Cancun Travel Cost - 2023 Average Price of a Vacation to Cancun
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How much does a trip to Cancun cost?
When it comes to planning a trip to Cancun, the cost can vary significantly depending on how long you’re staying, when you go, what type of lodging you choose, and which attractions and activities are included.
To give yourself an idea of what your budget should look like for your upcoming trip to Cancun, here are some estimated cost guidelines:
Flight: To get the most bang for your buck, it’s essential to compare prices and book in advance when traveling from the US to Cancun. Prices for a round-trip flight can vary between $200 – $500 or higher depending on where you’re departing from and what season it is. With some planning, you can find incredible discounts to make this journey even more enjoyable!
Accommodations: Accommodation prices in Cancun range dramatically, depending on the kind of hotel you pick and when you visit. For budget-conscious people, hostels or Airbnb rentals might cost as low as $20 per night, while luxurious resorts can set you back up to a hefty price tag of $300 nightly!
Food and drink: Dining and imbibing in Cancun are quite budget-friendly, particularly if you opt for local eateries or markets. If you choose a mid-range restaurant, your meal will run around $10 to $15 per individual; drinks at bars and clubs can cost just $5 to even ten dollars each.
Entertainment: Looking for something to do in Cancun but not sure what the costs are? A day pass to a water park or theme park can run from $45 – $60 per person, while boat tours and snorkeling escapades typically range between $55-$100.
All in Daily Budget: When planning your dream vacation to Cancun, budget at least $100-$150 per day. Your expenses should include lodging, food and beverages as well as a few activities or sightseeing trips – all costs not including flights. Bear in mind that these estimates may be different depending on the agenda you have lined up for yourself.
If you are looking for the best deals for flights and accommodation to Cancun then these are your bets bets:
From January 1st – February 11th and from February 15th – March 4th
From August 13th – December 16th (excluding the Thanks Giving week of November 19th)
For the absolutely best deal on vacation to Cancun, book your trip for late January!
Flight Costs to Cancun
The average flight price for a round trip to Cancun is $840 on average in late December and can be as low as $550 in late January. The median flight price is $590.
Economy, business and first class
If you’re looking to experience the lap of luxury while flying, selecting a first-class or business class seat is undoubtedly your best option. Forget about tight seats and overcrowding; enjoy traveling in style!
Business Class flights from Los Angeles often start at $300, while departing from New York will only cost you around $250 per traveler.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option and don’t mind sitting next to someone who isn’t part of your group, then an economy seat typically costs from $80 to $150 per person one way, Keep in mind that flying is only a small part of your overall journey.
Hotel Prices
Just as crucial as your flight costs are the cost of accommodation. After all, when you go on vacation, the goal is to escape, unwind and relax in luxury. If you are visiting Cancun for the first time, we recommend you stay in a four-star hotel or better. You’ll get quality service and value for your money – 4-star hotels usually charge around $39 per night but can range from as low as $25 to over $800.
If you are traveling with a family of 3-5, the ideal choice is to book a hotel or resort. AIf your group is largest that 5 then an Airbnb could be a good solution as it offers exceptional cost savings for larger groups.
In an Airbnb you all will have the privilege of living like its home. Kids can move about without worrying that they’ll disturb guests next door, and each person gets their own space – sometimes even a bathroom! Not to mention, Cancun airbnd rentals start at $50 nightly, with some up to $300+. Staying at an Airbnb is not only comfortable but also economical.
Apart from the financial benefits of renting out an Airbnb, another added perk is that you can also cook your own meals at home.
To ensure a secure and pleasant experience, it is essential to research the neighborhood before your arrival. Read reviews left by other travelers about the exact Airbnb you will be staying at and look over current crime reports in that area. Doing so allows for peace of mind when booking accommodations for yourself or an entire family!
Food Prices
Vacationing is a fantastic way to enjoy life’s pleasures, such as delicious food. And no better place to experience that than Mexico. However, the price of dining in Cancun can vary greatly depending on when and where you’re eating. Generally speaking, breakfast will be the least expensive compared to lunch and dinner; if you want something more high-end, however, it could cost around $45-$100 per person! It’ll certainly be worth splurging for amazing meals, though – especially since it’s vacation time, so why not treat yourself at some of the best restauramts in Cancun?
If budget is an issue, there are still plenty of affordable alternatives in the range of $1-5 which can provide just as enjoyable experiences with local foods or pre-made meals at grocery stores.
In Cancun, you can enjoy delicious and affordable fare from street vendors who sell authentic Mexican dishes.
Coco Bongo Nightclub
Entertainment Prices
For those who want to make the most out of their trip and really experience Cancun … we have good news … as there is an abundance of activities and things to do that will satisfy everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for a snorkeling excursion, ancient ruins, adventure parks, catamaran cruise, or guided tour – your options are virtually limitless! While these attractions have been thoroughly vetted by previous travelers and come highly recommended, they do come with hefty price tags ranging from $30 up to $100 per person on average.
Cancun International Airport
Cost of Transportation
In Cancun, getting around is a breeze! From taxis to buses and even hitchhiking – the choices are plentiful. Taxis downtown often have flat rates that are at most $3 USD; however, if your destination lies near any touristy attractions, then you can expect prices to be higher. To avoid unsettling surprises, always ask about fare costs and agree on a price before entering the taxi so you won’t regret it later!
If you are looking for the best option to get from Cancun International Airport to your resort or hotel then we recommend booking a private shuttle in advance with Cancun Airport Transportation for around $40-50 USD – it’s the most convenient option. But if you’re looking for an economical and authentic experience, we suggest utilizing public buses. For only 7.50 pesos per person (around $0.75 USD) or 9.50 pesos (~$0.95 USD), depending on where you’re traveling to, you can easily explore the city while spending minimal amounts of money!
Phone Services / Internet
For phone and interne service for our trip, we chose Telcel, a well-known option in Cancun. The SIM card only cost 150 pesos and included 50 credits to get us started. With this plan, you can make calls (both local and international), send texts, and access the internet – using data will quickly deplete your allotted credit more than texting or calling would. To conserve as much of your budget as possible while still staying connected, be sure to take advantage of any free WiFi opportunities that are offered; it’s easy to find when you know where to look!
Traveling Cheap to Cancun
How affordable can you make your Cancun getaway? If you’re willing to take standby flights, cope with predicaments during travel, and limit other costs associated with vacationing, then the most cost-effective journey would be around $88 per person daily.
As much as 15% of rentals are within a budget range ranging from 0 – 100 dollars for an entire stay. Additionally, holiday homes can even be booked for no more than 20 bucks each night. Although these inexpensive accommodations must be reserved in advance and may not always provide access to ideal locations, 1-star hotels offer rooms starting at about 21 dollars – definitely worth considering!
Daily Expenses Budget
Your daily expenditure on vacation significantly depends on what you would like to experience. In Cancun a lavish meal with drinks can easily cost $310 per person or more, while opting for something fairly simple could be around $21 each.
If you prefer guided tours, then that’s set you back at approximately $629; however, if it’s outdoor sightseeing that excites you the most – and especially done at your own pace – then chances are these will come free of charge! To ensure we have covered all bases when budgeting our holidays, we recommend consulting the local cost of living and averages associated with such trips before setting off.
Bottom Line
Cancun, Mexico, has the perfect blend of affordability and entertainment, making it an ideal vacation spot for singles, couples and families. In this article, we provide details on flight prices from various airports, hotel costs depending upon your budget range, and food options that suit everyone’s taste buds and their wallets—all at reasonable rates! Additionally, plenty of attractions in Cancun will ensure a memorable time for the whole family. So what’re you waiting for? Plan your family trip to Cancun today – without breaking the bank!
Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 CancunAirport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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