15 Smart Ways To Travel In Mexico On A Budget

Think traveling to Mexico means draining your savings? Not even close.

While some people are spending hundreds a night at all-inclusives, others are seeing more of the country for less than $50 a day and getting a more authentic experience along the way.

Whether you’re craving beach time, colonial charm, or tacos on the street corner, here are some great ways to travel in Mexico on a budget.

How to Travel in Mexico on a Budget

1. Pick Budget-Friendly Destinations

Not all parts of Mexico cost the same. Tourist-heavy zones like Cancun, Tulum, or Cabo are expensive across the board – accommodations, food, transport, everything.

Instead, look inland for better deals. Places like:

Puebla: Colonial charm, walkable downtown, and famous for mole.
Guanajuato: Colorful alleyways, student energy, and budget stays.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: Great weather, mountain views, and cheap cafes.

If you want the beach without the high prices, try:

Mazatlán: Pacific coast, a mix of beach and city, and affordable seafood.
Puerto Escondido: Surfer vibes, low-cost lodging, and fewer crowds.

These spots still give you great scenery and culture, without the inflated tourist pricing.

Stunning sunset view at a beach in Mexico, showcasing coconut palms and tranquil ocean.

2. Travel Off-Season

High season in Mexico runs from December through April. That’s when prices for flights and stays spike, especially around holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Instead, travel:

May to early June: After spring break, before summer vacation.
September to early November: Post-rainy season, fewer crowds, better deals.

Tip: If you’re OK with the heat, June through August is a great time to snag deals. Just make sure your place has a fan or AC and drink lots of water.

3. Stay Somewhere Affordable

There’s a wide range of budget accommodations, even in popular areas.

Here’s what you can expect:

Hostels: Dorm beds for 250–300 pesos ($15–18 USD). Some even include breakfast. Hostelworld is a good place to find a room.
Budget hotels: Around 700 pesos ($40 USD) for a private room. Often basic, but clean. Booking.com has great rates.
VRBO: Private rooms start at 300 pesos. Entire apartments can range from 600–1,200 pesos depending on location.

To stay for free:

Couchsurfing: Great for short stays and meeting locals.
TrustedHousesitters: Watch someone’s pets while they’re away. You’ll need to pay a membership fee, but it pays off after one trip.

Look for accommodations with a kitchen so you can cook occasionally. You’ll save a lot over time.

Explore a picturesque Mexican alley with cobblestone streets and rustic architecture, beautifully lit at dusk.

4. Use Public Transportation

Mexico has solid, low-cost transportation options:

Collectivos: Shared vans or minibuses. They cost 10–20 pesos and run local routes.
ADO buses: Best for long-distance travel. Comfortable, safe, with bathrooms and AC. See routes and book on Busbud.com.

In Mexico City:

Metro: Just 5 pesos (25 cents). Efficient and covers most of the city.
Metrobús and trolleybuses: Also cheap and useful for longer distances.

Pro tip: Always carry small bills and coins. Drivers often can’t break large bills.

5. Eat Like a Local

Forget tourist restaurants. Real Mexican food is found at public markets, street stalls, and family-run spots.

Tacos and tamales: 10–45 pesos each. Perfect for a quick, cheap meal.
Comida corrida: A set lunch menu with soup, a main dish, drink, and sometimes dessert. Usually 50–100 pesos.
Markets: Great for fresh produce, snacks, and prepared food. If you have a kitchen, this is your budget-friendly goldmine.

Look for places busy with locals. I’ve found that when a restaurant has a menu in English, prices will be higher.

Delicious Mexican tacos served with sauces and lime, paired with Carta Blanca beer in Mexico City.

6. Find Free Things to Do

There’s no shortage of free or low-cost activities:

Walking tours: Look for companies like GuruWalk. Pay what you want (tip-based).
Beaches: Mexico has no shortage of beaches and many are free. Just bring your own towel and snacks.
Parks and plazas: Great for people-watching, local events, or just chilling out.

In Mexico City and other major cities:

Free museum days: Often on Sundays. Big-name places like the National Museum of Anthropology waive entrance fees for locals. Foreigners sometimes get in free too.
Cultural events: Parades, dance shows, and festivals are common and often free to attend.

Colorful street parade in Mexico showcasing traditional costumes and cultural celebration.

7. Be Smart About Flights

Domestic flights in Mexico can be super cheap if you plan right.

Budget airlines: Volaris and VivaAerobus have deals all the time.
Book 3–6 weeks out: That’s usually the sweet spot for deals.
Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest fares.

Tools to use:

Skyscanner: Compare multiple airlines.
Google Flights: Track prices and see flexible date options.
Airline alerts: Sign up for fare alerts directly with airlines.

Watch for added fees. Budget airlines charge for extras like seat selection or checked bags.

8. Try Volunteering

Work exchanges let you stay for free while meeting people and learning new skills.

Options include:

Worldpackers: Pay a yearly fee, then apply to volunteer gigs across Mexico.
Workaway: Similar platform. Help with eco-projects, language exchanges, or hostel work.

What you’ll usually give:

20–25 hours/week of work (cleaning, teaching, gardening, etc.)
1–2 days off per week

What you get:

Free accommodation
Often meals and local tips
A built-in community

Just read the reviews carefully before committing.

Colorful umbrellas create a vibrant canopy over a street in Tabasco, Mexico, offering a unique artistic feel.

9. Use Travel Apps That Actually Help

A few apps can help you save real money while you’re on the move:

XE Currency: Get up-to-date exchange rates and avoid overpaying.
Rome2Rio: See how to get from point A to B with all transport options and costs.
Booking.com or Hostelworld: Great for last-minute deals and finding affordable rooms.
Maps.me: Offline maps that help when you’re in areas with poor signal.

Bonus: Many booking sites offer member discounts or free cancellation, which gives you flexibility.

10. Learn Basic Spanish

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some basics can save you money and make things smoother.

Start with:

¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much?)
¿Hay descuento? (Is there a discount?)
Uno, dos, tres… (Know your numbers for haggling)

When you make an effort, locals are more likely to help you out—and maybe even tell you where to find the best tacos in town.

Promotional image for a guide titled “Essential Spanish For Travelers,” featuring a colorful cover with traditional Mexican-style plates and trays. The text above the book reads, “Headed to Mexico but don’t speak Spanish? You don’t need a full language course. You just need the right words at the right time.” Below the book is a call to action: “Click to get your copy.”

11. Stay in One Region

Mexico’s big. Trying to see it all in one trip racks up costs fast.

Instead, base yourself in one area and explore nearby:

Yucatán Peninsula: Base in Mérida. Visit Valladolid, Uxmal, cenotes, and the beach at Progreso.
Oaxaca State: Stay in Oaxaca City. From there, take short trips to Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, or over to the coast.

You’ll save on transportation and get a deeper feel for the region.

12. Use Travel Points

If you’ve got a travel credit card, use it to cover flights, stays, or even food.

Two good options:

Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2x points on travel and dining. Points go further if you book through their portal.
Capital One Venture: Use miles to erase travel charges—flights, hotels, buses, you name it.

Set up alerts to see when you’ve earned enough to cover something big.

13. Drink Like a Local

Drinking doesn’t have to eat up your budget.

Local bars: Beer for 20–30 pesos. Mixed drinks from 70–100 pesos.
Convenience stores: OXXO or 7-Eleven has cold beer and mixers. Stock your fridge.
Pulquerías or cantinas: Traditional spots with local drinks and snacks.

Skip the overpriced tourist bars and make your own happy hour at home or with friends at the beach.

14. Skip the Expensive Tours

Most popular spots are reachable without booking a pricey group tour.

Examples:

Cenotes: Ask locals or your Airbnb host which ones are less crowded.
Ruins: Chichen Itzá and Monte Albán are reachable by public transport or car rental. Use a self-guided audio tour by Action Tour Guide and save a ton.
Hikes and waterfalls: Many are accessible with local guides or on your own with good directions.

Plan your route, download offline maps, and bring snacks. You’ll spend less and do it on your own terms.

Explore the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza, a remarkable Mayan monument in Mexico.

15. Travel Smart, Not Fancy

Budget travel isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about choosing where your money goes. Skip the stuff that doesn’t matter to you and spend on experiences that do.

That might mean:

Cooking breakfast so you can splurge on dinner
Taking the bus and spending saved cash on a great local tour
Staying in a budget room so you can afford a surf lesson or cooking class

Wrap-Up: Travel in Mexico on a Budget

Mexico’s not just for luxury travelers or backpackers. It’s for anyone willing to think a little differently about how they spend.

Budget travel here doesn’t mean missing out. It means getting closer to the real thing.

Plan smart, eat well, explore more. Your pesos will go further than you think.

Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips

Do I need travel insurance?

YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.

You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.

What do I pack for Mexico?

My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.

What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.

15 Smart Ways to Travel in Mexico on a Budget