Food & Drink
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Street tacos (each) Al pastor, carne asada, fish | $1.50 | $3 |
Taco stand meal (3-4 tacos + drink) | $6 | $12 |
Casual restaurant dinner Per person with drink | $15 | $30 |
Mid-range restaurant dinner Per person with drinks | $35 | $60 |
Fine dining dinner Per person with wine pairing | $80 | $150+ |
Beer at a bar Domestic; import $5-8 | $3 | $6 |
Margarita Premium spots $15-20 | $8 | $15 |
Bottle of water (store) | $1 | $2 |
Coffee (café) | $3 | $6 |
Transportation
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Airport taxi to Cabo San Lucas Fixed rate; negotiate | $80 | $100 |
Airport taxi to San José | $40 | $60 |
Private airport transfer Pre-booked; whole vehicle | $70 | $120 |
Shared airport shuttle Per person | $18 | $25 |
Uber (downtown to Corridor) | $15 | $30 |
Taxi within downtown | $8 | $15 |
Water taxi to Lover's Beach Round trip per person | $15 | $20 |
Car rental (per day) Plus $25-50 insurance | $35 | $80 |
Activities
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Sunset cruise 2-3 hours with drinks | $70 | $120 |
Snorkel tour Half day with equipment | $50 | $90 |
Whale watching tour 2-3 hours; Dec-Apr only | $75 | $130 |
Fishing charter (shared) Per person, 6 hours | $150 | $250 |
Private fishing charter Whole boat, 6-8 hours | $500 | $1,200 |
ATV desert tour 2-4 hours | $80 | $150 |
Scuba diving (2 tanks) Certified divers | $120 | $180 |
Golf green fees Premium courses higher | $150 | $400 |
Spa massage (1 hour) Resort spas higher | $80 | $180 |
Accommodations
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Budget hotel/hostel Per night | $50 | $100 |
Mid-range hotel Per night | $150 | $300 |
Luxury resort Per night | $400 | $800+ |
All-inclusive resort Per person/night | $350 | $700 |
How to Save Money in Cabo
Eat where locals eat
Street taco stands and fondas (family restaurants) offer authentic food at 1/5 the tourist restaurant price. Look for places packed with locals.
Find the best tacos in Cabo →Pre-book airport transfers
Arranged transfers cost $70-100 vs $80-120+ for taxi negotiation at the airport. Book through your hotel or a reputable shuttle service.
See all transportation options →Pay in pesos
Vendors using their own dollar exchange rate often shortchange you. Withdraw pesos from ATMs for the best rate.
More on pesos vs dollars →Book tours directly
Walk to the marina and book direct—you'll often save 20-30% compared to hotel tour desks or cruise ship excursions.
Explore the marina area →Visit during shoulder season
May-June and October-November offer lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and still great weather. Avoid spring break and Christmas.
Calculate your trip budget by season →Use Uber when available
Uber is typically 30-50% cheaper than taxis. Download the app before you arrive.
Transportation guide →Happy hour strategically
Many bars offer 2-for-1 drinks from 4-7pm. Plan your sunset cocktails around happy hour specials.
Best bars in Cabo →Skip the resort restaurants
Even at all-inclusives, venture out for a meal or two. You'll experience better food and save the resort upcharge.
Browse restaurant picks →Common Questions
Is Cabo expensive compared to other Mexican destinations?
Yes, Cabo is one of Mexico's pricier destinations, comparable to Cancún's Hotel Zone. However, you can still find good value by eating at local spots, using Uber, and booking tours directly at the marina.
How much spending money do I need per day in Cabo?
Budget travelers: $50-80/day. Mid-range: $150-250/day. Luxury: $400+/day. These estimates exclude accommodations and include meals, activities, and transportation.
Are prices higher during peak season?
Yes, expect 20-50% higher rates for hotels and some tours during peak season (December-April, especially Christmas/New Year and spring break). Restaurant prices stay fairly consistent year-round.
Should I bring cash or use credit cards?
Bring both. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, but you'll need cash for street food, tips, taxis, and small purchases. ATMs offer the best exchange rates.