Introduction
Hi, this is AroundMeTrip! In this article, I share the detailed costs of my 16-day solo backpacking trip in Mexico, complete with a cost breakdown chart. I visited Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Caribbean resort of Cancun on a slightly luxurious journey. I traveled solo with just a backpack, and I hope my real-life budget helps you plan your own adventure!
Travel Profile
Travel Style
A multi-currency account like WISE is a total lifesaver when traveling! It saved me a lot on fees, which was awesome.
Travel Itinerary
- Mexico city
- Oaxaca
- Cancun(Isla Mujeres)
- Day 1-5Mexico City
5 nights in a hostel, exploring the historic center,
Biblioteca Vasconcelos, and Teotihuacan. - Day 6-8Oaxaca
3 nights in an Airbnb, visiting Monte Alban
and enjoying the vibrant local culture. - Day 9-11Cancun & Isla Mujeres
2 nights in a hotel, relaxing on Caribbean beaches.
- Day 12Travel Day
Going to other Latin America countries
- Day 13-15Mexico City
3 more nights in an Airbnb,
visiting the National Museum of Anthropology. - Day 16Travel Day
Return to Japan
Total Travel Cost
- Total: 27,010 MXN (~1,260 USD)
- Daily Average: ~78.78 USD/day
Note: International flight costs from Japan to Mexico are not included.
Cost Breakdown
✈️Transportation
Transportation total: 264.24 USD
- Mexico City to Oaxaca (bus): 67.33 USD
- Oaxaca to Cancun (flight): 70 USD
- Cancun to Isla Mujeres (ferry): USD28.67
- Local metro and bus fees
In Mexico City: Get a Metro Card!
Mexico City has a great public transportation system.
Be sure to pick up a Metro Card, which works for the subway (Metro), buses, and trains — all in one!
In Oaxaca and Cancun: Taxis Are the Main Way to Get Around
In cities like Oaxaca and Cancun, public transportation is limited, and taxis are the most common way to get around.
Keep in mind that credit cards are often not accepted, so carry enough cash just in case.
Uber in Mexico: Know Before You Go!
Uber can be used in many parts of Mexico, but not everywhere.
Due to taxi union restrictions, Uber is banned or restricted in certain areas.
Examples:
- Cancun (especially near the airport)
- Bus terminals in Mexico City
🛑 Avoid calling Uber directly to terminals, airports, or ferry ports.
Instead, walk a short distance away before requesting a ride to avoid problems.
💡 Real Tip from My Experience:
When I used Uber in Mexico, the driver asked me to sit in the front passenger seat.
Why? Because if a foreigner is sitting in the back, it’s obvious they’re a paying passenger — and that could lead to conflict with taxi drivers or local authorities.
Sitting in the front makes it look like you’re just a friend catching a ride. Smart, right?
🏠Accommodation
Accommodation total: 486.15 USD
Average: 30.67 USD/night
I booked my stays through
- Trip.com,
- Airbnb
- Agoda
When I needed a place last-minute, I often used Google Maps to check nearby hotels — super handy!
Mexico City
10 Nights: 145 USD
(7 nights in a hostel + 2 nights in Airbnb + 1 night in a hotel)
Hotel I stayed at in Mexico City👇:
All the places I stayed at felt safe, even when walking alone.
Although none of them were located right in the historic center, that wasn’t a problem at all thanks to Mexico City’s well-developed Metro system.
🔍A Note on Where to Stay in Mexico City:
It’s better to avoid staying in the very center of the historic district.
The closer you get to the center (especially areas like Tepito), the more often you’ll see informal street vendors and people struggling economically.
Although I have never found myself in any danger walking alone, it seems wise to take a little caution in these areas.
Oaxaca
3 Nights:$78 USD(Airbnb)
Airbnb I stayed at in Oaxaca👇:
This Airbnb had a fantastic location!
Oaxaca felt very safe, and the city stays lively into the night with lots of great restaurants and cafes.
I loved that I could easily walk around the central area in the evening — it was convenient and fun!
Cancun (Isla Mujeres)
3 Nights: 250 USD (Hotel)
Hotel I stayed at in Isla Mujeres👇:
Cancun is one of the top resort destinations in the Caribbean, and accommodation prices vary widely depending on your travel style.
The hotel I stayed at was on the budget end, with no meals included, but the location was amazing — safe and close to the beach, perfect for enjoying a drink while watching the ocean at night.
Cancun is so lively!
Music blasted until around 3AM, but the area felt very safe, even late at night.
🌮Food
Food total: 254.56 USD
Average: 15.90 USD/day
- Street food: 1.67-2.65 USD per meal
- Local restaurants: 6.67-10 USD per meal
- Cancun area: 13.33 USD and up per meal
One of the best things about traveling in Mexico? The street food!
From freshly made tacos to local snacks, food stalls pop up everywhere around lunchtime — perfect for a fun and delicious food walk.
Oaxaca is known as one of Mexico’s top culinary cities.
It’s a great place to try regional dishes, including the famous mole negro — a rich, chocolate-based sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
🎫Activities
Accommodation total: 18.20 USD
- Teotihuacan entrance: 4.67 USD
- Monte Alban entrance: 4.67 USD
- El Meco entrance: 3.5 USD
- National Museum of Anthropology: 4.67 USD
Mexico is home to incredible ancient civilizations — from the Maya and Aztec to Teotihuacan.
You’ll find remarkably well-preserved ruins across the country, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The best part?
🎫 Entrance fees are generally quite affordable, so you can explore these historical wonders without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re climbing ancient pyramids, walking through centuries-old temples, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Mexico offers amazing cultural experiences at budget-friendly prices.
📞Communication
Communication total: 15.50 USD
For this trip, I used an eSIM from Airalo:
- eSIM (4GB/15 days)
To be honest, 3GB would’ve worked just fine for one week of travel.
If you prefer a physical SIM card, Mexico has major carriers like Telcel and Movistar, which are widely available and offer solid coverage across most regions.
💡 Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a local SIM!
👕Other
Others total: 205.57 USD
- Souvenirs, laundry, cosmetics, and essentials like a swimsuit (purchased in Cancun, where prices are higher)
- Public toilets: Generally 5-8 MXN per use, so always carry coins
Souvenirs – ¥1,778
I picked up 7 small items as souvenirs:
- 2 Galápagos stamps
- 3 bookmarks
- 2 mini packs of local coffee
Fun fact: Galápagos stamps can only be used when mailing from the islands — they make cute and unique keepsakes!
Clothe – ¥30,835
This included items like:
- A swimsuit (bought in Cancun – a big expense at around ¥18,000!)
- Laundry fees
- Skincare items
- Public toilet fees : Generally 5-8 MXN per use, so always carry coins
💡 Note: Resort areas like Cancun are very pricey for basic goods — if you know you’ll need something, it’s best to buy it beforehand on the mainland!
What to Know About Toilets in Mexico
Public restrooms in Mexico are almost always pay-to-use — so keep some small change handy!
There are generally two types:
- 💁 Staffed entrances where you pay a person
- 💰 Coin-operated turnstiles
Typical fee: 5 pesos (around ¥35) per use
In Oaxaca, I paid 8 pesos once — so prices can vary a bit.
💡 Important: In most places, toilet paper cannot be flushed.
Instead, throw it into the trash bin located inside the stall.
Trust me — when nature calls, having coins in your pocket can save the day! 😱🪙
Tips for Saving Money
- Use ADO buses with early bird discounts
- Compare hotel prices on Booking.com and local walk-ins
- Understand that living costs vary by city (Oaxaca is generally cheaper)
Is It Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
- Safety: Be cautious in Mexico City, especially in the historic center. Oaxaca and Cancun felt very safe.
- Language: English is somewhat understood in tourist areas, but basic Spanish is essential for local shops and street vendors.
- Luggage: A backpack-only style works well, especially if you plan on doing laundry.
I hope this cost summary helps you plan your own adventure in Mexico!
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