How Much Does Cancún Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Cancún is a destination of two halves, offering everything from backpacker-friendly downtown spots to ultra-exclusive beachfront resorts. Travelers can expect daily costs to range significantly, with budget solo travelers spending around $72 / MX$1,241 per day, while luxury seekers can easily exceed $863 / MX$14,897 per day. Compared to other Caribbean hubs like Nassau or Miami, Cancún remains relatively affordable if staying outside the main resort strip. The cost structure is heavily influenced by the "Hotel Zone" premium, where dining and transport are notably higher than in the mainland city center. Navigating these price disparities by utilizing local infrastructure is the key to managing a budget in this tropical paradise.
Is Cancún expensive to visit?
Cancún offers a wide price spectrum—expect to spend between $72 / MX$1,241 and $863 / MX$14,897 per day depending on whether you choose a mainland hostel or a luxury Hotel Zone resort.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Cancún
$72
per person /day
$259
per person /day
$863
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $215 | $777 | $2,591 |
| 5-Day Trip | $360 | $1,295 | $4,317 |
| 7-Day Trip | $504 | $1,813 | $6,044 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
Maintain a 10–20% buffer to cover mandatory hidden costs like the $16 / MX$269 Visitax tourist tax and the nightly $4.35 / MX$75 Environmental Sanitation Tax. This also helps cover resort fees, which can range from $29–$47 / MX$508–MX$812 per night for amenities that are often advertised as complimentary.
How Does It Compare?
See how Cancún stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Cancún
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Restaurant Meal for Two A three-course meal in a non-tourist trap area will cost around $58 / MX$995. | $58 MX$993 |
| Local Beer (0.5L) in a Restaurant Draft domestic beer costs ~$3.77 / MX$65. Craft beers will be double. | $3.74 MX$65 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Average price in a café is ~$3.94 / MX$68. | $3.92 MX$68 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ADO Bus: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen The most reliable and cost-effective way to travel between the airport and major hubs (~$14 / MX$248). | $14 MX$248 |
| R1/R2 Local Bus (Hotel Zone to Downtown) Buses run 24/7 and are the best way to move within the Hotel Zone for ~$0.71 / MX$12. | $0.69 MX$12 |
| Taxi (Hotel Zone to Downtown) Always agree on the price before starting the trip. Expect to pay ~$26 / MX$447. | $26 MX$447 |
| Xailing Ferry Round Trip (Isla Mujeres) Round trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres costs ~$33 / MX$569. | $33 MX$569 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in Downtown Cancun (Hostel Ka'beh) Prices for dorms are around $18 / MX$309. Downtown is significantly cheaper than the Hotel Zone. | $18 MX$309 |
| Mid-range Hotel Room (4-star) Average rate for a standard double room in the Hotel Zone. Expect to pay ~$238 / MX$4,103 per night. | $238 MX$4,112 |
| Luxury 5-Star Resort Nightly Rate Peak season prices often exceed $612 / MX$10,561 per night for high-tier properties. | $616 MX$10,627 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chichén Itzá Total Entrance Fee (Non-Resident) This is the mandatory combined fee for international tourists (~$35 / MX$609). | $35 MX$610 |
| Xcaret Plus Admission Includes lunch and equipment. Costs ~$129 / MX$2,234 per adult. | $129 MX$2,235 |
| Cenote Dos Ojos (Basic Entrance) Guided diving tours are significantly more expensive (~$41–$59 / MX$711–MX$1,015 extra). | $23 MX$397 |
| Tulum Ruins Entrance (Foreigner) Total includes the federal site fee and the mandatory biosphere protection fee (~$11 / MX$193). | $11 MX$194 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Telcel Local SIM Card (10GB) Cheapest option for long stays; available at OXXO stores (~$29 / MX$498). | $29 MX$497 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining costs vary by location, with a mid-range three-course meal for two costing approximately $58 / MX$993 in local neighborhoods. A standard domestic beer in a restaurant is priced around $3.74 / MX$65, though prices can double for craft options or within high-end beach clubs. Budget-conscious travelers find the best value at street food stalls in downtown parks rather than at international franchises in the tourist corridor.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Parque de las Palapas
$4.6–$10 / MX$79–MX$179Downtown · Street market
Try the 'Marquesitas' (crunchy crepes) for about ~$2.94 / MX$51.
Tacos Rigo
$6.91–$14 / MX$119–MX$248Downtown · Local chain
The 'Suadero' tacos are legendary. Three tacos and a soda cost ~$8.24 / MX$142.
Ty-Coz
$6.33–$13 / MX$109–MX$219Hotel Zone · Bakery
Best budget lunch in the Hotel Zone; huge baguettes for ~$7.06 / MX$122.
Los Tarascos
$7.49–$17 / MX$129–MX$298Downtown · Local chain
Go for the 'Al Pastor' platter, it's enough for two people for ~$8.83 / MX$152.
El Pollo Loco
$8.63–$20 / MX$149–MX$348Downtown · Local chain
A whole grilled chicken with sides is the best value for a group, costing ~$19 / MX$325.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The R1 and R2 local buses are the most economical way to travel, costing just $0.69 / MX$12 to move between the Hotel Zone and Downtown. Taxis are significantly more expensive, with a trip between these two zones averaging $26 / MX$447, so price negotiation before entry is essential. For regional travel, the ADO bus provides a reliable link from the airport to Playa del Carmen for $14 / MX$248.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from affordable dorm beds in Downtown at roughly $18 / MX$309 to luxury 5-star resorts averaging $616 / MX$10,627 per night. A standard mid-range 4-star hotel in the Hotel Zone typically costs around $238 / MX$4,112, offering a balance of beach access and amenities. Value is often found in the mainland area of El Centro, which remains significantly cheaper than the beachfront properties.
Accommodation Budget in Cancún
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Parque de las Palapas in Downtown for authentic meals at a fraction of Hotel Zone prices.
- 2 Use the R1 or R2 bus for $0.69 / MX$12 instead of taxis to navigate the 22km Hotel Zone strip.
- 3 Buy a Telcel SIM card at an OXXO for $29 / MX$497 to avoid expensive international roaming fees.
- 4 Visit Chichén Itzá independently to control costs, though expect a mandatory $35 / MX$610 total entrance fee.
- 5 Pack your own snorkel gear to save on rental fees at sites like Cenote Dos Ojos, where basic entry is $23 / MX$397.
- 6 Shop for snacks and drinks at Chedraui or OXXO stores rather than using hotel minibars or resort kiosks.
- 7 Book the ADO bus for $14 / MX$248 for airport transfers to avoid the high cost of private shuttles or taxis.
- 8 Opt for the Xailing Ferry round trip to Isla Mujeres for $33 / MX$569 for a reliable and scheduled day trip experience.
- 9 Look for "Happy Hour" deals in Downtown bars where domestic beers are closer to the $3.74 / MX$65 mark.
- 10 Check the bill for "servicio incluido" to avoid double-tipping on top of the standard 10–15% expectation.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
+30–50%
Sep, Oct
-25–40%
May, Jun, Nov
Late spring (May–June) offers great weather before the peak hurricane season starts in August. September/October are cheapest but carry high rain and hurricane risk.
Events to Watch
- ● Spring Break (March): +50% hotel prices and crowded beaches
- ● Christmas/New Year: Extreme peak rates and 3-night minimums
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Taking photos at the colorful Cancún Sign at Playa Delfines.
- 2 Spending the day at Playa Delfines, one of the few completely public beaches with no resort backing.
- 3 Relaxing in the shallow waters of Playa Langosta, popular with local families.
- 4 Watching live cultural performances and music at Parque de las Palapas in the evenings.
- 5 Walking through the downtown El Centro area to view the vibrant "Sea Walls" street art murals.
- 6 Watching the sunset over the Nichupté Lagoon from public access points along Kukulcan Boulevard.
- 7 Browsing the local crafts and atmosphere at Mercado 28.
- 8 Enjoying the calm waters and public access area of Playa Marlin.
- 9 Walking the shoreline of Playa Caracol for views of the northern Hotel Zone.
- 10 Exploring the Malecon Américas boardwalk for views and people-watching.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Coco Bongo Front Row VIP
Guaranteed best view and unlimited premium drinks save you from the massive crowds. Costs ~$198 / MX$3,412.
Private Yacht Rental (4 Hours)
Avoid crowded ferries to Isla Mujeres; includes snorkeling gear and open bar for up to 8 people. Costs ~$718 / MX$12,389.
Jungala Luxury Waterpark
Ultra-exclusive waterpark with zero queues and high-end service (~$418 / MX$7,210).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Cancún
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Cancún and what they cost
Chichén Itzá
$39 / MX$675 by bus
$35 / MX$610
$104 / MX$1,788
Isla Mujeres
$33 / MX$569 by ferry
Free
$81 / MX$1,390
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Mexican Peso (MXN)
1 $ ≈ 17 $
Yes
High in Hotel Zone; cash only for street food and small taxis
15% at restaurants is standard. Give ~$1.18–$2.35 / MX$20–MX$41 to baggers and bellhops.
Use ATMs inside banks (Santander, BBVA) to avoid skimming. Always decline the ATM's conversion rate to save ~$5.89–$12 / MX$102–MX$203 per withdrawal.
Expected in local markets (Mercado 28) and with independent taxi drivers. Never bargain at malls or chain restaurants.
Connectivity
eSIM: $13 for 5GB (15 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $29 / MX$498 for 10GB (30 days)
WiFi: Excellent in the Hotel Zone and malls; spotty on public beaches.
Airalo eSIM for convenience or a local Telcel SIM from OXXO for the best data rates.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Cancún.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Cancún?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cancún expensive to visit?
How much does Cancún cost per day?
How much does a trip to Cancún cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Cancún?
What are the hidden costs in Cancún?
How can I save money in Cancún?
More Cancún Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown