Are you planning your next vacation and wondering where to go for a budget-friendly trip? Let’s talk about Mexico and Belize. In 2022, Mexico welcomed 66 million international tourists, marking a significant increase from the previous year. With 38.3 million tourists exploring its diverse landscapes and rich culture, Mexico continues to be a top destination for travelers worldwide.

On the other hand, a country in northeastern Central America is a heaven of eye-catching beauty and lively cultural experiences. In 2022 Belize welcomed 371 thousand international overnight visitors and that was a growth of almost 70 percent when compared to the previous year. Next, we will compare Belize to Mexico City. The average per person daily cost is $214 in Mexico City, but $88 in Belize City; thus, Belize City is a relatively inexpensive vacation destination. 

Now, the big question: Which is cheaper, Mexico or Belize? To help you in making the right choice, we will explore in depth expenses of travel, accommodation, and food in these two popular destinations. It doesn’t matter whether you feel a need for some relaxation on pristine beaches or whether you want to devote yourself to the wonders of ancient ruins, we’ll explain how you can plan your most awesome adventure without breaking the bank.

Cost of Accommodation:

Accommodation costs can differ depending on the type of accommodation and when you visit a specific place. In Mexico City, one can have a room in a hotel for $41. On the other hand, an average double-occupancy room per couple is $82. Certain popular tourist spots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen present tourists with a variety of accommodations that include budget hostels to premium resorts. If you don’t mind being a bit far from the main tourist area, you can find budget deals. Some of the most famous hotels in Mexico are Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. You can find many more luxurious hotels and budget friendly options in Mexico.

Accommodations in Belize City usually are a bit costlier. A single’s accommodation at a hotel ranges around $49, while the same room for two people is close to $98. While in Mexico the budget alternatives are available in abundance, it may not be the same in all other cities. One of the choices that you can make is an eco lodges like Blancaneaux Lodge and Chan Chich Lodge which are cheaper compared to hotels.

Cost of Food and Dining:

Comparing Belize to Mexico City, dishes are the main points offering less expensive but mouth-watering dishes. In Belize and Mexico City a one day meal can be found at a price around $ 27. In Mexico, you can taste dishes like Taco de Calle, Calabazitas Tomatillos, and Aguas Frescas which are quite affordable. The local restaurants would mostly be inexpensive, especially if you choose the local food joints instead of the tourist attractions.

Belize reintroduces a diverse style of cooking with influences of Caribbeans, Central Americans, and Mayans. From rice and beans to a variety of fresh seafood dishes, your taste buds will get their fill. Dining out in Belize can be a little more expensive than in Mexico.

If you like food tours and cooking lessons, Mexico City and Belize City have several opportunities to experience local dishes. In Mexico City, you can either follow the tours or take cooking classes to discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine. In Belize City, there are organized tours such as the Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour which provide a combination of fun and knowledge. Whether you are inclined towards eating street food or want to learn the real way of preparing the food, there are plenty of options to match your appetite in both destinations.

Transportation Costs:

Now, let us compare Belize to Mexico City transportation. Mexico and Belize transportation costs are quite affordable, you can also use public transport. In Mexico City, the cost of local transport options such as closing cabs, yellow buses, and subway, cost you $13 per day. Bus service is often the most popular and affordable alternative to travel between cities and towns, and ride-sharing services like Uber provide efficient and relatively affordable transportation options.

While in Belize City an average daily transportation fare for the residents would be about $5.82, local travelers can also easily choose these affordable options. The city buses and shared taxis also known as “collectivos” are commonly used to travel within the country. Although Belize’s bus system is not as developed as that of Mexico, it is still possible to travel through the country at affordable prices. Moreover, there are transport services such as airport transfers, shuttles, and others that operate at specific routes to meet unique passenger requirements. Also, prices may fluctuate considerably based on dates and travel demand in the process of comparing flight costs. The prices for the flights to both Belize City and Mexico City keep fluctuating.

Activities and Excursions:

The two countries, Mexico and Belize offer a variety of activities that will satisfy the interests of everyone and will also accommodate different budgets. In Mexico, you have the opportunity not only to see ancient Mayan ruins but also to swim in cenotes or simply enjoy the fantastic beaches at affordable prices. Although many natural attractions including national parks and wildlife reserves have low entrance fees.

Just like that, Belize is perfect for nature lovers looking for adventure activities like snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching. Although certain activities, like diving the Belize Barrier Reef, could be more expensive, there are lots of budget-friendly options available, such as going to Mayan ruins and exploring the caves.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you should choose Mexico or Belize? The answer to this question is quite subjective because it depends on the personal preferences of a person. Comparing Belize to Mexico City, we found both places offer budget options for traveling, accommodation, activities, and food. Though Belize is a little on a higher side, especially when it comes to accommodation and food. However, with proper planning and research you can visit either Mexico or Belize and experience the uniqueness of these countries at budget minimum cost.