Tropical fruit, expertly seasoned meals, and a bay Jacque Cousteau described as the world’s biggest aquarium — what’s not to love? Cabo is one of Mexico’s top travel destination, and with good reason.
But, before you start dreaming of shrimp tacos consumed under a beach umbrella, it’s good to do a little math to see whether this dream is attainable.
How much you’ll spend on a trip to Cabo will depend a great deal on what sort of vacation you want and where you’ll go. Different parts of Cabo have different costs. The star level of the hotel you choose will have a huge effect, as well.
But don’t worry — we’ve checked into several different areas of Cabo and several different restaurants, hotels, and activities to see how much you can expect to spend when you come to experience this heavenly slice of Mexico.
Before you know it, you’ll be in a beach chair with a paloma in your hand. Let’s dive in!
Average Trip to Cabo Cost in 2024
A week in Cabo costs around $4,000 for two people:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $150 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $400 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $140 per person per day
- Transportation: $30 per day
- Total Cost: $4,000
These are average prices that assume a few meals out, a few tickets for activities, and a midrange hotel. Someone who is staying in an all-inclusive resort will likely pay more, while someone bashing through the region with a backpack and a bunk in a hostel will obviously pay a lot less.
Food can be found at all price points. There are fine dining options as well as $2 and $3 tacos on the beach.
We’ll break down a few different options so you can get a more realistic idea of what you’ll spend and how we landed on our average trip costs.
✔️ Absolute Necessities in Cabo:
- Private Transfer from Cabo Airport to Resort (Super affordable!)
- Our Favorite Travel Insurance (Very affordable, takes less than 5 minutes)
- Cabo Snorkeling & Boat Trip with Open Bar (Amazing deal & really fun!)
🛎️ Our Top Resort Picks:
- Hilton Grand Vacations Clu La Pacifics – 5-star luxury, huge pool, secluded beach
- Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – Modern luxury, secluded with a boutique feel, unlike other huge resorts
- Grand Velas Los Cabos – Ultra-luxurious, stunning new rooms, true oceanfront resort
Cabo Trip Cost: Average by Item
Los Cabos, Mexico/11.2018 Luxury hotel Grand Velas is simply stunning/Carolyne Parent/Shutterstock
When you are calculating what a trip to Cabo will cost, it’s always good to think in terms of a range. Hotel and flight costs will fluctuate depending on the time of year you choose and how many other people are booking for the same period.
You’ll also spend more money if you eat in the Pacific coast tourist areas than if you head a bit inland to the more locally focused neighborhoods.
Accommodation Costs
There are hotel prices at all price points, depending on where you stay and when. One good mid-range example is Club Regina Los Calos. This four-star hotel along the Tourist Corridor costs about $130 a night.
The rooms are large, but a few visitors describe them as dated. Water-facing buildings have great views and can even be a prime viewing spot for whale watching.
If you are willing to go inland a bit, you can find lower-priced options like the clean but basic Hotel Jazuli. For less than $80 a night, you can get a small room.
The hotel is close to shopping and restaurants, but about eight kilometers from the nearest beach. If your ideal vacation involves a stay at an upscale resort, expect to pay between $300 and $400 per night.
One example is the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort and Spa. The hotel’s grounds include a golf course, spa, five restaurants, and multiple outdoor pools.
Flight Cost
A flight from JFK in New York to the San Jose Cabo airport (SJD) costs anywhere from $350 to $700. The price will depend on how many layovers are on your trip.
Surprisingly, direct flights from the west coast may not be cheaper. A recent search showed tickets from San Francisco to Cabo cost around $400 for both direct flights and those with a layover in the middle.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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There are food and drink options at all price points in Cabo. As a general rule, you’ll pay more for meals in the Tourist Corridor than you will if you go across the highway.
You’ll also obviously pay more for a high end meal than you will in a casual restaurant. As an example, the grilled octopus appetizer at Mestizo del Mar costs about $30 US. Expect to pay $100 or more for the chef’s catch of the day special.
At nearby Restaurant Bar Campestre, a multicourse meal including soup, an entree, dessert, and a drink will cost around $40 per person.
Taco stands are common along the beach. Expect to pay about $2 each for tacos. You can also save a bit of money by shopping at the grocery store and making your own food for a few meals.
There is a Costco not far from the resorts. However, bring your physical card and coordinate with other members of your party before you shop. Redditors report that they only let in one person per card.
Another grocery shopping option is California Ranch Market, which offers delivery within the local area. Prices are in line with what you’d see at a natural foods market in the states.
While Cabo is not a tequila-producing region, there are still a number of tequila-related activities available in town. If you are interested in learning about different tequila styles, a tequila tasting can be a good way to explore.
These events usually involve tasting several styles and run about $35 per person. More than one visitor recommended Avocabo food tours.
These walking tours last about three hours and include food from around five restaurants along the way. Costs are between $60 and $70 per person. A visit to Flora Farms is recommended by multiple redditors.
The farm has tours, a restaurant, a spa, and activities that include cooking classes. The class prices range from $115 to $130, depending on the dish being prepared.
Getting out snorkeling in the clear water of the Sea of Cortez will typically require a trip out by boat. A daylong catamaran tour will cost around $150 per person. If you want a cheaper way to see the sea floor, consider a glass bottom boat tour.
These typically run a bit under an hour and will cost around $25 per person. Beaches in Cabo are public and free to visit. Choose your beach wisely.
If you want to swim, you’ll need to be on one of the beaches that border the Sea of Cortez. The Pacific beaches have current that is too strong for safe swimming. San José del Cabo has a number of historic buildings and monuments that are free to enter.
There are many old and well-preserved churches. Find out what days and times are good for tours, as most are active churches with daily mass.
If you are in Cabo between December and April, whale watching is a common activity along the shore. Coastal beaches, restaurants, and hotels are all prime viewing spots.
Transportation Costs
The airport you fly into when you visit Cabo is about a thirty minute drive away. Hiring a driver to take you to your hotel will cost around $25 to $30 per person.
Private drivers can be a great source of information about the area and give you tips about the best places to eat and drink. Public transit comes in the form of the Supercabos bus. Bus far is under $3 per person per trip.
You can catch buses easily in the tourist corridor, but may need to walk a bit to catch one outside it. It is also inexpensive to rent a car when visiting Cabo. A weeklong rental of a compact car will cost under $100.
Things to Consider
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- If you want to swim at the beach, you’ll want to be closer to the Sea of Cortez than the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean beaches have strong currents that make swimming unsafe.
- Both US dollars and Mexican pesos are accepted by most merchants. Seasoned visitors say to use dollars whenever the exchange rate is less than 20 pesos per dollar.
- Carry cash in small bills. You’ll likely get a better price than you will with credit cards.
- Water in the hotels is filtered and safe to drink. When heading outside your hotel, bring a water bottle with you or purchase bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cheapest month to fly to Cabo?
August is usually the cheapest month you can book a flight to Cabo San Lucas. It’s often the warmest, which makes Cabo a less sought out destination.
Is it worth it to go to Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas has earned a reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing more than three million tourists every year.
Many visitors rave about the nightlife, restaurants, and dazzling views of the Pacific from the beach. Others consider it too crowded and expensive. Whether it’s a worthwhile destination depends on what you want in a vacation.
How much money do you need for Cabo?
How much you’ll need depends on how you like to travel. Going by the average past visitors report spending, plan on around $140 a day. Meals will probably cost around $50 a day, and transportation anywhere from $25 to $40.
Which is better, Cancun or Los Cabos?
It all comes down to what you want out of your vacation. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, white sand beaches, and a party atmosphere, check out Cancun. If you are into a more upscale vibe with fine dining and deep sea fishing, Cabo is a better fit.
Do you need a passport to go to Cabo?
US citizens should have a passport with at least a minimum of six months left before expiration.
So, What Is the Average Trip Cost for Cabo?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $150 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $400 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $140 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $30 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $4,000 |
Everybody’s trip is different, but you should expect to spend around $4,000 for two people for a week in Cabo. Decide in advance what your absolute must-see experience is, then budget the trip around that.
That way, you can be sure you are having the experiences you are looking for and creating an adventure you’ll never forget. Happy travels!