Tulum on a Budget: How to Save on Hotels, Food, and Activities

Tulum may no longer be the sleepy backpacker town it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for budget travelers. With world-class beaches, swimmable cenotes, and street tacos worth writing home about, Tulum on a budget is still completely doable — if you know where to save and when to splurge.

On my own trip, I spent less than $1,200 for two people — including flights, hotel, food, and activities. I’m sharing exactly how I did it and how you can plan your own affordable trip to Tulum with smart travel planning, local tips, and a few of my favorite budget hacks.

Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, free things to do in Tulum, or affordable places to stay, this guide will show you how to visit Tulum on a budget and still have an incredible trip.

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Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum (and save money)

When you visit Tulum can have a huge impact on how much you spend — especially when it comes to hotels and flights. Like most popular destinations in Mexico, Tulum has a high season, a shoulder season, and a rainy season… and your wallet will definitely feel the difference.

If you’re hoping to save money without sacrificing sunshine, here’s what to know:

• Best value: April through mid-May and late October through early December are sweet spots. These shoulder season windows offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and warm weather without the premium cost.
• Cheapest (but risky): Hurricane season, which runs from June to early October, can come with deep hotel and flight discounts — but there’s also a higher chance of rain or storms. I’ve visited during October and had great weather, but it’s always a bit of a gamble.
• Most expensive: Late December through March is peak season in Tulum. Expect higher prices across the board — especially on beach hotels and flights from the U.S. If your dates fall here, be sure to book early or use points to offset the spike.

If your schedule is flexible, traveling just a few weeks before or after high season can help you save hundreds without sacrificing the vibe. I always recommend checking shoulder season pricing first — it’s usually the best mix of good weather and great value.

Estimated Budget for Tulum

Tulum can be surprisingly expensive if you go in blind — but with the right planning, you can visit for a fraction of what many travelers spend. Your total budget will depend on where you stay, how you get around, and how many splurge experiences you build in.

For context, I spent $1,156 total for two people on a 5-night trip. That included roundtrip flights booked with points, a budget hotel in Tulum Pueblo, collectivo rides, local meals, and a mix of DIY and guided activities.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend based on a mid-budget, money-savvy approach:

• Accommodation: $80–$200 per night
• Food: $15–$35 per person, per day
• Transportation: $15–$25 total if using buses/collectivos
• Activities: $10–$40 per person, per day

My own trip cost $1,156 for two people — including flights booked with points, a mid-range hotel in Pueblo, collectivo rides, and a mix of local meals and guided experiences.

Tulum trip cost: my experience

Let’s be honest — Tulum can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be.

When I started planning my own trip, I saw people spending $3,000–$5,000 for a week in Tulum. And while it’s easy to do that if you book beachfront resorts and $20 cocktails, I knew there was a better (and more budget-friendly) way.

So I pieced together a 5-night trip for $1,156 total for two people, and we still ate amazing food, visited gorgeous cenotes, and had a relaxing vacation.

Here’s a look at what that included:

• Flights: I used 20,000 American Airlines miles + ~$80 in taxes per person for roundtrip tickets from Kansas City to Cancun.
• Airport transfers: We took the ADO bus from Cancun airport to Tulum and back. Tickets were about $15 each way per person — clean, air-conditioned, and easy.
• Hotel: We booked a hotel in Tulum Pueblo for $90/night on Booking.com thanks to an off-season deal. Total for 5 nights = $450.
• Transportation: We primarily used collectivos (local vans) for getting around — usually under $1 per ride. For cenote-hopping, we rented a scooter from our hotel for $20/day.
• Food: We ate local about half the time — tacos, tortas, street stalls. The other half? We tried some of the trendy spots Tulum is known for. Splurging here and there was part of the fun because we’d saved so much elsewhere.
• Activities: We booked two guided experiences and did the rest DIY. Cenotes, ruins, and the public beach gave us great experiences without the tour markups.

The key? Being intentional. We chose when to splurge and when to save. And honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed out on a thing — just skipped the overpriced beach clubs and member-only bars.

If you approach Tulum with a smart budget and a little flexibility, you can absolutely have an incredible trip without spending a fortune.

Getting to Tulum on a Budget

You’ve got a few solid options when flying to Tulum — and none of them have to be expensive. Flights to this part of Mexico are usually very affordable, even without using points.

The most direct route is flying into Tulum’s brand-new international airport (TQO). Flights into Tulum now average $200–$400 roundtrip from most U.S. cities, and more routes are being added every season. From there, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to reach the main hotel zones. The ADO bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing about $13–$15 USD, and the ride takes roughly 30–40 minutes into town.

Your other option is flying into Cancun (CUN) — still the most popular route because of the sheer number of flights. Prices can be as low as $150–$250 roundtrip, and you’ll often find better flight times and award seat availability. But it does mean a longer bus ride (up to 2 hours) or a more expensive transfer to Tulum.

So which one should you pick?

• Tulum Airport: Best if you find a cheap fare or want a shorter transfer time.
• Cancun Airport: Best if you’re using points or want more flight flexibility.

Either way, both routes can get you to paradise without blowing your budget — especially if you’re booking with points.

Getting Around Tulum on a Budget

Getting around Tulum is where a lot of travelers either save a ton… or accidentally overspend. There are no rideshare services like Uber or Lyft here, and taxis are notoriously overpriced — with inflated rates that vary depending on your bargaining skills (and the driver’s mood).

But the good news? There are several ways to get around Tulum on a budget — and some are even free.

Use bikes (free or rented)

If your hotel or Airbnb offers free bikes, take them up on it! Tulum is flat, bike-friendly, and small enough to get from town to beach in about 15–20 minutes.

If bikes aren’t included with your stay, you can rent one easily from local shops around Tulum Pueblo and Playa. Daily bike rentals usually cost $6–$10, with e-bikes available for around $20–$25 if you want a little extra speed (especially helpful in the heat).

Take the collectivo (shared van system)

For longer distances — especially trips between town, the beach, and cenotes — the collectivo is your best friend. These shared vans are mostly used by locals, cost under $1 per ride, and run frequently along the main roads.

They’re not fancy (and there’s little signage), but they’re reliable and cheap. Just tell the driver where you want to go, pay in pesos, and hop off when you’re close.

If you’re unsure where to catch one, ask your hotel staff — they’ll usually be happy to help point you to the right stop.

Scooter rentals for day trips

If you want a bit more independence or plan to visit cenotes and other spots outside of town, a scooter rental can be a great day-trip option. We rented a scooter from our hotel for $20 USD for the day and visited multiple cenotes — way cheaper than booking a tour or paying for taxis.

Where to Stay (on a budget)

Tulum is divided into two main areas: Tulum Pueblo (Town) and Tulum Playa (Beach) — and where you choose to stay has a big impact on your trip cost.

Most tourists are drawn to the beach zone for its oceanfront views, boho resorts, and Instagram-ready aesthetic. But there’s a catch: everything is more expensive — from food and hotels to taxis and day passes. Hotel rates on the beach regularly run $300+ per night, even for mid-range options.

For a more budget-friendly stay, Tulum Pueblo is the way to go. It’s still tourist-friendly but feels more local, and you’ll find great restaurants, boutique hotels, and authentic taco spots at a fraction of the cost. Staying in town can easily cut your nightly rate in half (or more) compared to the beach.

Also keep in mind that Tulum has a high and low season:

• High season runs from December through April, when prices peak.
• Shoulder season (April–May, October–early December) offers the best mix of weather and value.
• Low season (June–September) brings lower prices but also the risk of rain and humidity.

If you want to stay near the beach without the high price tag, you can also visit for the day — either by bike, collectivo, or scooter. It’s a smart way to experience the luxury without paying for it every night.

Where to Eat in Tulum on a Budget

Tulum’s food scene ranges from dirt-cheap tacos to high-end tasting menus — and if you’re not careful, you can easily blow your budget in just a couple of meals.

On average, you can expect to spend:

• $3–$8 for a full meal at a local taquería or street stall
• $10–$20 at casual sit-down spots in Pueblo
• $25+ at trendier restaurants, especially near the beach

I found the sweet spot by mixing both ends of the spectrum. We ate local 50% of the time, with street food, tortas, and tacos making up the bulk of our meals. The other 50%? We splurged on a few of Tulum’s buzzy restaurants — and felt totally okay doing so because of how much we’d saved on airfare and our hotel.

Want to try a bunch of local eats in one go? Consider doing a food tour early in your trip — you’ll get a great overview of regional cuisine and know where to go back to later.

Things to Do in Tulum on a Budget

Tulum offers no shortage of things to do — but the costs can stack up quickly, especially if you book guided tours for everything. Many activities are marked up heavily for tourists, but the truth is: you can DIY most of them for a fraction of the price.

As a general rule, I recommend following my 70/30 travel rule: do 70% of your activities DIY or local-style, and save 30% of your budget for splurge-worthy experiences or guided tours that are actually worth it.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tulum that won’t break the bank:

Visit the Tulum Ruins (DIY-style)

The Tulum Ruins are one of the most iconic places to visit in the area — and also one of the easiest to do without a tour. Entrance costs less than $5 USD, and you can skip the overpriced guides. Instead, read up on the site beforehand or pull up a self-guided tour on your phone.

Travel Tip! Unless you’re a huge history buff, a tour isn’t necessary here — and going on your own gives you more time to explore at your own pace.

Swim in Local Cenotes

Cenotes are one of the best parts of visiting the Yucatán — but they’re also one of the biggest sources of price gouging when booked through tour companies.

Stick with independent cenotes instead of the ultra-popular ones. My favorites:

• Cenote Cristal – Less crowded and only 150 pesos (~$8 USD) per person.
• Cenote Escondido – Just across the road from Cristal and equally peaceful.

Relax at the Beach — for Free

Tulum has a lot of beach clubs and resorts that charge hefty day-pass fees, but you don’t need to pay to enjoy the sand.

Playa Paraíso is a stunning public beach that’s completely free to access — and it’s where locals go on the weekends. Pack a towel, snacks, and your own drinks to avoid overpriced vendors.

Want the beach club vibe without the hotel rate? Use a ResortPass for a one-day resort experience at a fraction of the cost of staying overnight.

Take a Food Tour

This is one of the few guided experiences I recommend splurging on — especially if you do it early in your trip. You’ll get to try multiple restaurants and street food stalls, learn about Yucatán cuisine, and know where to go back later.

The Tulum food tour I joined was one of the highlights of my trip — and we were so full we didn’t need another meal that day.

FAQs

More Tulum Tips + Inspiration

I hope you enjoy your trip to Tulum! There are so many ways you can save money on your own trip if you just think a little outside the box. Here are some more helpful posts for your planning:

• Are you deciding if you want to visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen? I’ve created a helpful comparison to help you choose
• Or, perhaps you’re between Tulum and Bacalar? I’ve got you covered
• Don’t miss my Cancun packing list for a perfect list of what to bring on your trip
• Want a cheaper destination? Check out Merida or Bacalar
• Check out my complete 5-day itinerary for more Tulum things to do