How Much Does Oaxaca Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Oaxaca is a destination where daily expenses can be kept quite low, with solo travelers spending as little as $60 / MX$1,043 per day, though luxury seekers can easily reach $719 / MX$12,414. Compared to Mexico City, Oaxaca offers a more compact experience where transport costs are lower, but high-end dining and artisan mezcal can quickly inflate a budget. The city is famous for its culinary depth, where a simple market meal costs a fraction of the $43 / MX$740 typically spent for a dinner for two in neighborhood pubs. While current prices for accommodation are stable, travelers should expect significant surges during major festivals. Overall, it remains one of the most value-rich cultural hubs in North America for those who balance market eats with boutique experiences.
Is Oaxaca expensive to visit?
Oaxaca is a budget-to-mid-range destination — expect to spend between $60 / MX$1,043 and $719 / MX$12,414 per day depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Oaxaca
$60
per person /day
$219
per person /day
$719
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 | $181 | $656 | $2,159 |
| 5-Day Trip | $302 | $1,093 | $3,597 |
| 7-Day Trip | $423 | $1,531 | $5,036 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 3% Oaxaca State Lodging Tax often added to hotel bills and the $1.77–$5.89 / MX$30–MX$102 local ATM withdrawal fees. If arriving by land from another country, remember to set aside ~$41 / MX$711 for the Mexico Federal Tourism Tax (DNR).
How Does It Compare?
See how Oaxaca stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Oaxaca
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dinner for two in a neighborhood pub Verified mid-range cost for a meal and a couple of drinks for two. | $43 MX$740 |
| Shakshuka (Full breakfast meal at Boulenc) A signature dish at one of the city's most famous brunch spots (~$11 / MX$183). | $11 MX$184 |
| Artisan Mezcal pour (at a mezcaleria) Wild agave varieties (like Tobalá) can cost over ~$18 / MX$305 per glass. | $8.06 MX$139 |
| Local craft beer (Cerveza artesanal) Standard industrial beers like Victoria or Indio are much cheaper (~$2.59 / MX$45). | $4.9 MX$84 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Authorized Airport Colectivo (Shuttle) Buy tickets at the 'Transporte Terrestre' booth inside the arrivals hall. | $7.77 MX$134 |
| Private Airport Taxi (Authorized) Standard regulated rate for up to 3 passengers with luggage. | $32 MX$546 |
| City taxi ride (within Centro Histórico) Taxis in Oaxaca do not use meters; agree on the price before getting in. A short ride is ~$4.03 / MX$69. | $4.03 MX$69 |
| Monte Albán Shuttle (Round Trip) Cheaper than a private taxi (which costs ~$14–$18 / MX$244–MX$305 one way). | $6.91 MX$119 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed (Centro Histórico) Prices spike significantly during Day of the Dead (late Oct) to over ~$53 / MX$914. | $26 MX$447 |
| Mid-range boutique hotel room Includes breakfast in most colonial-style hotels. Quiet rooms usually face the interior courtyard. | $141 MX$2,433 |
| Luxury hotel suite (Quinta Real or similar) Staying in a converted 16th-century convent costs roughly ~$471 / MX$8,124 per night. | $472 MX$8,144 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Monte Albán Entrance Fee (Non-Resident) Standard INAH fee for international adults. Free for Mexican residents on Sundays. | $5.47 MX$94 |
| Ethnobotanical Garden Tour (English Tier) English tours are offered at 11:00 Mon–Sat. You cannot enter without a guide. | $5.76 MX$99 |
| Museo de las Culturas (Santo Domingo) Covers the spectacular Treasure of Tomb 7 from Monte Albán. | $5.47 MX$94 |
| Full Day Tour (Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua & Mezcal) Includes transport and guide. Budget another ~$12–$18 / MX$203–MX$305 for entry fees and food. | $72 MX$1,241 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Telcel Amigo Sin Límite (1.3GB / 15 Days) The most reliable network in the Oaxaca mountains and valleys. | $5.76 MX$99 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Consular Fee for Tourist Visa (Standard) Costs roughly ~$60 / MX$1,032. Many nationalities get 180 days free on arrival; check your status. | $53 MX$912 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The city’s dining scene ranges from street-side stalls to world-class tasting menus, with a mid-range dinner for two costing around $43 / MX$740. Breakfast is a highlight, with signature dishes like shakshuka at Boulenc priced at $11 / MX$184, while local craft beers average $4.9 / MX$84. For those on a budget, traditional markets offer massive tlayudas and tamales for significantly less than restaurant prices.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Itanoní Flor del Maíz
$3.74–$8.06 / MX$65–MX$139Reforma · Local food type
Try the 'Tetelas' filled with beans and cheese for roughly ~$3.77 / MX$65.
Tacos Roy
$1.04–$5.18 / MX$18–MX$89Centro Histórico · Local chain
A local institution for late-night Pastor tacos; 5 tacos will cost you ~$5.18 / MX$89.
Pasillo de Humo (20 de Noviembre Market)
$8.63–$14 / MX$149–MX$248Centro · Street market
Choose your meat, then wait for the 'complementos' (salsa, onions, tortillas) to be brought to you.
Tamales del Tio Rot
$1.73–$2.59 / MX$30–MX$45Centro · Street food area
The Oaxacan-style mole tamal wrapped in a banana leaf is a filling meal for under ~$2.35 / MX$41.
Tortas La Hormiga
$3.17–$4.9 / MX$55–MX$84Jardín Conzatti · Street food area
The 'Torta de Milanesa' is a massive sandwich that is great for a budget lunch (~$3.18 / MX$55).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around the Centro Histórico is best done on foot, as short taxi rides within the center typically cost ~$4.03 / MX$69. For excursions, the Monte Albán shuttle is a cost-effective choice at $6.91 / MX$119 round trip, while authorized airport collectives offer a reliable link to the city for $7.77 / MX$134.
Accommodation Overview
Hostel dorms in the historic center start at $26 / MX$447, though prices double during peak festival seasons. Mid-range boutique hotels, often featuring quiet interior courtyards and included breakfast, average $141 / MX$2,433, while luxury stays in converted convents like Quinta Real cost roughly $472 / MX$8,144 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Oaxaca
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 the 'Pasillo de Humo' in the 20 de Noviembre Market for high-quality grilled meats at local prices.
- 2 Use the authorized 'Transporte Terrestre' colectivo at the airport for $7.77 / MX$134 instead of a private taxi which costs $32 / MX$546.
- 3 Visit government-run museums like the Museo de las Culturas ($5.47 / MX$94) to see the Treasure of Tomb 7 without high private gallery fees.
- 4 Grab a quick lunch at Tortas La Hormiga in Jardín Conzatti for one of the most affordable and filling meals in the city.
- 5 Take the 11:00 English tour at the Ethnobotanical Garden for $5.76 / MX$99; it is the only way to see the grounds and is cheaper than private botanical guides.
- 6 Stick to industrial beers like Victoria or Indio for ~$2.59 / MX$45 if the $4.9 / MX$84 craft beer prices are too high for your budget.
- 7 Avoid buying mezcal in the Zócalo; instead, visit small tasting rooms (mezcalerias) where a standard pour is $8.06 / MX$139.
- 8 Walk to the Jalatlaco and Xochimilco neighborhoods to enjoy the street art and atmosphere for free rather than taking taxis.
- 9 Buy a Telcel Amigo Sin Límite SIM card for $5.76 / MX$99 to avoid expensive international roaming charges while navigating the valley.
- 10 Fill reusable water bottles from 'garrafones' (large jugs) provided in most hotels and hostels to avoid buying individual plastic bottles.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Oct, Nov, Dec, Apr
+40-60%
May, Jun, Sep
-25-35%
Jan, Feb, Mar
October is the rainiest month but hosts the biggest festivals. February offers perfect 25°C (77°F) weather and stable pricing.
Events to Watch
- ● Guelaguetza (late July): +50% hotels
- ● Día de Muertos (Oct 31–Nov 2): +100% hotels and mandatory 3-night stays
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the vibrant murals and colorful streets of the Jalatlaco neighborhood.
- 2 Watch the sunset from the Cerro de el Fortín viewpoint overlooking the entire valley.
- 3 Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude to see the ornate baroque architecture and the patron saint of Oaxaca.
- 4 Stroll through the Jardín Conzatti, a peaceful park popular with locals and students.
- 5 Browse the contemporary art exhibitions at the IAGO (Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca).
- 6 Walk the historic 18th-century stone aqueduct in the Xochimilco district.
- 7 People-watch and listen to live marimba music in the Zócalo (Main Square).
- 8 Visit the MACO (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca) on their designated free entry days (check current schedules).
- 9 Explore the massive Central de Abastos market to see the sheer scale of local commerce (best during daylight hours).
- 10 Attend the free public concerts frequently held under the laurel trees in the Zócalo.
- 11 Admire the facade and interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
- 12 Photography walk through the cobblestone streets of the Centro Histórico to see the colonial architecture.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Criollo Tasting Menu
A world-class 7-course meal by chef Enrique Olvera in a stunning minimalist courtyard (~$94 / MX$1,625).
Private Mezcal Sommelier Experience
In-depth education on rare wild agaves with professional pairings in an intimate setting.
Traditional Backstrap Loom Workshop
A full day learning from a master Zapotec weaver in their home studio including lunch (~$104 / MX$1,787).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Oaxaca
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Oaxaca and what they cost
Hierve el Agua & Mitla
$14 / MX$248 by bus/colectivo
$9.5 / MX$164
$37 / MX$645
Teotitlán del Valle (Weaving Village)
$4.6 / MX$79 by bus
Free
$26 / MX$447
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Mexican Peso (MXN)
1 $ ≈ 17 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is mandatory for markets, street food, and all taxis.
10–15% in restaurants is standard (check if 'propina' is already included). Tipping is not expected at market food stalls or for taxi drivers unless they help with heavy bags (~$1.18–$2.35 / MX$20–MX$41).
Use ATMs inside bank branches (Santander, Banamex, BBVA) for better security and lower fees. Always decline the ATM's 'guaranteed' exchange rate to save ~$5.89–$12 / MX$102–MX$203 per transaction.
Expected in artisan markets (textiles, pottery) but not for food or in shops with price tags. Aim for ~10–20% off the first offer.
Connectivity
eSIM: $21–$29 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $5.89–$9.42 / MX$102–MX$162 for 3GB
WiFi: Excellent in cafes (Centro) and hotels; non-existent in remote mountain villages.
Buy a local Telcel SIM card for ~$5.89 / MX$102 and top up with 'Amigo Sin Límite' packs for the best coverage outside the city.
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 Oaxaca.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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