Mexico on a Budget: What Things Really Cost Travelers

From street tacos to intercity buses, here are the real prices you can expect to pay across Mexico, with tips for Tijuana and Mexico City.

Daily costs: food, transport and accommodation

In Mexico City, a filling lunch at a comida corrida typically costs 70–120 pesos, while a three-taco order at a street stall runs 30–50 pesos. Public transport is a bargain: the Metro costs 5 pesos per ride, and the Metrobús is 6 pesos. For accommodation, budget hostels in Roma or Condesa start around 300–500 pesos per night for a dorm bed; private rooms in the same areas are 800–1,200 pesos. In Tijuana, food is slightly cheaper: a birria taco is 25–35 pesos, and a craft beer at a Zona Centro bar is 40–60 pesos. Hostels near Avenida Revolución charge 250–400 pesos for dorms. Buses are the main way to get around; in Mexico City, a single ride on the RTP bus is 2 pesos (cash only), while in Tijuana, the local bus costs 13 pesos.

Intercity travel: buses, flights and their costs

Mexico has an extensive bus network. A first-class bus from Mexico City to Puebla takes about two hours and costs 200–300 pesos. From Mexico City to Oaxaca, it’s six hours and 500–700 pesos. In the north, a bus from Tijuana to Ensenada is two hours and 150–250 pesos. For longer distances, budget airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus offer flights; a one-way from Tijuana to Mexico City can be as low as 1,000–1,500 pesos if booked a month ahead. Buses are generally safer and more comfortable than driving yourself, especially at night. If you’re heading to Tijuana, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge connects directly to San Diego’s airport; the toll is about 200 pesos one way, but it saves hours of queuing at the regular border crossing. Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are common; a 20-minute ride in Mexico City costs around 100–150 pesos, while in Tijuana it’s 80–120 pesos.

Accommodation: where to stay and what you get

In Mexico City, the most affordable areas for hotels are near the historic center, around Calle Regina and Avenida 20 de Noviembre, where budget hotels charge 500–800 pesos for a double room, though they can be noisy. Better value is found in Colonia San Rafael or Santa María la Ribera, with guesthouses from 600–900 pesos. Tijuana’s budget hotels cluster around Avenida Revolución and the Zona Río; expect to pay 500–700 pesos for a basic room. Hostels in both cities offer dorms from 250–400 pesos and often include breakfast and free walking tours. If you want a kitchen, look for aparthotels; in Mexico City, sites like Booking.com list studios in Condesa from 900–1,200 pesos. Always check if the rate includes taxes (16% IVA); many hotels quote without tax. For a mid-range stay, I would book a room at a Hotel PF in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa, which often has rates around 1,000–1,400 pesos and is walkable to the Metro.

Questions, answered

How much should I budget per day for food in Mexico?

A budget traveler can eat well for 150–250 pesos per day by sticking to street food, markets, and set lunches. In Mexico City, a comida corrida costs 70–120 pesos, and tacos are 30–50 pesos. In Tijuana, similar meals are slightly cheaper, around 120–200 pesos daily.

What is the cheapest way to travel between Tijuana and Mexico City?

The cheapest option is usually a flight with Volaris or VivaAerobus if booked in advance, with fares from 1,000–1,500 pesos one way. Buses take over 30 hours and cost 2,000–3,000 pesos, so flying is often better value. Book at least a month ahead for the lowest fares.

Are budget hotels in Mexico City safe and well-located?

Many budget hotels in areas like Santa María la Ribera and San Rafael are safe and close to Metro stations, but do check recent reviews and avoid streets that feel deserted at night. Prices range from 500–900 pesos for a double room. For a bit more, areas like Roma Norte offer better security and atmosphere.

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