Is Mazatlan expensive to visit?
Mazatlan is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Mazatlan can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $35 (MX$700) per day, mid-range travelers spend $88 (MX$1,739) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $212 (MX$4,217) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mazatlan.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Mazatlan is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Mazatlan.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mazatlan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mazatlan?
The average Mazatlan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mazatlan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mazatlan cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Mazatlan. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $35 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Mazatlan features plenty of hostels, including Sundaze Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. While food is a highlight for many in Mazatlan, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Mazatlan, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $88 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Mazatlan. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Gaviana Resort is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Best Western Hotel Posada Freeman Centro Historico is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Mazatlan here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $212 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Airport-Hotel Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Mazatlan
The cost of hotels in Mazatlan can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $176, but the demand in peak winter or spring season pushes that average to around $328. Budget hotels range from $74 to $703, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mazatlan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $54 (MX$1,082). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (MX$541) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mazatlan include:
- Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay starting at $226
- Doubletree By Hilton Mazatlan starting at $87
- Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan - All Inclusive starting at $239
- Isla Mazatlan Residence Club starting at $239
- Casa de Leyendas starting at $86
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Mazatlan thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
Many visitors to Mazatlan stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
By skipping winter or spring and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Exploring Mazatlan on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
The city's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.
Transportation Budget in Mazatlan
Public transit in Mazatlan is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are city buses around town. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. The city is relatively walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $17 (MX$344) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mazatlan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mazatlan is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
MX$344
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer for $119 details
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán for $43 details
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan for $219 details
How much does it cost to go to Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan
Don't overlook the delicious food in Mazatlan. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mazatlan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mazatlan is $49 (MX$986) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$49
MX$986
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mazatlan is around $50 (MX$986) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $122. 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 Mazatlan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $35
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
As a relatively large city, Mazatlan has restaurants to meet every budget. Predictably, seafood in the area is excellent. You can also find cafes that serve sandwiches or snacks. International food is available including pizza, hamburgers, and Asian options.
In addition to restaurants, there are many bars around town where you can grab a drink. Most seafront bars are frequented by tourists while the locals typically spend their time at the inland bars. These local options usually have an excellent atmosphere.
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 your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
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 Mazatlan, 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:
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour for $81 details
- Mercado walking food tour for $78 details
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan for $81 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mazatlan
The reason people visit Mazatlan is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, food, beaches, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mazatlan typically cost an average of $7.91 (MX$160) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.91
MX$160
Centro Historico is the city's old town, and is not to be missed during a visit to Mazatlan. It's easy to organize a tour of the area, but self guided tours are just a fun.
There are many sights spread throughout the town. Mazatlan's lighthouse is the highest natural lighthouse in the world and offers wonderful views. You can find it by following the signs around town that say "Faro".
If you've heard of the cliff divers in Acapulco, you'll find something comparable here, although they dive from a lower height into shallower water. It's still entertaining to watch.
El Mercado is the largest marketplace in the city and is located in the historic city center. Here you'll find everything from souvenir t-shirts to homemade handicrafts. It's also a great place to try your hand at bartering.
Olas Altas Beach is a popular nearby beach that is lined with restaurants. It's a great place to walk around for a while.
Most people spend a significant amount of time on the beautiful beaches of Mazatlan. The miles of beach also offer a variety of water sports including jet skiing, water skiing, and parasailing. Surfing is also an option at several locations.
Mazatlan has an excellent nightlife with many popular bars including Senor Frog's, Valentino's, Sumbawa, and Joe's Oyster.
Other activities in the area include playing golf at Estrella Del Mar Golf Course and visiting Estrella Del Mar Sea Turtle Sanctuary.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Mazatlan are some of the most famous in the world. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.
Beaches:
Relaxing on the beach is a top reason many visit Mazatlan. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Mazatlan. 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:
- Barrio Bites tour for $78 details
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone Private Vehicle for $290 details
- Seafood Secret Tour in Mazatlan for $78 details
Nightlife Budget in Mazatlan
While Mazatlan features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $15 (MX$303) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mazatlan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
MX$303
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch 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.
Mazatlan, Mexico
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.