Dreaming of tacos, beaches, and ancient ruins without spending too much money? You’re in luck! There are many cheap places in Mexico where you can have an amazing vacation without emptying your wallet. Mexico is a budget traveler’s dream with its affordable food, low-cost transportation, and inexpensive places to stay.

Mexico offers so much value for travelers on a budget. You can explore colorful colonial cities, relax on beautiful beaches, climb ancient pyramids, and eat some of the world’s best food – all for much less than you’d spend in the USA, Canada, or Europe. In these cheap places in Mexico, your dollar goes much further, but the experiences are just as rich.

This post will show you the 10 best affordable cities in Mexico. These budget-friendly spots give you the perfect mix of authentic Mexican culture, amazing sights, and great food – without the high prices of tourist hotspots like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas.

Why Budget Travel in Mexico is Worth Considering

Many people worry about traveling to Mexico because of safety concerns they hear about in the news. But the truth is, most of Mexico is safe for tourists, especially the cheap places in Mexico we’ll cover in this post. Like anywhere else, you just need to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

When you visit less touristy places in Mexico, you’ll find:

Friendlier locals who appreciate visitors
More authentic experiences
Lower prices on everything
Fewer crowds at major attractions

You can save big money on places to stay by choosing budget hotels, hostels, or apartment rentals that start at $15-30 per night. Food costs much less when you eat where locals eat – think $1-2 street tacos and $5-7 restaurant meals. Many amazing attractions in Mexico are free or very cheap, like public plazas, churches, and museums with free days.

For the best deals, try visiting Mexico during “shoulder seasons” – April to May or September to November. The weather is still nice, but prices are lower and there are fewer tourists than during winter high season or summer vacation time.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Mexico

Getting around Mexico doesn’t have to be expensive. The country has excellent bus services that are clean, safe, and affordable. First-class buses (ADO, ETN) offer comfortable seats and air conditioning for about half what you’d pay for similar trips in the US. For shorter trips between towns, look for “colectivos” (shared vans) that cost just a few dollars. Domestic flights on budget airlines like Volaris or VivaAerobus can sometimes be cheaper than long bus rides if you book early.

For places to stay, hostels are the cheapest option, with dorm beds starting around $10-15 per night. Budget hotels start around $20-40 for a private room. For longer stays, apartment rentals through sites like Airbnb can save you money, especially on food since you can cook some meals.

Speaking of food, here’s how to eat well for less in Mexico:

Try street food stands with lots of local customers (they’re usually safe and delicious)
Look for restaurants offering “comida corrida” or “menu del día” (set lunch menus that cost $3-5)
Shop at local markets and make simple meals
Eat your main meal at lunch when prices are lower

Many amazing attractions in Mexico are free or cheap! Public plazas, churches, and markets cost nothing to explore. Many museums have free days (usually Sundays). Nature is often free – beaches, hikes, and waterfalls rarely charge entrance fees. City tourism offices sometimes offer free walking tours or cheap day trips.

1: Oaxaca

Oaxaca is one of the best cheap places in Mexico, famous for its amazing food, colorful crafts, and rich indigenous culture. This beautiful city in southern Mexico offers authentic experiences at prices that will make you smile.

For budget stays, look in neighborhoods around the zócalo (main square) or north of the center. Hostels like Azul Cielo or Casa Angel offer beds from $10-15 per night. Budget hotels start around $25-35 for a private room.

You can enjoy Oaxaca without spending much:

Explore the beautiful historic center (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site)
Visit colorful markets like Mercado Benito Juárez
Watch free cultural performances in the zócalo
Visit churches like Santo Domingo (free entry)

Oaxaca is a food paradise with affordable prices. Try local specialties like tlayudas (huge tortillas with toppings) for $3-5, or sample seven types of mole in small restaurants for $5-10. Don’t miss the chocolate drinks and cheap street snacks like memelas.

You can enjoy Oaxaca on $30-40 per day including accommodation, making it one of the cheapest places in Mexico for cultural experiences.

2: Merida

Merida gives you colonial charm and Mayan culture at budget prices. As the capital of Yucatan state, this safe, friendly city is one of the best cheap places in Mexico for experiencing authentic Yucatan culture.

Stay in budget-friendly areas like Santiago or Santa Ana neighborhoods. Hostels like Nomadas or Hostel Zocalo offer beds from $10-15, while budget hotels like Hotel Trinidad Merida start around $25-30.

Merida has tons of free or low-cost activities:

Enjoy free cultural performances almost every night in various plazas
Walk the historic Paseo de Montejo boulevard
Visit the Main Plaza (zócalo) and free museums like Casa Montejo
Take the free walking tour of the city center

Even though Merida has great food, you can eat well cheaply. Traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) cost $3-5 at market stalls. For super budget options, try local spots around Santiago market. Sunday food festivals at Parque Santa Ana offer lots of cheap eats.

Budget travelers can enjoy Merida for about $25-35 per day, making it one of the cheap places in Mexico with rich cultural experiences.

3: Guanajuato

Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful cheap places in Mexico, with colorful buildings climbing the hills of a narrow valley. This university town offers winding alleys, underground tunnels, and a lively atmosphere at surprisingly low prices.

For budget stays, look in neighborhoods like Pastita or near the university. Hostels like Casa de Dante or Hostel Alonso offer beds from $10-15, while budget hotels start around $25-35.

Guanajuato has many free or affordable attractions:

Wander the colorful streets and alleyways
Visit the famous Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss)
Enjoy the views from the El Pípila monument
Listen to traditional “callejoneadas” (singing groups) in the evenings

Food in Guanajuato is affordable and delicious. Try local specialties like enchiladas mineras (local-style enchiladas) for $4-6 at small restaurants. For super budget meals, check out the university area or Mercado Hidalgo for quick bites from $2-4.

Daily costs in Guanajuato run about $25-35 including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable beautiful cities in central Mexico.

4: Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido proves you can enjoy Mexican beaches without resort prices. This laid-back surf town on the Oaxacan coast is one of the best cheap places in Mexico for beach lovers who want natural beauty without high costs.

Stay in neighborhoods like La Punta or Rinconada for lower prices. Budget accommodations like Tower Bridge Hostel offer beds from $10-15, while simple hotels or cabañas start around $25-35.

You don’t need to spend much to enjoy Puerto Escondido:

Relax on free public beaches like Playa Carrizalillo or Playa Manzanillo
Watch surfers take on the famous waves at Zicatela Beach
Visit the Adoquín (walking street) in the evenings
See baby turtles being released (seasonal, small donation)

Seafood is affordable here compared to other beach destinations. Fish tacos cost $1-2 each, while seafood restaurants offer fresh catches for $5-10. For budget meals, check out local spots away from the main beach or visit the market for cheap eats.

You can enjoy Puerto Escondido for about $30-40 per day, including accommodation, making it an affordable alternative to expensive beach resorts.

5: San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal is one of the most unique cheap places in Mexico. Nestled in the highlands of Chiapas, this colonial town offers cool mountain air, indigenous culture, and colorful streets at budget-friendly prices.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations in the center or around Real de Guadalupe street. Hostels like Puerta Vieja offer beds from $8-12, while budget hotels start around $20-30.

There’s plenty to do in San Cristobal without spending much:

Explore the colorful streets and churches
Visit the daily markets with indigenous crafts
Climb the steps to Iglesia de Guadalupe for free views
Learn about Mayan medicine at the free medicine museum

Chiapas food combines Mexican and Mayan influences at low prices. Try local specialties like sopa de pan (bread soup) or tamales de chipilín at small restaurants for $3-5. Don’t miss the local coffee (some of Mexico’s best) for $1-2 a cup.

Daily costs in San Cristobal run about $20-30, making it one of the cheapest places in Mexico for travelers.

6: Guadalajara

Mexico’s second-largest city is surprisingly affordable. Guadalajara offers the perks of a big city – great food, museums, and culture – making it one of the best cheap places in Mexico for urban explorers.

Budget travelers should look for places to stay near the Centro Histórico or in Chapultepec areas. Hostel Hospedarte offers beds from $12-15, while budget hotels like Hotel Morales start around $30-40.

Guadalajara has many free or low-cost attractions:

Visit the impressive Cathedral and surrounding plazas
Explore the huge Mercado Libertad (San Juan de Dios market)
Enjoy free cultural performances at Teatro Degollado (check for shows)
Wander the artsy Chapultepec neighborhood

Guadalajara has amazing food at good prices. Try local specialties like tortas ahogadas (sandwiches in spicy sauce) for $2-3 or birria (spiced meat stew) for $4-5. For super budget meals, check out small fondas or street food around the university area.

You can enjoy Guadalajara for about $30-40 per day including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable big cities in Mexico.

7: Puebla

Puebla offers colonial beauty and amazing food at budget prices. Located just two hours from Mexico City, this colorful city is one of the best cheap places in Mexico for architecture and food lovers.

Stay near the zócalo (main square) or in the historic center for convenience. Hostels like Santo Domingo or Casa de la Palma offer beds from $10-15, while budget hotels start around $25-35.

There’s plenty to do in Puebla without spending much:

Admire the colorful buildings and Talavera tiles
Visit the beautiful Cathedral (free entry)
Explore the Barrio del Artista (Artists’ Quarter)
Walk along the Los Sapos district

Puebla is famous for its food, especially mole poblano (chocolate chili sauce). Try it at budget restaurants for $5-7 a plate. For cheaper options, check out markets like Mercado El Carmen or try cemitas (local sandwiches) from street vendors for $2-3.

Daily costs in Puebla run about $25-35 including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable cities near Mexico City.

8: Valladolid

Valladolid is a perfect base for exploring nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes (natural sinkholes). This charming small city is one of the most underrated cheap places in Mexico, offering authentic Yucatan experiences at low prices.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations near the centro. Hostels like Candelaria offer beds from $10-15, while hotels like Hotel El Mesón del Marqués start around $30-40.

Valladolid offers plenty of affordable activities:

Explore the colorful colonial center
Swim in Cenote Zaci right in town (costs about $2)
Visit the San Gervasio Cathedral and main plaza
Shop for affordable handicrafts at local markets

Food in Valladolid is both delicious and cheap. Try local Yucatecan dishes like poc chuc (grilled pork) for $4-6. For super budget meals, look for small restaurants around the mercado municipal or try the food stands that set up in the evening around the main square.

You can enjoy Valladolid for about $25-35 per day including accommodation, making it one of the best value cities in the Yucatan Peninsula.

9: Mazatlan

Mazatlan offers beach vibes without the high resort prices of other coastal destinations. This Pacific coast city is one of the best cheap places in Mexico for combining beach time with authentic Mexican culture.

For budget stays, look in the Centro Histórico or Olas Altas areas. Hostel options like Funky Monkey offer beds from $12-18, while budget hotels start around $30-40.

Mazatlan has plenty of affordable attractions:

Relax on free public beaches like Playa Olas Altas
Walk the malecón (boardwalk), one of the longest in the world
Explore the recently renovated historic center
Watch the cliff divers (small tip appreciated)

Seafood in Mazatlan is fresh and affordable. Try local specialties like aguachile (spicy shrimp) for $5-7 or fish tacos for $1-2 each. The mercado in the centro offers cheap meals, and small restaurants along the malecón serve affordable seafood with ocean views.

Daily costs in Mazatlan run about $30-40 including accommodation, making it one of the most affordable beach cities in Mexico.

10: Mexico City

Surprisingly, Mexico’s huge capital can be very budget-friendly. Mexico City is one of the best cheap places in Mexico for museum lovers, foodies, and urban explorers.

Budget travelers should look for accommodations in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Centro Histórico. Hostels like Hostel Home or Mundo Joven Catedral offer beds from $12-18, while budget hotels start around $30-45.

Mexico City offers countless affordable activities:

Visit free or cheap museums (many are free on Sundays)
Explore the massive Zócalo (main square) and surroundings
Wander through Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks
See the Palacio de Bellas Artes (free to enter the lobby)

Food in Mexico City ranges from super cheap street food to high-end restaurants. Tacos from street stands cost $0.50-1 each, while set lunches at fondas (small family restaurants) cost $3-5. The street food scene is amazing and affordable.

You can enjoy Mexico City for about $35-45 per day including accommodation, making it one of the best value capital cities in the world.

Tips for Planning Your Budget Mexican Vacation

To find the best deals on flights to Mexico, try to book 2-3 months in advance and be flexible with your dates. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheapest. Consider flying into major hubs like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Cancun, then using buses to reach other cheap places in Mexico.

For getting between cities, long-distance buses are reliable and affordable. Companies like ADO, ETN, and Primera Plus offer comfortable service. Book tickets a few days in advance for popular routes. For shorter distances, colectivos (shared vans) are very cheap and frequent.

Consider this budget-friendly 2-week itinerary:

Start in Mexico City (3 days)
Bus to Puebla (2 days)
Bus to Oaxaca (3 days)
Flight to Merida (3 days)
Bus to Valladolid (2 days)
Bus to Cancun for departure

Helpful apps and websites for finding deals include:

Rome2Rio (transportation options)
Hostelworld or Booking.com (accommodation)
Google Maps (offline maps for navigation)
Google Translate (with Spanish downloaded for offline use)

Safety Tips for Budget Travel in Mexico

While these cheap places in Mexico are generally safe for tourists, it’s good to follow some basic safety tips:

Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
Use official taxis or Uber rather than hailing cabs on the street
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safer areas
Let someone know your travel plans

Most tourist problems in Mexico happen in certain areas not covered in this guide. The cities we’ve recommended are popular with both Mexican and international travelers and have good safety records.

For transportation safety, stick to first-class bus lines for long distances and use reputable transportation companies. When driving, stick to toll roads (cuotas) when possible.

Health-wise, drink bottled water and be careful with street food – choose busy stands where food is cooked fresh in front of you. Having travel insurance with medical coverage is always a good idea.

Conclusion

Mexico doesn’t have to be expensive! These cheap places in Mexico offer all the culture, food, and beauty the country is known for, without high prices.

From the colorful streets of Guanajuato to the beaches of Puerto Escondido, from the cultural richness of Oaxaca to the urban excitement of Mexico City – affordable Mexico has something for every type of traveler. Each of these budget-friendly cities has its own special character and attractions.

Remember that eating where locals eat, using public transportation, and traveling during shoulder seasons will help your money go further. With some planning, you can experience the real Mexico without breaking the bank.

Ready to start planning your affordable Mexican adventure? Pick one of these cheap places in Mexico, find a budget flight, and get ready for an amazing trip that won’t empty your wallet. The authentic Mexico experience is waiting for you!

FAQ Section

How much should I budget per day for cheap travel in Mexico?

For budget travel in cheap places in Mexico, plan for $25-45 per day. This includes a hostel or budget hotel ($10-30), food ($8-15), transportation ($3-5), and a few attractions ($0-10).

When is the cheapest time to visit Mexico?

May-June and September-November are cheapest (except around Day of the Dead). These shoulder seasons offer good weather and fewer tourists than the high season of December-April.

Can I visit multiple cheap places in Mexico in one trip?

Absolutely! Mexico has excellent bus connections between most cities on this list. ADO and other bus companies offer comfortable and affordable service between cities.

Is it safe to visit these affordable cities in Mexico?

Yes, all cities on this list are generally safe for travelers. As in any destination, use common sense: watch your belongings in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit these budget-friendly destinations?

While knowing some basic Spanish is helpful and appreciated by locals, you can get by with English in tourist areas, especially in larger cities. Learning simple greetings and “thank you” goes a long way!

Cheap Places in Mexico: Top 10 Affordable Cities

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