Cancun is an adventurous city known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. 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. Whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Cancun that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Cancun?
You should plan to spend around $140 (MX$2,817) per day on your vacation in Cancun. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $41 (MX$825) on meals
- $15 (MX$296) on local transportation
- $162 (MX$3,261) on hotels
A one week trip to Cancun for two people costs, on average, $1,955 (MX$39,438). 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
$977
MX$19,719
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,955
MX$39,438
-
One Month
Per person
$4,189
MX$84,510
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,955
MX$39,438
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,909
MX$78,876
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,377
MX$169,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cancun cost?
A one week trip to Cancun usually costs around $977 (MX$19,719) for one person and $1,955 (MX$39,438) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cancun on average costs around $1,955 (MX$39,438) for one person and $3,909 (MX$78,876) 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 Cancun will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cancun on average costs around $4,189 (MX$84,510) for one person and $8,377 (MX$169,020) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cancun expensive to visit?
Cancun is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Cancun can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $53 (MX$1,059) per day, mid-range travelers spend $142 (MX$2,817) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $400 (MX$7,958) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cancun.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cancun 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 Cancun Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cancun?
The average Cancun trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cancun travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cancun cost?
Cancun on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(MX$627)
|
$81
(MX$1,630)
|
$217
(MX$4,375)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(MX$109)
|
$15
(MX$296)
|
$43
(MX$863)
|
|
Food 2
|
$14
(MX$292)
|
$41
(MX$825)
|
$128
(MX$2,574)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(MX$227)
|
$29
(MX$589)
|
$78
(MX$1,564)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(MX$39-118)
|
$6-17
(MX$112-336)
|
$17-52
(MX$353-1,058)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cancun on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
Cancun on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $53 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Cancun is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool, Mayan Monkey Cancun, and Hostel Ka'beh Cancun. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Those traveling to Cancun often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $142 per person, per day.
Cancun offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Suites Sina is an excellent option for kids, and Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Cancun here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $400 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private SUV transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cancun
Hotel prices in Cancun can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak winter season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $118 up to around $220. From $42 for budget options to $564 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cancun for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $162 (MX$3,261). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 (MX$1,630) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cancun? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cancun include:
- La Villa du Golf a Cancun Hotel Boutique starting at $90
- TRS Coral Hotel - Adults Only - All Inclusive starting at $282
- Riu Palace Las Americas All Inclusive - Adults Only starting at $248
- Riu Dunamar All Inclusive starting at $177
- Riu Palace Costa Mujeres-All Inclusive starting at $231
Cancun's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
Cancun is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.
You can choose from several resorts in this city. Some may offer meals or at least breakfast, and many resorts have restaurants right on site.
Many people spend up to a week in Cancun. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip winter), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Walking is a common way to explore Cancun, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
Transportation Budget in Cancun
Cancun's public transit system connects to several major sights. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (MX$296) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cancun. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cancun is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
MX$296
Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer-Cancun Airport-Playa del Carmen One Way for $80 details
- Private Round Transfer Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. For $165 details
- One Way Private Transfer Cancun Int Airport-Cancun Hotel Zone for $50 details
How much does it cost to go to Cancun? 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 Cancun 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.
Some typical prices for transportation in Cancun are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Cancun. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Cancun
While the cuisine in Cancun is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the city. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cancun can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cancun is $41 (MX$825) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$41
MX$825
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cancun is around $41 (MX$825) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $130. 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 Cancun are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $12 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
As a tourist destination, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal in Cancun. Many are geared specifically to tourists, so prices reflect this. Seafood is readily available almost anywhere and it's it's usually fresh and good. There are also several sports bars, Italian restaurants, and chain restaurants for those who want a taste of home.
The nightlife scene in Cancun is matched by no other. There are countless drinking places in the Hotel Zone. If you want to live it up, make sure you check out this guide to the best drinks in Mexico before you order your next round. Senor Frog's has made a name for itself throughout the Caribbean, particularly with cruise ship passengers - it's fun but can be touristy. You'll find a variety of clubs along Yaxhilan Avenue in downtown Cancun with good crowds most days of the week, especially weekends. If you want a taste of where the locals hang out, then this is where you should go.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Have a picnic to save money and relish the beautiful scenery. Stop by a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic location for your meal.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Cancun. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors for $78 details
- Jolly Roger Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise with Open Bar for $139 details
- Small Group Food Tour and Mezcal Tasting in Cancun for $140 details
Typical food prices in Cancun, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cancun
Visitors find Cancun irresistible, especially for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cancun typically cost an average of $29 (MX$589) 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.
$29
MX$589
Obviously, most people visit Cancun for its beaches, which are nice year round.. They are relaxing and beautiful and where you will likely spend most of your time. If you want to get away from the water for a while though, there are a handful of sights. In the hotel zone you can visit the Interactive Aquarium. This is a small but decent aquarium with rays, sharks, dolphins, and many fish. Isla Contoy is about 30km north of Isla Mujeres and it is an important nesting place for sea birds as well as a beautiful place to visit.
Museums in the area include Museo Maya de Cancun and MUSA Museo Subacuatico de Arte. Both are interesting to visit.
There are also many Mayan ruins nearby that you can visit as a day trip from Cancun. Because of the weather, these locations and other attractions are great to visit no matter what time of year you visit Cancun.
Today there are many options for adventurers, vacationers, or foodies alike in Cancun. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel, go scuba diving, or simply lounge on the beach. Head to La Isla if you want to do some shopping. Several resorts also offer golf in the area. Cruise ships keep Cancun popular, so you won't find the beaches isolated, but it can still be a relaxing vacation. Nightlife is always active in Cancun. If you want to escape the tourist crowds and see where the locals hang out, head over to Yaxchilan Avenue for an evening of club hopping.
Museums and Attractions:
Cancun stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Cancun ranks among the top activities to enjoy. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
Beaches:
Visitors to Cancun often come to enjoy a laid-back day at the beach. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cancun. 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:
- Kayaking Tour in Cancun for $45 details
- Kayak Tour at Sunset in Cancun for $37 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Cancun, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
-
Seasick Pills
MX$10
-
Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
MX$1,700
Nightlife Budget in Cancun
The nightlife in Cancun is extremely popular, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (MX$224) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cancun per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
MX$224
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Cancun. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Brewery Tour / Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico for $129 details
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun for $31 details
- Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour for $287 details
Traveling in Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.
The winter months are the peak season, while the summer and fall, during hurricane season, are the low months. Hurricanes are a real threat in the area and you should plan accordingly. The city has a tropical wet and dry climate. There is minimal temperature variation throughout the year but there are distinct rainy seasons. The city remains warm throughout the year and the average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest temperatures are between May and September.
Neighborhoods & Around
The hotel district in Cancun is filled with all inclusive resorts and little more. It makes for a relaxing vacation, but you'll see little of the real Mexico. If you want a glimpse of a true Mexican city you can head to downtown Cancun, where the locals live. Here you'll find a number of interesting restaurants and a more authentic Mexican vibe. Shopping areas include Plaza Las Americas, Plaza la Isla, and Plaza Outlet.
There are also beaches along the coast about an hour or two south of Cancun. These beaches are less crowded but equally as beautiful. It's easy to find accommodation and there are scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Prices are cheaper as well.
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 found an affordable hotel that was a bit back from the beach from the larger hotels and resorts, so we saved a lot. We also ate at the cheaper restaurants and had some of the fast food and street food as much as possible.