Travel Budget for Guadalajara Visit Guadalajara on a Budget or Travel in Style

Guadalajara, Estado de Jalisco, Mexico
North America / Mexico / Pacific Coast /
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Guadalajara is a cultural city known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara?

You should plan to spend around $125 (MX$2,531) per day on your vacation in Guadalajara. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $69 (MX$1,385) on meals
  • $32 (MX$653) on local transportation
  • $70 (MX$1,408) on hotels

A one week trip to Guadalajara for two people costs, on average, $1,756 (MX$35,434). 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
    $125
    MX$2,531
  • One Week Per person
    $878
    MX$17,717
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,756
    MX$35,434
  • One Month Per person
    $3,763
    MX$75,930
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,756
    MX$35,434
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,512
    MX$70,868
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,527
    MX$151,860
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 Guadalajara cost?

A one week trip to Guadalajara usually costs around $878 (MX$17,717) for one person and $1,756 (MX$35,434) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Guadalajara on average costs around $1,756 (MX$35,434) for one person and $3,512 (MX$70,868) 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 Guadalajara will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Guadalajara on average costs around $3,763 (MX$75,930) for one person and $7,527 (MX$151,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Guadalajara expensive to visit?

Guadalajara is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Guadalajara can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.

On average, budget travelers spend $54 (MX$1,088) per day, mid-range travelers spend $125 (MX$2,531) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $254 (MX$5,121) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Guadalajara.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara Expensive?

Guadalajara, Mexico Guadalajara, Mexico

How much money do I need for a trip to Guadalajara?

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

Guadalajara on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$15
(MX$307) 		$35
(MX$704) 		$67
(MX$1,359)
Local Transportation 1 $14
(MX$286) 		$32
(MX$653) 		$62
(MX$1,248)
Food 2 $29
(MX$587) 		$69
(MX$1,385) 		$145
(MX$2,918)
Entertainment 1 $10
(MX$202) 		$23
(MX$462) 		$44
(MX$883)
Alcohol 2 $3-10
(MX$64-193) 		$7-22
(MX$147-441) 		$14-42
(MX$281-844)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Guadalajara, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

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 $54 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.

Guadalajara has plenty of hostels available, like Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec, and Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Guadalajara, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Guadalajara wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $125 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Guadalajara is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Portobelo also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Guadalajara here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $254. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private walking tour of Guadalajara - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Guadalajara

In Guadalajara, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $47 and peak fall season rising to an average of $88. Prices typically range from $27 to $149, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Guadalajara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $70 (MX$1,408). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $35 (MX$704) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $35
    MX$704
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $70
    MX$1,408

Hotels in Guadalajara

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara? 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 Guadalajara

The average hotel room price in Guadalajara based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $47 in the low season and $88 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 Guadalajara include:

  • Grand Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club starting at $125
  • La Villa del Ensueno Boutique Hotel starting at $74
  • Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara starting at $155
  • Hotel Casino Plaza starting at $35
  • Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara starting at $123
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Guadalajara

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during fall, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Guadalajara, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.

The city's famous old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Guadalajara

Unfortunately, Guadalajara does not provide a solid public transit network. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $32 (MX$653) per person, per day, on local transportation in Guadalajara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Guadalajara is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $32
    MX$653

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.

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

  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $76 details
  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport for $24 details
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport for $26 details

Recommended Services


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

Rental Cars in Guadalajara
The price of renting a car in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara

Don't overlook the delicious food in Guadalajara. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Guadalajara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Guadalajara is $69 (MX$1,385) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $69
    MX$1,385

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Guadalajara is around $69 (MX$1385) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $145. 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 Guadalajara are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $21
  • Lunch: $10 to $27
  • Dinner: $21 to $48
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $10

Like the rest of Mexico, Guadalajara's cuisine is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences with a few specialty dishes and local techniques thrown in. One meal unique to the state of Jalisco is birria, a spicy stew traditionally made from goat or mutton and seasoned with chili peppers, ginger, cumin, black pepper, oregano, cloves, and other spices. Another local favorite is tortas ahogadas, or “drowned tortas," which is basically a sub sandwich on a dense bun filled with pork and topped with tomato chili pepper sauce. Others include a soup prepared with hominy, pork or chicken, topped with cabbage, radishes, minced onions, and other ingredients called pozole, a peanut sauce called pipian, and a fruit salad kind of dessert called bionico. Being the land of tequila, margaritas are popular with visitors and many restaurants offer live mariachi music alongside your meal. For the true food connoisseur, the city hosts the Feria Internacional Gastronomia (International Gastronomy Fair) each year in September, featuring both Mexican and international cuisines.

Food & Dining Tips

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.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help 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 Guadalajara, 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:

  • Guadalajara private food tour for $70 details
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara for $141 details
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting for $199 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Guadalajara

It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Guadalajara for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Guadalajara typically cost an average of $23 (MX$462) 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.
    $23
    MX$462

Guadalajara is a city of colonial plazas, public parks, and impressive churches. Many visit to explore the history evident in the city's layout and architecture. Located at the heart of the city is Guadalajara Cathedral, or Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, which was built during the 16th and 17th centuries and houses the relics of St. Innocent. Other notable churches include the 17th-century Franciscan sanctuary of Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan and the Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento, known for its Italian mosaics, clock tower, and stained glass.

Another unique monument located at the heart of the city near the main cathedral is the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, showcasing 17 fluted columns in honor of the state's artists, musicians, and historical leaders. With landmarks like this one, and countless historic plazas, the city itself is a museum to the past it has seen. Also a part of this history is the El Panteon de Belen, or Belen Cemetery, dating back to 1786. Today the site is a place of legend and folklore, with night tours offered to the unafraid.



From watching football (aka soccer in the U.S.) to shopping amidst the city's many pedestrian neighborhoods (such as Tlaquepaque, which has the feel and charm of small-town Mexico), Guadalajara has something for everyone. Within the city many visitors also frequent the Guadalajara Zoo, known for its many species, train tours, and aquarium, as well as the Parque Agua Azul, which features an outdoor theater, butterfly house, aviary, and playgrounds.

For options outside the city, consider a day trip to the town of Tequila-home to Mexico's national spirit. The town sits in a volcanic valley lined with rows of blue agave, from which the liquid is distilled. The 200-year-old distillery of Jose Cuervo is also open to visitors with a train ride and tour of its facilities, including traditional snacks and tequila samples.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Guadalajara have earned worldwide fame. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

A nice way to explore destinations in Guadalajara 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:

  • Private Tequila Tour with Local Expert for $151 details
  • GDL Art Crawl & Studio Tour Visit for $45 details
  • Tlaquepaque & Tonala art & mercados fully private tour for $122 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Guadalajara

In Guadalajara, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $15 (MX$294) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Guadalajara per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $15
    MX$294
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

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 Guadalajara. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara, Mexico for $25 details
  • Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila for $180 details
  • Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara for $180 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Guadalajara

  • During the peak season of fall, prices are typically elevated and the city can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Options for public transportation in Guadalajara are limited. Renting a car or prearranging transportation, like a tour, could be a good idea, but it may impact your budget elsewhere.
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Traveling in Guadalajara
Guadalajara Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco in western Mexico, as well as one of the country's largest cities. It is best known for tequila and mariachi music, which both originate in Jalisco, as well as a thriving historic center with colonial architecture and landmarks.



Neighborhoods & Around

The historic Centro, or downtown, is very navigable on foot. Most attractions are concentrated here, as it is the oldest section of the city where it was first founded. The very center is marked by Plaza de Armas, a rectangular pedestrian area with gardens, iron benches, and a unique 19th-century band stand. In addition to this main plaza, there are many squares and public parks throughout the downtown area, some of which include the Plaza de la Liberacion known for its two fountains, the large Plaza Tapatia which is near a traditional market (southeast of the plaza), and the Plaza de los Mariachis across from restaurants where visitors can hear live mariachis play. To the north of Plaza de Armas are landmarks including the ornate Guadalajara Cathedral and the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres.

Another important hub of activity is the Avenida Chapultepec, a wide pedestrian boulevard lined with trees, fountains, cafes, bars, shops, and a daily afternoon flea market (or "tianguis"), central to the neighborhood of Colonia Americana. Other important areas include places like Revolution Park near the University and its art museum, and additional green spaces like Morelos Park and Parque Agua Azul. Opportunities for dining, shopping, and accommodations can be found throughout the city center.

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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.


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.
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