How Much Is a Trip to Cancun? (2023 Update)
Cancun offers a blend of turquoise Caribbean Sea, white sand beaches, Mexican culture, and thrilling nightlife.
But how much does it cost to vacation here?
When I lived in Quintana Roo in 2022, I was fortunate to travel through Cancun quite often and got a good sense of how much things cost if you were here on vacation or setting up as a digital nomad.
In this article, I’ll share some real-life examples of how much a trip to Cancun might set you back in 2023.
Table of Contents
How Much Is a Trip to Cancun in 2023?
In the comprehensive Cancun budget guide below, we will go into detail on each aspect of your vacation.
If you just want a quick summary, however, here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:
1. Touching Down at Cancun International Airport (Flight Costs)
Your journey starts at Cancun International Airport, a major hub in North America.
Flights from the US vary in price, depending on your departure city and the time of year.
However, you can generally find round-trip tickets ranging from $250 to $600.
From the United Kingdom and European Union, direct flights typically cost from $600 upwards.
To save money, consider booking during the cheapest time to visit Cancun: from late April to early December. This isn’t the best time weather-wise (watch out for hurricane warnings) but it can save you hundreds of hard-earned dollars.
2. Getting Around: Public Transportation and Car Rental Cost
To get from Cancun airport to downtown Cancun, you can take the ADO bus, which costs around $4.
Taxis are also available, but they’ll set you back around $30 for a taxi ride.
Once you’re in the city, Cancun public transportation, including buses and colectivos (shared vans), is quite affordable, with tickets costing around $0.50 to $1.50 per ride.
If you prefer to rent a car, expect to pay around $25 to $40 per day for a compact vehicle.
Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Cancun’s neighborhoods, parks, and museums at your own pace. You can rent a car in Cancun using Discover Cars.
Plus, you can venture out on day trips to nearby attractions like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Chichen Itza.
3. Where to Stay: Accommodation Prices in Cancun
Cancun offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.
In the Hotel Zone, you’ll find an array of upscale options, with prices starting at around $150 per night.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider staying in downtown Cancun or near the Cancun city center, where prices for a hotel room start at around $30 per night.
Vacation rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo properties, are another option, with prices ranging from $40 to $200 per night.
You can often save money by booking your flight and hotel together as a package, which works well if you’re just on vacation.
4. How much does it cost to Explore Cancun’s Beaches, Attractions, and Monuments?
Cancun’s beaches are a significant draw for visitors, and many are free to access, such as Playa Delfines, a public beach with stunning Caribbean views.
If you want to visit Cancun attractions like the Interactive Aquarium or the Mayan Museum, expect to pay an entrance fee of around $10 to $25.
History buffs will enjoy exploring Cancun’s Mexican history at nearby ruins like Tulum or the famous Chichen Itza.
A guided day trip to these sites can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on the tour company and inclusions.
5. The Price of Eating Out: Cancun Restaurants and Local Cuisine
Cancun is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from authentic Mexican food to international cuisine.
An average meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15, while street food and small eateries, known as “fondas,” offer cheap eats for $3 to $5 per dish.
Don’t forget to try local specialties like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and sopa de lima.
6. Cancun Nightlife and Entertainment Costs
Cancun’s nightlife is legendary, with the Hotel Zone boasting numerous clubs, bars, and entertainment venues.
Entrance fees for popular nightclubs can range from $30 to $60, which often includes an open bar.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back evening, head to downtown Cancun, where you’ll find an assortment of bars and live music venues with more affordable drink prices, starting at around $3 for a beer or cocktail.
7. Day Trip and Excursion Prices: Isla Mujeres, Cenote Dos Ojos, and More
A trip to Cancun wouldn’t be complete without exploring the surrounding area.
Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast, is a popular day trip destination known for its pristine beaches, vibrant town, and stunning views.
A round-trip ferry ticket to Isla Mujeres costs around $17, and once there, you can rent a golf cart for about $45 per day or a bike for around $10 per day to explore the island.
Another must-see attraction is Cenote Dos Ojos, a mesmerizing underwater cave system located near Tulum.
Entrance fees for the cenote range from $10 to $15, and snorkeling or diving excursions are available for an additional cost.
8. Cancun on a Budget: Tips for Saving Money
Visiting Cancun doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here are some tips for keeping your trip to Cancun affordable:
9. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While not a direct part of your Cancun trip cost, it’s essential to factor in travel insurance.
Accidents and unexpected events can happen, and travel insurance provides a safety net for medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Depending on your coverage needs and the duration of your stay, travel insurance can cost anywhere from $40 to $150.
That’s why we suggest Safety Wing travel insurance – at $1.50 per day it’s a no-brainer.
So, How Much Will a Trip to Cancun Cost?
The overall cost of your Cancun vacation will depend on various factors, including the time of year, your choice of accommodations, dining preferences, and the activities you choose to partake in.
However, here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:
Based on these estimates, a week-long trip to Cancun could cost you anywhere from $700 to $2,500 per person.
By taking advantage of budget-friendly options and following the tips outlined in this article, you can tailor your Cancun vacation to suit your travel budget.
With a little planning and research, you can create a memorable and affordable trip to Cancun that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flight prices range from $250 to $600, depending on your departure city and the time of year.
The cheapest time to visit Cancun is from late April to early December.
Public transportation in Cancun costs around $0.50 to $1.50 per ride.
Accommodation prices in Cancun range from $30 per night for budget hotels to $300+ for luxury hotels.
Many of Cancun’s beaches, such as Playa Delfines, are free to access.
An average meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 to $15, while street food can be as low as $3 to $5 per dish.
A round-trip ferry ticket to Isla Mujeres costs around $17, plus additional costs for activities and transportation on the island.
Travel during off-peak season, use public transportation, stay in budget-friendly accommodations, eat at local eateries, and visit free or low-cost attractions.
