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)

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…