Class in Mexico City with Margarita for $134 details
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Mexico City at Margarita's Home for $128 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Mexico City?

Below are some standard food costs in Mexico City, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Lunch for Two
    MX$221
  • Coffee and Snacks
    MX$78
  • Dinner for 2
    MX$455


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mexico City

The allure of Mexico City is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mexico City typically cost an average of $12 (MX$253) 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.
    $12
    MX$253

Many of the city's major sights and landmarks are found in the downtown area. This part of the city dates back to the pre-Columbian 12th century, so there are countless historical buildings. Popular landmarks in Mexico City include Plaza de la Constitucion, La Catedral, Angel de la Independencia, Basilica de Guadalupe, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, and Plaza Garibaldi-Mariachi.

Popular parks in the city include Chapultepec Park and Zoo, Xochimilco, Parque Mexico and Parque Espana, and Viveros de Coyoacan.

Popular museums include the National Museum of Anthropology, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, the Museum of Modern Art, Dolores Olmedo Museum, the Fine Arts Palace Museum, Rufino Tamayo Museum, and Jose Luis Cuevas Museum, among many others.



There are countless activities that you can enjoy while you're in Mexico City. Many of them are quite affordable, especially if you're backpacking through Mexico. Sporting events include soccer or baseball games, both of which are thrilling and adrenaline filled. Estadio Azteca is the biggest soccer stadium in the world and was built for the 1968 Olympic Games. It seats 129,300 people and is home to Club America, which is one of the most famous soccer clubs in Mexico. Other stadiums and arenas around town include Estadio Olimpico de Ciudad Universitaria, Foro Sol, Palacio de los Deportes, Arena Ciudad de Mexico, and Estadio Azul.

There are several amusement parks in the city as well including Six Flags Mexico and La Feria de Chapultepec. Seasonal festivals include Independence Day "Yell", the Independence Parade, the Day of the Dead, and Wise Men's Day.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Mexico City is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. 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.

Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Mexico City is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:

  • Teotihuacán: Private Tour from Mexico City for $111 details
  • Balloon flight with pyramids tour and transportation from Mexico City for $108 details
  • Tacos Unlimited: Mezcal or Wine Experience in Polanco! For $49 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Mexico City

The nightlife in Mexico City is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $17 (MX$343) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mexico City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $17
    MX$343

Nightlife in Mexico City

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Mexico City. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours for $120 details
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown for $49 details
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl for $22 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 30, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Mexico City

  • Peak season in winter often means inflated prices and a busy city. You can save some money and skip the crowds by opting for the shoulder or low seasons for your visit.
  • Mexico City is expansive, which means you can usually find different price points for hotels, food, and entertainment. To save some money, look for the best deals, book ahead, and explore free options.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Going on a trip with little ones? You'll likely want a private vehicle or taxi. It can be much simpler to dodge the challenges of public transport, but keep in mind that it might cost a bit more.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Mexico City.

What makes Mexico City a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We found a pretty cheap hotel that was still somewhat nice, so that made out budget go further. The local restaurants here are also terrific, and much less than in the more touristy areas of the country. Make sure you check out the street food options because they are so cheap but delicious and filling, too.

bryce_051
-
Jul 11 2023
Traveling in Mexico City
Mexico City Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world. There are an estimated 26 million people living in the greater Mexico City metropolitan area. The area is about 60 kilometers by 40 kilometers and is surrounded by tall mountains and volcanoes on three sides. Mexico City proper has about 8.8 million people and is the capital of the country. More than a third of the country's economy is based here, making it the wealthiest city in all of Latin America.

The city's climate can be divided into two seasons. The dry season is between November and April and the rainy season is between May and October. The spring months are usually warm and the summer months have frequent rain, particularly in the afternoons. The winter months can be quite cool with temperatures dropping to freezing at night or in the early morning.



Neighborhoods & Around

Mexico City is divided into many districts, some of which are more influential than others. Centro Historico is the original district of Mexico City. It includes Zocalo and Plaza de la Constitucion and has many colonial buildings of importance. Polanco is one of the wealthier residential neighborhoods that also has many embassies and some high end shopping. Zona Rosa has much of the city's entertainment, but it is also a business district. Many museums as well as much of the city's culture can be found in Coyoacan. Condesa and Roma have many of the area's trendy restaurants and clubs, as does the recently gentrified area known as San Angel.

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.