How Much is a Trip to Mexico? The Ultimate Cost Guide
Mexico is a popular vacation destination for many reasons. It’s a tropical paradise offering amazing beaches, vibrant cultural experiences, historical architecture and diverse landscapes. A vacation to Mexico is affordable and doable no matter what your budget.
Of course, like any vacation, your costs will vary based on your travel style, when you travel, and what you plan to experience during your time there. The most expensive portion of your trip is commonly your airfare, accommodations, transportation, food and activities.
If the sky is the limit, you want to splurge, and you aren’t worried about how much you spend, travel during peak season (December through April),and book an all inclusive luxury resort. You’re sure to enjoy indulgent accommodations, fabulous amenities, unlimited dining, bottomless drinks and endless entertainment. Mexico is known for its world-class five-star resorts that have everything you could imagine right inside their property.
There are also very attractive lower-priced all inclusive packages giving you the flexibility to pay for most everything in advance and decide on extras as you go. If you want to travel on a tight budget and make sure you get more bang for your buck, you might consider a more budget-friendly all inclusive package or an à la carte vacation during the low season (May through November). This allows you to pay for everything from accommodations to activities and fun extras as you enjoy them.
Whether you are a budget-conscious traveler, luxury seeker, or a digital nomad, take a look at all the wonderful things that make Mexico an awesome vacation destination!
Is Mexico Expensive?
Is Mexico expensive to visit? When you compare it to many other vacation destinations, it is extremely reasonable. Mexico, like many parts of the world, has experienced price increases that could affect your bottom line. However, it remains one of the most visited and affordable vacation destinations.
If you’re thinking of booking a Mexico vacation, you should probably budget at least $75 to $225 per person per day for accommodations, food, transportation and activities. It’s important to note that the time of year and season you visit Mexico and how long you stay will affect how much you spend.
You’ll pay more during peak season (December through April) than you would during shoulder season (May and November) and off-season (between May and November). There are many ways you can save money and still have a wonderful experience. It simply takes more research, creativity, and planning.
Some ideas are attending free activities and attractions, taking advantage of affordable street food, eating at casual restaurants, and using public transportation or ride-sharing. It’s a good idea to do your research before you go to create an itinerary with a budget breakdown.
Staying at a budget-friendly all inclusive resort can end up saving you money in the end since it includes your accommodations, food, drinks, entertainment, and activities. Check out our Hot Deals page featuring incredible deals on vacation packages to Mexico that will end up saving you money in the long run.
How Much Does a Trip to Mexico Cost?
How much is a trip to Mexico? This is a very open-ended question because it depends on many factors. How much money do you want to spend? What destination appeals to you? What do you want to do when you arrive? When are you traveling?
Your Mexico vacation can be fine-tuned and tailored for any budget. There are so many fabulous all inclusive resorts, wonderful sightseeing opportunities, outdoor activities, charming towns, exciting markets, seasonal festivals, museums, and dining experiences in this fabulous country.
All these opportunities allow you to design an ideal, tailor-made, unforgettable all inclusive getaway. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you could expect to spend to get you started. Please note these are only estimates and will vary based on your criteria.
- Airfare: The average round-trip airfare ticket from most major United States and Canadian cities is between $500 and $600 but will vary on when you fly and where you are flying. Book early for the best availability and price.
- Overnight Accommodations: Your overnight accommodations will range anywhere from $30 to $150 per night and higher. The more high-end the hotels or resorts, the more expensive a night stay will cost. Accommodations range from world-class five-star all inclusive resorts to private one-bedroom cabanas and everything in between.
- Food and Drinks: This also depends on where you eat. Plan for between $20 to $30 per day per person. We suggest that you eat like the locals to save money! Street food and casual restaurants offer an extraordinary taste of regional favorites. Fancy restaurants usually cost much more and you miss out on experiencing authentic local fare. Consider staying at an all inclusive resort that includes all your food and beverages, a huge overall cost savings.
- Transportation: If you take advantage of ride-sharing and public transportation, budget a minimum of $5 to $10 per day per person. Safety first! It is always a good idea to use registered taxis, resort-approved transportation, and trusted tour providers.
- Activities and Entertainment: There are so many things to see and do in Mexico. Check in advance for ticket prices for historical sites, tours, museums, water parks, beach access, and other things that interest you. All inclusive resorts make it easy and affordable to enjoy your visit. They include all non-motorized water sports, and free activities like pickleball, snorkeling, kayaking, shows, and entertainment.
The question, “Is Mexico expensive,” depends on you and your expectations. All inclusive packages that include almost everything bundled into one price make it easier and more stress-free to travel to Mexico.
Most everything you plan to do is paid for in advance, and you know what to expect. Many resorts offer complimentary exercise and cooking classes, kids’ clubs, music lessons, beach sports, visits to sister properties, and daily live entertainment.
Some resorts are known to add more perks and incentives to packages at certain times of the year. For example, during shoulder season and low season, they usually offer incentives. The peak season is December through April when most tourists visit for the dry, sunny, and warm weather. The prices are higher during peak season.
A more affordable and less crowded time to visit Mexico is the low season, between May and November. You’ll enjoy lower costs for everything from airfare and accommodations to activities, entertainment, and dining. It’s hotter and more humid with more chances of rain and tropical storms than peak season.
A middle ground is the shoulder season, May and November. This special time of the year offers travelers a balance of lower costs, fewer crowds, and nicer weather.
How Much Does an All Inclusive Resort Cost in Mexico?
All inclusive resorts have grown in popularity because of the stress-free, all-in-one packages that allow you everything in advance. Whether you’re traveling with your family, your significant other, as a group, or solo, booking at an all inclusive resort makes planning easier and stress-free. It’s by far the best way to go.
Since packages usually include dining, activities, and entertainment on the resort site, you don’t have as much flexibility to venture out and explore the local culture, markets, and cuisine. If you do venture out, you’ll have to use the resort shuttle, if available, or pay for transportation and other activities in addition to your all inclusive package.
That is why it is a good idea to travel to a more affordable Mexico location that offers beautiful surroundings, luxury accommodations, and just as much to do as more expensive destinations. For example, one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico is Cancun, known for gorgeous views, and spectacular accommodations at the best value.
Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta are also affordable and offer spectacular beachfront resorts, less expensive all inclusive options, delicious restaurants, and fun activities, giving you more wiggle room in your vacation budget.
So what are the price differences when you compare budget, mid-tier and luxury all inclusive resort packages? Keep in mind it depends on when you travel, what destination you select, where you stay and what your preferences are. We can’t stress this enough.
Most travelers prefer selecting all inclusive packages because they are the best value for their Mexico vacation getaway. Take a look at the variety of accommodations and their price differences.
- Budget Resorts: Budget resorts may cost between $100 to $200 per night offering basic accommodations, standard food options, some activities and entertainment
- Mid-Tier Resorts: Mid-tier resorts cost between $200 and $350 per person per night and provide upgraded rooms, buffet and a la carte dining options, elevated amenities, entertainment, and activities.
- Luxury Resorts: Luxury resorts cost $400 or more per person per night and feature premium accommodations, unlimited gourmet dining experiences, exclusive services, private beach access, add-ons like top-tier spa visits and a variety of activities and entertainment both on and off the resort property (these normally come at an additional price). Some vacation packages include airfare from major United States and Canadian cities, sweetening your bottom line.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Mexico Trip
It’s always a good idea to do your research and plan your trip far in advance to get exactly what you want. Take a look at tips for saving money on your Mexico trip.
- Book your airfare as early as 68 days in advance to get the best ticket rates.
- Travel to budget-friendly destinations like beautiful Cancun and Riviera Maya instead of more pricey upscale areas that cost more.
- Book affordable vacation packages that include airfare to help you budget wisely
- Travel during off-peak seasons, when resorts and other establishments offer affordable prices, special incentives, and extra perks
- Stay at an all inclusive resort and pay one price for accommodations, food, beverages, entertainment, and activities.
- Eat like the locals, at casual restaurants, and outdoor markets, and try authentic regional fare offered by street food vendors.
- Look for free activities, visit public parks, free days at museums, go people-watching, spend a day at a public beach, or explore local neighborhoods full of history, beauty and, architecture.
Final Thoughts: Why Mexico is Worth Visiting
Mexico is a fascinating country that is a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and amazing experiences. It is also a destination that many travelers love so much they return time and time again. Mexico is a large country that offers something wonderful for every traveler.
It’s always a good idea to partner with someone who can help you plan and get the most from your vacation at the best price. Our All inclusive Outlet team has worked with hundreds of happy clients that needed direction, tips, and advice. We can help you plan a wonderful vacation, too.
Whether you’ve always dreamed about spending long days on the beautiful beaches, exploring the lavish rainforests, experiencing the lively culture, or immersing yourself in the historical wonders, Mexico is an affordable destination that offers something for everyone.
Book Your Trip to Mexico Today
Mexico has something for every traveler and every budget. And remember you can never go wrong with staying at one of the many, fabulous all inclusive resorts Mexico has to offer. All of your major budgetary concerns from accommodations to food, to entertainment, will be taken care of so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your time in paradise.
Book your Mexico all inclusive vacation online today.
Sources
https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/cost-of-travel-in-mexico-budget/
https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/mexico
