Is Mexico City Expensive? A Detailed Three-Day Mexico City Trip Cost Breakdown
Is Mexico City cheap? Is Mexico City expensive? Are you planning a trip to Mexico City and wondering how much you should budget for your travels? Look no further! In this detailed 3-day Mexico City budget breakdown, I’ll walk you through my trip expenses, including airfare, lodging, transportation, food, activities, and more.
By following this spending plan, you can financially prepare for your trip and gain valuable insights into the costs of visiting this beautiful and vibrant megacity. Whether you’re a remote worker, a retiree, a digital nomad, or a travel enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the financial aspects of exploring Mexico City and make the most of your travel experience.
First Impressions: Upon arriving in Mexico City for a remote work and wellness retreat, I was immediately captivated by this bustling metropolis’s vibrant energy and rich cultural tapestry.
Mexico City surpassed all my expectations, and I was eager to delve deeper into its captivating attractions, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. As a first-time visitor, Mexico City left an incredible impression, and I am already looking forward to returning.
How Much Should You Budget For Mexico City?
Is Mexico City expensive?
Mexico City is an affordable, budget-friendly destination. While prices are rising, it’s still reasonable.
I recommend that the average traveler budget around $75 (budget traveler) to $225 (mid-range) per person per day for accommodations, food, transportation, and activities.
Here’s a breakdown of potential daily expenses:
- Accommodation: $30-$150 USD per night (depending on the type of accommodation)
- Food and Drinks: $20-$30 USD per day (including street food, casual restaurants, and drinks)
- Transportation: $5-$10 USD per day (for public transportation or ride-sharing apps)
- Activities: $20-$30 USD per day (for museums, historical sites, tours, or other attractions)
Remember that you can save money by:
- Looking for free activities and attractions.
- Eating at street food stalls, markets, or casual restaurants.
- Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch or dinner.
- Using public transportation or walking whenever possible.
Things To Know Planning Your Trip To Mexico City
1. What currency to use in Mexico?
Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Other currencies are not accepted.
2. Credit Cards
You can use all major credit cards in Mexico City, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, I recommend carrying cash. Smaller establishments may not accept debit or credit cards. If your bank or credit card company requires a travel notification, set your travel dates ahead of time.
3. ATMs
There are plenty of 24-hour ATMs in Mexico City. If you’re flying into Mexico City International Airport, I recommend taking cash out at an ATM before heading out. There’s no need to convert money at the airport kiosks – the exchange rates are usually lousy.
Beware of counterfeit money when exchanging money with non-licensed vendors.
4. How much to tip in Mexico City?
It’s customary to tip between 10%-15% at restaurants and bars.
5. Make reservations for popular bars and restaurant.
Popular restaurants and bars (even hotel bars), typically require reservations weeks to months in advance. As soon as you know your travel dates, start making reservations.
6. When is the best time to visit Mexico City?
The best time to travel to Mexico City is during spring, between March and May. Temperatures are mild, about 70°F with little rain.
June to October is considered rainy season, with scattered showers most afternoons for an hour.
7. How many days to spend in Mexico City?
How many days you spend in Mexico City depends on your interests, the activities you wish to experience, and much time you have.
To immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, history, and culinary delights, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Mexico City. This timeframe allows you to visit iconic landmarks, explore various neighborhoods, and savor the diverse culinary offerings the city has to offer.
With a longer stay, you can take day trips from Mexico City to nearby attractions such as Teotihuacan or the charming town of Coyoacán.
8. Should I rent a car?
Most visitors do not need a car.
Ubers are cheap and plentiful. Public transportation, buses and trains, are convenient and efficient. There are even seats and subway cars reserved for women and children.
9. Don’t drink tap water.
To prevent illness, avoid drinking tap water. Purchase bottled water for drinking and to even brush your teeth.
Feel free to use tap water to shower, wash your hair, and hands.
10. Don’t flush toilet paper.
Instead of flushing toilet paper, toss it in the thrash can. The city’s sewer system is older and isn’t designed to handle it.
Mexico City Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes: Mexico City is a walking city, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Lightweight Jacket: The weather can vary significantly throughout the day, so layers are ideal. A light jacket or sweater is a must for mornings and evenings.
- Raincoat/Umbrella: Especially during the rainy season.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential during the day. I’m still peeling!
- Essential toiletries: Bring your own toiletries, as some may not be available or may be different from what you’re used to, like feminine products, haircare, and shaving products.
- Electronics: Bring a universal power adapter just in case you have different plug configurations.
Is English widely spoke?
It’s best to brush up on your Spanish when visiting Mexico City.
While English is spoken widely in the tourist areas, Spanish is the predominant language most locals speak. Even knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can go along way.
Download a mobile language translation app just in case you get stuck.
Is Mexico City Safe?
Mexico City, like any major metropolitan area, has its safety considerations. While the city has made significant strides in improving safety and security, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Overall, I felt comfortable walking alone in Mexico City. Avoid being flashy and keep your belonging lose to your person.
Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Mexico City is a fantastic destination with a lot to offer. It’s an affordable place to visit, making it suitable for various budgets. The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene with an abundance of delicious and diverse food options to explore. From street tacos to fine dining experiences, Mexico City is a food lovers dream.
Moreover, Mexico City is rich in history, culture, and attractions. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply wandering through vibrant neighborhoods, Mexico City has something for everyone.
With its affordable costs, rich culinary scene, and wide array of activities, Mexico City is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for an enriching and budget-friendly experience.
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Detailed 3 Day Mexico City Budget Breakdown
1. Round-trip Flights from NYC: $244.16 USD
I booked my flight with Volaris five months before departure.
Volaris Flight Review
Volaris is a no-thrills, low-cost airline. You can bring two carry-on items (one carry-on and one personal) onboard for free. Avoid baggage fees by making sure your luggage doesn’t weigh more than 15lbs – they will check.
Personal items include a purse, backpack, or briefcase. Since I traveled with my Knack backpack and a wheeled tote, I did not have to pay any baggage fees.
On the Volaris flight, my seat did not recline and I had little leg room. Also, nothing was complimentary on the flight – not even water. To avoid buying bottled water at the airport, bring an empty water bottle with you. Fill it up at a water fountain.
Also, bring your own food and snacks.
Lastly, there was no in-flight entertainment. So I suggest bringing your own.
Although seat comfort was poor, I would fly with Volaris again, especially if I needed to save money.
2. Total Lodging: $311 USD
Attending a retreat, I shared a charming Airbnb that accommodated 14 people in San Miguel Chapultepec.
San Miguel Chapultepec is an authentic Mexican barrio in Mexico City. The neighborhood is quiet, and ice cream shops, restaurants, and cafes are nearby.
From the Mexico City International Airport, grab an Uber and arrive in less than 45 minutes.
Our Mexico City vacation rental had a garden, a terrace, and a large kitchen with coffee and tea. There were also several large living spaces that we used for yoga and meditation. Housekeeping also cleaned my room daily.
If you rather stay at a hotel in Mexico City, there are also plenty of affordable options.
3. Transportation to/from NYC Airport: $72.67 USD
One-way Uber ride to JFK: $37.67 USD
One-way Uber ride to Manhattan: $35 USD
4. Transportation in Mexico City: $42.77 USD
One-way Uber from Mexico City International Airport to Airbnb: $7.95 USD or $157.76 MXN
One-way Uber from Airbnb to Mexico City International Airport: $6.11 USD or $119.35 MXN
Other Uber Costs
- $19.08 USD or $372.64 MXN
- $4.52 USD or $81.38 MXN
- $5.11 USD or $99.77 MXN
Taxi vs. Uber?
Since I heard a few negative things about taxis in Mexico City, I decided to go with Uber instead.
Uber was convenient and affordable. It guaranteed door-to-door service, and I knew ahead of time how much the ride would cost. Sometimes, I had connectivity issues, but if you can’t connect with your driver, cancel the trip and try again.
For safety, I always paid extra to ride Uber alone. The small price difference was worth the peace of mind.
Note that in Mexico City, if you decide to take a taxi, make sure you ask for the price before you get in. If it seems too high, take another.
5. Total Food Cost: $63.34 USD
Food in Mexico City is quite affordable, offering a wide range of options to suit various budgets. From street food vendors and local markets to charming eateries and upscale restaurants, the city provides a diverse culinary landscape that accommodates different flavors and price points. Tacos and stuffed churros with Nutella are a must!
How much is food in Mexico City? I spent, on average, $22 USD a day.
Day 1 Food: $6.55 USD
- Dinner at La Baja Tacos: $6.55 USD or $130 MXN
Day 2 Food: $43.52 USD
- Dinner at La Casa Sirenas: $43.52 USD or $850 MXN. This included treating a friend to dinner.
Day 3 Food: $13.27 USD
- Brunch at Cancino San Miguel: $6.61 USD or $129.15 MXN
- Dinner at Maison Kayser Reforma at Mexico City International Airport: $6.66 USD
6. Total Alcohol Cost: $10.58 USD
Alcohol Details
- $10.58 USD or $210 MXN for two Margarita cocktails
7. Total Mexico City Activity Cost: $39.22 USD
- Visiting food and artisanal markets: Free
- 2.5-hour Mexico City bus tour of downtown: $9.22 USD or $180 MXN
- Xochimilco canal cruise: $30 USD or $600 MXN
Visiting the UNESCO Floating Gardens of Xochimilco is a must in Mexico City!
Not only was the Xochimilco canal cruise relaxing, but it was also a unique cultural experience. Mariachi bands played traditional Mexican songs for us. We even stopped at a conservatory to see native flowers.
I tried all sorts of Mexican street food like elotes: ears of corn covered with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili. I also tried chips with hot sauce.
For more things to do in Mexico City, check out this list of Mexico City tours and sites.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Trip To Mexico City Cost?
For three days in Mexico City, I spent $783.74 USD. Although I was pretty loose with my purse strings, you can travel to Mexico City on a tighter budget.
Notice that I’m not generalizing and saying that Mexico is affordable. Mexico is a large country that I’ve yet to explore fully.
Eating out and Uber rides were cheap in Mexico City. Nevertheless, shave costs on your Mexico City budget by finding a cheap flight and affordable accommodation. Everything else will have less of an impact on your overall travel budget.
Listen to this podcast episode for other affordable travel destinations around the globe.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Anything surprising about my Mexico City budget breakdown?
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
I was planning on going out there in a few months. Do you feel that it is safe for a woman to travel alone out there?
During the last day of my trip, I spent the day exploring the heart of Mexico City solo and I had a wonderful time. I’m so happy that I got to really see more of the landscape of the city through a hop-on-off bus tour. I hope you have a blast!
I’m surprised no one had mentioned anything about Mexico’s incredible museums, I would highly recommend the Natural History Museum in Chapultepec where you will need at least two days to fully explore.
I just returned from Mexico City, and I absolutely love the country! I have gone 3 times since 2014. I’m fortunate to have lots of family there so I don’t pay for hotels. This time I took a side trip to Guadalajara and stayed at Airbnb, 3 bedroom house, could sleep up to 6 people, for $185 US total. Also visited Guanajuato, Tequila, Tlaquepaque, Morelia and San Miguel de Allende. (some of which are World Heritage sites)
Mexico City is such a cosmopolitan city…. Most people have no idea what an amazing place it is. There is so much to see and do that one should really plan for two weeks to fully enjoy and appreciate it’s culture, food, people, and museums.
I can’t say enough about Mexico City!
You can read my blog posts of the trip on luckytraveler57
What No one seems to mention is the Diego Rivera mural in the stairwell of city hall. I consider it one of the world’s great public art treasures, and I live in Chicago where we have a world class collection of public art so I have fairly high standards. In my opinion this is a must see. And hotels, particularly historic ones, can be had for a very modest price.
Taxis in Mexico City DO have meters. It is their obligation to use the meter, if the driver doesn’t want to use it you can demand that they do or get off the cab.
I’ve never paid that much for accommodation. I like to stay in older traditional small hotels in the center. There is an excellent subway system from the airport as well, so I’ve never paid as much for transport. Ask around for a pulgueria as well for a great traditional experience.
Well that makes sense that you stayed at more affordable hotels in the center but I visited Mexico City to attend a wellness retreat so there’s a difference there. And thanks for the pulgeria recommendation!
It sounds like you had a great trip to Mexico City, where I live. Next time you come, look into flying from JFK with Interjet.com, an infinitely better airline than Volaris (better luggage policies, terrific leg room) and just as inexpensive.
The best currency exchange rates are always through an ATM. Check to see if your bank has a global alliance with any bank in Mexico–that means you’ll be able to use their ATMs without a foreign ATM fee.
Any taxi is required to have a meter. Make certain that the driver gives you an estimated cost to your destination–if it seems too high, take a different cab! And yes, Uber is a wonderful, inexpensive option. One needs to download the app from a computer to a cellular phone prior to leaving home; all Uber fees then come out of your credit or debit card.
Food costs range from minimal (a quesadilla at a street stand shouldn’t cost more than 25 pesos or so) to high-end at some of our fantastic restaurants.
William Jenkins suggested that you find a “pulgueria”. In fact, he meant “pulquería”–with a ‘Q’–a bar where only the mildly alcoholic beverage pulque is sold. Fair warning–it’s an acquired taste.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about Mexico City, I’m looking forward to checking out Interjet next time on flights and discovering more of Mexico City’s exciting food and drink scene.
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m actually planning a trip to Cancun, have you been there?
I have been during winter, are you heading there anytime soon?
I considered Mexico City cheap too. I visited in 2015 and was pretty happy with what I got in turn of money. Don’t remember how much I spent for my 3 nights, but was pretty much affordable.
This indeed is a great writeup! I am traveling to Mexico next month and I think this is going to save me lot of money. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Cheers! So excited for your upcoming trip to Mexico City, what do you have planned?
What a great useful breakdown! I had no idea how much to budget so this will come in super useful when we make it to that part of the world!
aww been wanting to go to Mexico for ages already. i hope i can make it soon. the travel cost seems fair enough. i am very much inclined with trying out he food though. thanks for the tips and info! awesome post!
The food is so delicious, I know you’ll have a blast!
Super useful information! I’m considering a second visit to Mexico City this fall. Last time I was there I just walked everywhere, but I missed out on the canal tours because they were so far away. Good to get a sense for how much Uber costs!
Yes, I actually took a cab to the canals and it was reasonably priced – definitely worth the cruising experience!
Great post and useful information. I have always wanted to go to Mexico since I was in high school! It’s good to know that it’s safe enough and cheap.
Nice breakdown! I loved Xochimilco, sooo cool :D Makes me miss Mexico so much right now!
I like the idea of work and wellness retreat. Can you tell me more about what it is and how can one participate in it?
I love this detailed cost breakdown. For some reason I thought that food cost would be higher in Mexico city but now it looks totally affordable for me) I will keep it in mind in caseI see some good deals on flights from Europe))
Thank you for such a detailed cost breakdown. This is super helpful. I live in Costa Rica and flights to Mexico City are extremely cheap, so its been on the bucket list for awhile now. I’m saving this post for later. :)
Such a useful blog! I might be going to Mexico finally next year! I have pinned for later! Thanks!
Thank you for stopping by! I know you’ll enjoy your trip!
great information for travel. I really appreciate your photos – great scenes and views! thanks for sharing
I love your cost breakdown. I didn’t realize how affordable it was to fly to Mexico! I’ll have to keep this in mind for 2018!
Thank you Carmyy! Mexico City is fantastic – 2018 is right around the corner!
Mexico has always been in my bucket list and would love to explore the country extensively. I have a feeling that more or less it would feel like some parts of Asia but with a little bit of difference.
Post saved for future reference :)
Cheers
Mexico sounds a lot like the Philippines where I come from! This is a very detailed and helpful guide for anyone planning a trip to Mexico City. I haven’t been to countries outside of Asia yet but Mexico is definitely in my bucket list. Would love to hear the Mariachi bands when I get the chance to go there someday.
Mexico is one of my all time favorite destinations. My first trip was during an Alternative Tour to Tijuana. While my group was in the facility, where we learned about juicing and alternative treatment for cancer, we snuck across the street to a quaint shop, where I spent $5 US and got the best, largest, yummiest authentic Mexican Quesadillas EVER. The best part was how happy the shop lady was to receive the $5. This is truly important information. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome breakdown of costs! I think Mexico gets such a bad rap from everyone and it’s absolutely beautiful and affordable. Ubers are the way to go and for sure paying for a solo ride is a great idea. Elotes and fresh fruit are my favorite Mexican treats! I can’t wait to return!!
I like knowing that they have uber there. When I visited I was warned about taxis. I found a “secure” one from the airport for my excursion that day, but uber just brings a little extra sense of safety. I only had a one day layover, so I have a lot of exploring to do. It’s nice to know that Mexico City is still an affordable destination. I would love to get back and see the canal tour and some of the museums.
Can’t believe how cheap it is to travel to Mexico City! Surprised that it only cost $8 for that 45-minute Uber ride. Is it relatively safe there?
I felt safe both in a group (of women) as well as when I traveled solo around the city. I had my reservations before visiting, but I had a wonderful experience!
Mexico is such a bucket list destination to me and I found your breakdown very helpful – especially the part about Margaritas ;-)
Thank you for sharing this
Amelie
Yes! Always keeping a pulse on the Margaritas!