Is Cancun Expensive? 9 Rules to Visit Cancun & the Riviera Maya on a Budget
Is Cancun expensive for tourists? How can tourists visit Cancun on a budget?
Cancun is known for its amazing white sand beaches, glitzy resorts, warm weather and “next-level” nightlife. And if you don’t know any better… a price tag to match.
But here’s the truth: you can experience Cancun and the Riviera Maya region for a fraction of the cost (with very few sacrifices – if any).
Most people want to stay in Cancun’s famous “Hotel Zone” and if you are on a budget – staying here can be a costly mistake to start.
You can still enjoy all the same benefits of staying in the Hotel Zone without all the sky-high prices and crowds by making your way down into the Riviera Maya region.
Unfortunately, even while staying away from the hotel zone – many first time travelors can make other very costly mistakes.
After more than 30+ visits to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, I have created a set of rules that consistently save me hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars every single trip.
Here is how you can do the same:
Rule #1: Skip Cancun – Stay in the Riviera Maya Region
Most first time travelors don’t know this but the Riviera Maya region is just south of Cancun.
The Riviera Maya region is comprised of Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras and more.
The Riviera Maya has all-inclusive resorts that can rival those in Cancun. All of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost!
- Stunning beach access
- Amazing food
- Non-stop nightlife
- Family-friendly amenities
- And much more
Cancuns prices are very inflated and the resorts/hotels are no exception. Not only will you spend a lot on your stay being in Cancun – all costs associated with being there is also inflated.
Rule #2: Book Rooms in Pairs (or Fours for Families)
The all-inclusive resorts view solo travelors as a loss of money due to not having the second traveler in the room potentially spending money as well.
This is true regardless where the resort is located.
Knowing this they charge a “single-supplement” rate and most of the time they do not even advertise it as a single-supplement rate.
Rule #3: Master Your Transportation
Renting a car
If you are planning on leaving your resort or Airbnb more than twice on your trip – rent a car. You will save time, money and headaches by having a car ready to go.
Navigation in Mexico is extremely easy. It is not hard driving in the Riviera Maya region.
Taxi’s
If you are only leaving your resort once or twice, use taxi services. Almost all resorts have a bell service that can call a taxi for you and they will have the rates posted.
Pro tip: ALWAYS get your taxi driver’s number and pre-arrange a round-trip fare. It will save you money and headache of needing to find a taxi driver back to your resort or your next destination.
Airport Shuttles/Transfers
If you are not renting a car – definitely pre-book your shuttle/transfer services to your resort or stay.
Pro tip: Definitely make sure to pre-book any shuttle services. I cannot stress enough how much the prices are inflated at the airport and how many “unofficial” drivers are lurking at the airport.
Not to mention how stress free it is walking straight to your shuttle manager and getting your vacation going within minutes of leaving the airport.
Rule #4: Book Tours/Excursions Online – Skip the Desks
Excursion desks at the resorts/airport is marked up by a lot then what you can find online. I highly recommend sticking to major websites like Viator, Trip Advisor or Shore Excursions Group.
Even if you are in Mexico, I still recommend booking excursions/tours through your phone. It is almost NEVER too late.
Pro tip: Just like shuttle services, I highly recommend booking them in advance. The benefits are way too good.
Rule #5: Souvenirs Hack
Unless you are buying something that is truly unique or handcrafted… skip the resort gift shops and even the tourist markets.
Yes – the experience going to the markets can be fun but they can get old very quick.
The Walmart located in Playa Del Carmen has a massive souvenirs section in the front and they are literally a fraction of the price.
Yes – they have all of the souvenirs you can think of.
Almost all of these souvenirs will be a fraction of the price you would get at a market.
Rule #6: Never Buy Essentials at the Resort
Unless you are in emergency mode and need medicine or sunscreen, DO NOT buy anything at the resort.
I still remember my first time in Cancun about 10 years ago and I realized I didn’t have any sunscreen. The staff member at the resort told me I couldn’t go anywhere to get sunscreen and I would have to fork over $19 for a small bottle.
Of course I didn’t know any better at the time.
Pro tip: Either make sure you pack what you need before hand using a packing list or grab your essentials from Walmart in Playa Del Carmen (or local markets). This will save you so much money in the long run.
Rule #7: Use Cash, Not Cards – Pay in Pesos!
This rule is for a few reasons.
Lets start by saying this – Every trip I used my card I always spent hundreds more than I needed to. Sometimes even thousands more.
First reason – Having cash with you gives you a hard budget. Not an imaginary one.
Second reason – Certain resorts, stores, restaurants have low conversion rates. They might tell you the current conversion is 15 pesos to 1 USD. But a quick search will show you that the current exchange is 18.7 pesos to 1 USD.
ALWAYS convert your cash either at the airport or at an official exchange station. Using card can include fees and you might not know what the merchant’s conversion rate is and over charge you.
Third reason – Merchants will actually look at your card and judge you for it. If they see an Amex card you will look like a walking ATM to them.
Pro tip: Even if your cash isn’t converted, having card will almost always guarantee that you spent more than you should of. I highly recommend a cash budget of at least $300 even if you don’t plan on leaving the resort.
Rule #8: Be Flexible With Your Dates
The more flexible you are – the better deals you can find.
Follow these rules:
Book during the week AND vacation during the week
I would guess that at least 80-90% of my trips to Mexico were booked both during the week and I traveled mostly during the week.
Mid-week trips almost always guarantee a much lower price. Of course, weekend trips will almost always be more expensive and much more packed times to visit Mexico.
Book the “off-season”
With Cancun and the Riviera Maya region – the off-season rarely feels more off than than the busy season.
In my experience the best prices are October – May (excluding holidays).
Rule #9: Food & Drinks
Most of these apply if you are not staying at an all-inclusive.
Eat Local
There are lots of local eateries. Taquerias, mercados and street food vendors are plenty and cost much less. Not to mention a more authentic dining experience.
Local Restaurants – Avoid Hotel Zone Restaurants
Many restaurants are frequented by the locals and for a reason – the food is great and a fraction of the cost from the tourist focused restaurants.
Hotel Zone has plenty of amazing restaurants to frequent, however those restaurants are definitely VERY expensive. If on a budget, avoid most restaurants in the Hotel Zone in Cancun.
Water/Sodas/Juices
Most resorts will provide water bottles. However, if they don’t – I highly recommend sourcing cases of water bottles and bringing them to the resort or stay with you.
DO NOT drink the tap water! It is considered generally safe to drink the tap water however that does not mean it will sit right with you.
Sodas and juices generally are more safe then the water at the resorts, however if you are a low risk taker – I highly recommend making these purchases at the stores you purchase water cases from.
Snacks
Most resorts will provide snack bars and other accommodations.
If you feel more comfortable shopping for snacks or if you plan on staying at a hotel/Airbnb that does not provide any snacks without charge then make sure to purchase the snacks that you need with the water purchases.
Rule #10: Free/Low Cost Activities
If you are adventurous like we are than you need to know what are some free/low cost activities to do while in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
- Beaches – All beaches in Mexico are public by law and a quick search on your phone will guide you to any local free beach.
- Resort Activities – Many resorts provide activities such as snorkeling or beach games for free. Check in before you book your stay and see what activities your stay can provide for you.
- Cenotes – Cenotes are amazing to experience and swim in however the tours can get pricey for them. Most cenotes will allow you to purchase a ticket at the entry for access. Check out this amazing guide on cenotes here!
- Day Trip to Cozumel – Cozumel is a phenomenal island with plenty to do. Even if you just want to adventure off and walk the streets of Cozumel you can do that with a quick ferry trip over. Book your ferry in advance online or at the service counters in the ferry ports. Check out our Cozumel guide here!
- Day or Night Trip to 5th Avenue (Playa Del Carmen) – One of our favorite spots to frequent is 5th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen. 5th Avenue has plenty to do – Full of shopping, eateries and clubs. Night time visits are also fun as the street can get lively!
- Museums & Culture – The Riviera Maya region is flooded with local markets, murals and outdoor centers for anyone to visit. Also entry fees into museums like Museo Maya de Cancun are very cheap and worth a visit.
If you are in need of a guide on things to do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, click here!
Conclusion
Traveling to Cancun doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
With a bit of planning, some know-how, and a willingness to skip the overpriced tourist traps, you can experience the best of this Caribbean hotspot without overspending.
From street tacos and public beaches to local buses and great deal all-inclusive resorts, Cancun offers plenty of ways to stretch your dollar without sacrifice.
Remember, the real magic of Cancun isn’t found in the all-inclusive resorts or flashy clubs, but in the everyday moments: sharing a meal with locals, exploring off-the-beaten-path cenotes, and soaking up the sun on a public beach.
So pack light, keep your plans flexible, and dive into everything Cancun has to offer without letting your wallet hold you back.
FAQ’s
1. Is it really cheaper to stay outside of Cancun?
Yes! Staying in the Riviera Maya almost always means lower accommodation costs and leads to more local/authentic experiences. Cancun is notorious for over inflated prices.
2. What’s the best way to find affordable flights to Mexico?
Book early and use google flights to compare if the flights are historically low in price. Flying mid-week and during the off-season (May-early December) will almost always ensure you get the best deals.
3. Should I use cash or credit cards in Mexico?
I always recommend cash. It gives you a hard budget to stick with and helps avoid with overspending. Not to mention foreign transaction fees that most cards charge. Cash also helps you actually calculate the conversion rates – which sometimes vendors will sneakily charge a less favorable conversion rate.
Use card for emergencies.
4. Are Airbnbs or hotels cheaper?
You can definitely save money with Airbnbs, hotels or even hostels. You have to take into account food, entertainment and other costs. But if you plan accordingly you can definitely save more money in the long run if you have access to a kitchen at your stay or if you eat locally at inexpensive restaurants.
5. Is it safe to use public transportation or should I rent a car?
Public transportation (like ADO buses and colectivos) is safe and very affordable for most routes between towns. If you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path spots or want total flexibility, renting a car can be worth it—just factor in parking and insurance.
6. How do I avoid overpriced excursions and tours?
Book tours in advance online through verified sites like Viator or Trip Advisor. They work directly with reputable operators and usually provide the best prices.
Do your best to avoid excursion desks at hotels and especially avoid them at the airport.
Airport excursion providers usually sell excursions with “strings attached”.
7. Where can I get cheap souvenirs?
Our secret to purchasing “standard” souvenirs (magnets, keychains, shirts) for a fraction of the price is by going to the Walmart in Playa Del Carmen. They have a huge selection there.
If you are looking for handcrafted goods I recommend visiting a Mercado (Market).
DO NOT purchase from resorts or heavy tourist locations.
8. Can I drink the tap water in Mexico?
It is technically safe however I highly recommend drinking bottled water to avoid getting sick. Make sure to stop by a local market before making your way to your stay.
9. How can I save on food and drinks?
Cancun and The Riviera Maya region is filled with taquerias, restaurants, food trucks and street stalls that are local favorites. Lots of these eateries are very affordable and will help you stretch your dollar.
10. What are the best free or cheap things to do in Mexico?
Relax on public beaches, visit local cenotes (natural swimming holes), explore Mayan ruins, stroll through colorful town squares, and check out free festivals or cultural events. Check out our blog post about 20 awesome things to do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya!
11. How much should I tip in Mexico?
Tipping is expected in this region. Always expect to tip anyone that provides service (waiters/waitresses, bag handlers, housekeeping, etc).
Always have pesos ready to tip.
Expect to tip anywhere between 10-25% depending on the service.
12. Is travel insurance worth it?
I always recommend travel insurance. Anything can happen on your trip and a small upfront cost of insurance can definitely save you in the long run.
About the Author
I’m Kam, the creator of Kam’s Travel and the face behind the YouTube channel Kam’s Kamera.
For more than a decade, I’ve been driven by a love for travel—whether I’m setting sail on the world’s top cruise lines or exploring new destinations on land.
My adventures have taken me from popular cruise ships to hidden gems around the globe, and I’m passionate about sharing every honest detail along the way. I started this blog and my vlog channel because I believe travelers deserve real, unfiltered insights—not paid opinions or polished ads.
What you see and read here is always based on my firsthand experiences, with all the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons that come with true exploration.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, my goal is to offer genuine stories, practical tips, and raw feedback to help you make the most of your own adventures.