Cancún has a deserved reputation for being expensive. It's also possible to spend a week there on a very limited budget if you know where to sleep, eat, and what to do without paying for it. Here are the real numbers for three traveler types.
Budget traveler — $45–65 USD per day
Accommodation: Hostels in El Centro run $12–20 USD per night for a dorm bed. Private rooms in guesthouses: $30–45 USD. The Hotel Zone has almost no budget accommodation — budget travelers should stay in El Centro.
Food: Mercado 28, street tacos, and local restaurants in El Centro — $8–15 USD per day covers breakfast and lunch.
Transport: R-1 bus to the Hotel Zone beaches: 14 pesos each way. Budget for $3–5 USD in transport per day.
Activities: Public beaches are free. Snorkeling at Punta Nizuc is free with your own equipment. Main costs are cenotes ($10–25 USD) and the Isla Mujeres ferry ($15 USD round trip).
Mid-range traveler — $120–200 USD per day
Accommodation: $60–100 USD per night covers decent Hotel Zone hotels without direct beach access, or excellent boutique hotels in El Centro.
Food: Mix of El Centro meals ($15–25 USD) and occasional Hotel Zone dinners ($40–70 USD per person). Budget $30–50 USD per day for food.
Activities: Beach club day ($35–60 USD), Chichén Itzá day trip ($30–50 USD independent), Isla Mujeres ($20–35 USD round trip plus activities).
All-inclusive traveler — $200–600+ USD per day
Accommodation: All-inclusive packages at mid-range resorts (Riu, Iberostar, Holiday Inn): $150–250 USD per night per person including meals and drinks. Luxury properties (Live Aqua, Nizuc, Hyatt Ziva): $350–800+ USD per night.
Extras: Even on all-inclusives, budget $30–80 USD per day for day trips, specialty restaurants, shopping, and tips.
Where all travelers overpay
Airport taxis (use Uber or the ADO airport bus). Hotel tour desks (book direct or through street operators at 40–60% less). Airport exchange booths (use ATMs in the Hotel Zone). Any restaurant with a laminated photo menu in English near the Hotel Zone malls.