Airbnb Cancun is one of the first things that came to my mind when I started planning a trip to Mexico.
I wanted a nice place to stay, close to the beach, but without spending too much.
Airbnb Cancun: Is It Really the Cheaper Option?
When it comes to Airbnb Cancun, many travelers think it’s the budget-friendly way to go.
You might picture a cozy apartment with a little kitchen, your own private space, and a price that fits your wallet. Sounds great, right?
The Best Way to Use Skyscanner for Flights to Cancun on a Family Vacation
But Cancun is different from many other places. It has an entire “Hotel Zone” full of big resorts, ocean views, and all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets.
What I Looked at to Compare Airbnb and Hotels in Cancun?
To keep it fair and clear, I compared a few key points:
- Price per night
- Location (distance to beach or Hotel Zone)
- Comfort and space
- Extras (pool, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen, etc.)
- Safety and reviews
I looked at places for two adults staying for 5 nights in Cancun — both in high season (January) and low season (September). I used Airbnb and Booking.com as my main tools.
Comparing Prices: Airbnb vs Named Hotels in Cancun
Airbnb Cancun Prices
Based on my search, here’s what Airbnb Cancun options usually look like:
- Budget Airbnb: $35–$50 per night
(Example: A shared apartment in downtown Cancun with a private room and access to a kitchen) - Mid-range Airbnb: $55–$90 per night
(Example: A private studio with A/C and Wi-Fi, around 15 minutes from the beach) - High-end Airbnb: $100+ per night
(Example: A modern condo with pool access, ocean view, and beachfront location in the Hotel Zone)
During low season (like September), prices often drop 10% to 20%. But during high season (like Christmas or spring break), expect prices to rise quickly.
Hotel Prices in Cancun (Real Examples)
To compare fairly, I checked real hotels available at the same time. Here’s what I found:
- Budget Hotel – Hotel Bonampak (Downtown Cancun):
Around $55–$65 per night
Clean, safe, with a small pool and basic room amenities. No beach access, but good location downtown. - Mid-range Hotel – Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites (Hotel Zone):
Around $100–$130 per night
Located on a calm beach, includes kitchenette and spacious suites. Great for families or couples. - Higher-end All-Inclusive – Occidental Tucancún (Hotel Zone):
Around $180–$250 per night
All meals and drinks included. Pools, ocean view rooms, beach access, and resort activities. - Luxury All-Inclusive – Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Hotel Zone):
Starts at $400+ per night
One of the most popular luxury resorts. Everything is included: restaurants, drinks, beach service, shows, and more.
As you can see, Airbnb Cancun rentals can definitely be cheaper than hotels, especially if you stay downtown or outside the Hotel Zone.
