How to visit Mexico City on a budget

There’s plenty to splurge on in sophisticated Mexico City. Yet when compared with major European and US counterparts, this worldly capital’s relative affordability stands out.

It’s true that, thanks to an influx of digital nomads and a sharp increase in tourism, CDMX is nowhere near as inexpensive as it once was. Yet with a bit of planning, anyone can enjoy a getaway here for great value, taking full advantage of the city’s staggering culinary and cultural offerings.

Here’s how to enjoy Mexico City on a budget.

Daily costs in Mexico City

Shared hostel room: M$260 (US$12.65)
A room on Airbnb: M$440 (US$21.50) to M$530 (US$26)
A one-way metro ticket: M$5 (US$0.25)
Museum entrance fee: M$70 (US$3.50)
Michelada at a bar: M$50 (US$2.45)
Tacos for two at a street food stand: M$30 (US$1.50)
Dinner for two at a standard restaurant: M$280 (US$13.75)
Average daily overall cost: M$1050 (US$51.40)

Woman and man sitting and chatting on a bench in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City — Stay in an outlying neighborhood like Coyoácan to save on accommodation costs in Mexico City. Linka A Odom/Getty Images

Stay away from the swanky areas

Mexico is a city of neighborhoods, so picking the right one as your base is very important and also has a big impact on your budget. While you should certainly plan on visiting fabulous Condesa, Roma and Polanco, these upmarket districts are by far the most expensive in town due to the increase of foreign remote workers who have flocked to them.

Instead, seek out accommodation in neighborhoods such as Coyoacán in the south of the city. Home to Frida Kahlo for most of her life, Coyoacán has a bohemian vibe with less of a price tag – and offers a great slice of local life. Although a little further out, it is very well connected by public transport and has many of its own sites worth visiting such as Kahlo’s Casa Azul and the lively Coyoácan Market.

Another area that balances affordability and safety is Centro Histórico – it has some cheap accommodation options and is home to some of the capital’s most popular sights.

Hostel hop or stay in a host’s home

The most obvious way to save money on accommodation is to opt for a hostel, where a bed can be had for as little as M$190 (US$9.25) per night. If you’re not the backpacking type, the city is also awash with reasonably priced Airbnbs.

Instead of getting a whole apartment to yourself, which can be a bit more pricey, plenty of hosts rent out rooms for around M$430 (US$21) per night. If you’re traveling as a pair, this option can be just as cheap as a hostel dorm, without having to share a room with four or more other people. Make sure to find a place within walking distance of a metro station to save both time and money.

A man walks on a subway platform as an orange-colored subway train pulls out of the statoion — It costs just a few pesos to ride anywhere on Mexico City’s metro. Getty Images

Get to know CMDX‘ thorough public-transport network

Mexico City has one of the cheapest metros in the world, with the cost of a single ride only M$5 (US$0.25). Head to the station’s ticket office and buy a single paper ticket for each time you ride; if you’re taking multiple trips, purchase a Transit Card for M$15 (US$0.75) and top up as you go at the recharge machines. The metrobús costs M$6 (US$0.30) per ride, and you can pay by tapping your Transit Card.

Make a beeline for the cheapest eats

Mexico City is a culinary titan – and the best thing about its food scene is that you don’t have to do fine dining to eat well. Its world-famous street food can be seriously cheap (think M$10 / US$0.50 per taco) – so cheap, in fact, that CDMX is one of the few places in the world where it can be more economical to eat out than cook at home.

In addition to ubiquitous tacos, look for dishes such as elotes (corn on the cob) slathered with mayo, cheese and spicy salsas; marquesitas (crunchy crepes), tortas (big Mexican sandwiches); and gorditas (stuffed corn cakes).

But watch out: no matter how cheap the eats, stomach cramps extract a high price indeed. Look for busy stands with lines of locals – an indicator of quality, and that food has not been left out for long.

Two men look at a phone at at table in a sandwich shop under a wall covered with colorful masks of Mexican wrestlers — Eat like a local – and save – by patronizing local comedores and fondas for a fixed-menu lunch. Nelson Antoine/Shutterstock

Lunch like a hungry local

Another way to get your money’s worth when it comes to food is eating at a comedor or fonda, family-run cafeterias typically frequented by office workers during their lunch hour. These places serve comida corrida, home-cooked staples that are quick, easy and cheap.

Look for unassuming establishments with handwritten signs listing the menú del día. These fixed-price meals consist of three to four courses, such as soups, stews, fresh juices and desserts like arroz con leche (rice pudding) – all for just M$50–80 (US$2.50–3.90).

Another option is to head a branch of Casa de Toño, Mexico City’s answer to McDonald’s, where you can enjoy such serving antojitos mexicanos (Mexican bites) as tacos, quesadillas and flautas.

The History of Mexico, Diego Rivera fresco mural, National Palace, Mexico City, Mexico — Diego Rivera’s extraordinary “History of Mexico” mural at the National Palace is free to visit. Florian Augustin/Shutterstock

Take advantage of the city’s accessible cultural sites and experiences

The wealth of Mexico City’s history, architecture and culture means the capital is overflowing with museums and art galleries, some of the star attractions of the place.

Many museums are free on Sundays, with entry only around M$70 (US$3.50) the rest of the week. You can also visit the iconic murals of Diego Rivera for free at the Secretaría de Educación Pública or the Palacio Nacional.

There’s a jam-packed yearly schedule of cultural happenings in the city, from film festivals and fairs to music concerts and exhibitions, most of which are free to attend.

Go treasure hunting in Mexico City’s markets

Mexico City is chock-a-block with public markets and tianguis (flea markets) heaving with good bargains, whether you’re in search of handicrafts, secondhand clothing, artisan accessories or kitsch interior decorations.

Mercado de Artesanías la Ciudadela is one of the most popular and economical in the city. Some of the markets and bazaars in the upmarket areas, such as Mercado Medellín in Roma Sur, are on the pricier side.

A lake in a city park is pictured. People are in rowboats and paddle boats on the water, while others sit in loungers on a lawn looking out at the water. — Packed with activities and open spaces, Chapultepec Park is a prime spot for a low-cost afternoon. Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

Pack a picnic and head to the park

Even as one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City has large parks and green spaces where you can roam freely. Parque Bicentenario has a stunning orchid garden, numerous sports pitches and a large lake perfect for picnicking.

Chapultepec Park – known as the Central Park of Mexico City – has enough fun experiences to occupy an entire day. This green space houses a zoo, as well as Museo Nacional de Anthropologia and Castillo de Chapultepec – both a short hike up Chapultepec Hill.

Party the Mexican way in the city’s most diverse hangout spot

One of the safest and most affordable places to go out is Zona Rosa, just west of the Centro Histórico. It’s a nightlife area that both locals and tourists enjoy. Celebrated for its accessibility and inclusivity, the district is one of the most LGBTIQ+-friendly parts of the city and home to a growing Korean community.

The zone is crammed with cantinas, bars, karaoke venues and antros (nightclubs). Try La Marchela, a lively terrace bar with great views and cheap drinks. For a glimpse of the area’s gay scene, hit the dance floors at Kinky Bar or Cabaretito Fusión. Stick to beer, as you can rack up a hefty bill after a few rounds of cocktails.