Cozumel is a scenic island known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. 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 enjoying the nightlife, scuba diving with your friends, or relaxing on the beaches, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Cozumel, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Cozumel?
You should plan to spend around $112 (MX$2,250) per day on your vacation in Cozumel. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $34 (MX$687) on meals
- $19 (MX$388) on local transportation
- $116 (MX$2,337) on hotels
A one week trip to Cozumel for two people costs, on average, $1,561 (MX$31,500). 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.
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One Week
Per person
$781
MX$15,750
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,561
MX$31,500
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One Month
Per person
$3,346
MX$67,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,561
MX$31,500
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,122
MX$63,000
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One Month
For a couple
$6,691
MX$135,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cozumel cost?
A one week trip to Cozumel usually costs around $781 (MX$15,750) for one person and $1,561 (MX$31,500) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cozumel on average costs around $1,561 (MX$31,500) for one person and $3,122 (MX$63,000) 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 Cozumel will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cozumel on average costs around $3,346 (MX$67,500) for one person and $6,691 (MX$135,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cozumel expensive to visit?
Cozumel is a popular island that appeals to many visitors, featuring an array of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Cozumel to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $44 (MX$869) per day, mid-range travelers spend $113 (MX$2,250) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $307 (MX$6,100) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cozumel.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cozumel 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 Cozumel Expensive?
Cozumel, Mexico
How much money do I need for a trip to Cozumel?
The average Cozumel trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cozumel travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cozumel cost?
Cozumel on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$21
(MX$423)
|
$58
(MX$1,169)
|
$174
(MX$3,518)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(MX$161)
|
$19
(MX$388)
|
$43
(MX$872)
|
|
Food 2
|
$13
(MX$270)
|
$34
(MX$687)
|
$87
(MX$1,753)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
(MX$316)
|
$37
(MX$737)
|
$75
(MX$1,504)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(MX$35-104)
|
$5-14
(MX$95-284)
|
$14-42
(MX$281-842)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Cozumel cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $44 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Cozumel, such as Amigos Hostel Cozumel, Hostel Auikyani, and Blue Magic Hostel. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Cozumel. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $113 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $307. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the island will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Jeep Safari All Inclusive Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cozumel
Cozumel offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $182, but during peak winter or spring season, they can average $340. Prices range from $117 to $509, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cozumel for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $116 (MX$2,337). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $58 (MX$1,169) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cozumel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cozumel include:
- Ventanas al Mar Beach Front Cozumel starting at $187
Cozumel is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.
This island boasts numerous resorts to pick from. You might come across options that include meals or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.
Visitors often spend a week in Cozumel. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.
If you plan to avoid winter or spring and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Walking is a favored way to experience Cozumel, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
Transportation Budget in Cozumel
The public transit system in Cozumel is not very good. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (MX$388) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cozumel. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cozumel is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
MX$388
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Off Road ATV Tour with Caverns, Cedral & Beach Time with Transfer for $70 details
- Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) Cozumel - Roundtrip Private Transfer for $86 details
- Dance & Salsas at Playa Mia with transfer for $93 details
How much does it cost to go to Cozumel? 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 Cozumel 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 Cozumel
The cuisine in Cozumel is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the island that are worth exploring. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cozumel can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cozumel is $34 (MX$687) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$34
MX$687
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cozumel is around $35 (MX$687) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $88. 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 Cozumel are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
As a major tourist destination, Cozumel has plenty of restaurants that cater to tourists. There are a lot of restaurants in the city's downtown main square. Most are good and offer similar menus to each other. There are a lot of restaurants that offer local cuisine for reasonable prices. Seafood is usually fresh and excellent. There are also some international options in the area including Italian and American. Senor Frogs is the standard chain in the area that attracts tourists and those looking for a party. Casa Denis is the self proclaimed "oldest restaurant in Cozumel" and has reasonably priced Mexican, Mayan, and Yucatan specialties.
When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.
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.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect 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 want to experience the culture in Cozumel, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Mexican Trompitos Cooking Class in Cozumel for $78 details
- Cozumel Food Tour for $110 details
- Cozumel Cooking Class for $115 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cozumel
It's easy to see why people visit Cozumel, given its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, nightlife, and resorts.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cozumel typically cost an average of $37 (MX$737) 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.
$37
MX$737
Most people travel to Cozumel for the beautiful beaches and underwater environment. There are countless dive shops in the area and plenty of white sand beaches where you can relax.
Cozumel also has some nearby Mayan archaeological sites that are worth visiting. The largest ruins in the area are found at "San Gervasio", which you can visit for an entrance fee of 77 pesos. There are a handful of other sites around as well.
The most popular activities in Cozumel are scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops around town that offer reasonably priced dive packages, but do shop around if you're on a budget, as some offer better deals than others. Question where the dives will take place, how long they will last, and how many people will be on your boat before you commit. All of these factors can have a dramatic effect the quality of your dives or snorkeling experience.
If you're not a diver or snorkeler, there are still plenty of activities in Cozumel to keep you interested. Consider going out on a glass bottom boat tour to catch a first hand glimpse at the colorful fish below. You could also go deep sea fishing or linger on one of the beautiful nearby beaches. And there's also always a party going on somewhere in Cozumel. Just find the right club and you can party into the night.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Many people visit Cozumel specifically for its incredible scuba diving. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.
Beaches:
Many people visit Cozumel seeking a peaceful beach getaway. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cozumel 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:
- Tikinxic Barefoot Fish Guided Cookout Experience in Cozumel for $106 details
- Diving For People Without Experience for $90 details
Nightlife Budget in Cozumel
The nightlife scene in Cozumel is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.38 (MX$189) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cozumel per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.38
MX$189
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
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 Cozumel. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Cozumel 5-Hour Private Bar Crawl Tour for $110 details
- Craft Beer Experience: Discovering Cozumel Brewery for $89 details
- Craft Beer Tasting Experience with Brewery Tour for $58 details
Traveling in Cozumel
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.
Cozumel's climate is tropical savanna. There is a short dry season between February and April, but even then there is still precipitation. The wet season is longer, but September and October are the wettest months. Temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year, but December and February are the coolest months with temperatures averaging around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cozumel is an island off the Yucatan Peninsula across from Playa del Carmen. The main town on the island is San Miguel. It's an interesting place to explore and there are many shops, restaurants and activities around town. The town has a charming character, although it feels somewhat forced in areas, as the city is little more than a tourist destination these days. You'll find hotels of all levels of quality around town, and there are a handful of hostels to choose from as well. Costs can be somewhat inflated because of the popularity of the destination, but if you're visiting during the off season you can get some wonderful deals.
If you have access to a vehicle then you can head to the east of the island which is far less developed and has many beautiful beaches. The ocean has bigger waves and dramatic rock formations as well. Do use caution while you're swimming however, as the rough waters can be somewhat dangerous. There are restaurants along the beach spaced roughly a kilometer apart.
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 tour once on the island that took us to some of the main sights. We saved a lot because we avoided a tour from the cruise ship.