Up to date mexican budget

By global standards Mexico is a middle income country, not a poor one. Anticipate experiencing travel costs in Mexico that are lower than those of Europe but higher than those reported by some travelers to S.E. Asia. Travel costs (and convenience) tend to vary with countries' economic levels. For perspective take look at these national statistics (calculated by the U.N. in U.S. Dollars) for Gross Domestic Product, Per Capita, Adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity:

Norway (your country) $64,363
Spain $31,942
Mexico $17,390
Thailand $14,136
Guatemala $7,290
India $5,295
Vietnam $5,295
Honduras $4,592
Cambodia $3,095
Central African Republic $604 (World's Poorest)

I make enjoyable trips to Mexico, traveling solo and usually renting my own hotel room spending there on average between U.S. $30 and US $50 per day. I manage that by limiting the distances that I cover during each trip. Fortunately, Mexico's principle attraction for me is not "sights" listed in guidebooks but peoples' local culture and everyday life. It's possible to experience a great deal in Mexico without moving around very much.

If you are willing to spend time in small towns or rural communities away from the "foreign tourist routes" featured in guidebooks, or to stay in city lodgings not listed in guidebooks, you'll should be able to find hotel rooms many places costing the peso equivalent of about US $15 to US $25 per night. Some of Mexico's' best value' lodgings are located in mountain towns that are very scenic and culturally traditional, but distant from cities.

Thanks chris, everything I have read so far has definitely made me aware not to even try to compare it to Sth East Asia. I guess I was just hoping someone who was reading had been in a similar situation lately and could share their expenses..

As to the extreme wealth/expense of Norway I'm well aware. I've only been living here for the past year, I've lived in aus my whole life and although Australia is on the higher end of that spectrum I have to say it's got nothing on Norway!

It sounds like we have similar travelling styles.. I always find the best out of a new city or town simply walking around taking it all in.
But thanks again that definitely helps me out.
I'm a fan of arriving to a new places and seeking a place to stay rather than booking ahead. I actually rarely do that unless I'm going away for a weekend. Do you think we will have any problems doing this in Mexico more so villages?

J.V, I would help to know what your budget is for this trip, of course you will spend less buy staying in one place for a while...I also travel solo but in my own vehicle, when traveling by bus I always figure $5 to $6 USD per hour per person.
Hotels between 300 Pesos to 600 Pesos so average 450 Pesos a night ($31.50 USD) .............

You should be able to get a nice breakfast for 35 Pesos or about $2.50 USD per person.....
In non tourist you can get lunch specials for about 45 Pesos or a little over $3.00 PP...........
For dinner I have cena which is a lite supper for about 45 Pesos again about $3.00 USD......
I usually just have water with my meals, beer will cost anywhere from 12 to 25 Pesos.........

So that's about $40.00 USD per person per day not counting drinks, bus fares or entrance fees
to museums or ruins...... hope this helps.........

P.S. Always read the menu carefully, the other day I was with a friend at a restaurant and I ordered a regular 12 ounce beer for 12 pesos and he saw a liter bottle on the menu of the same beer was 19 pesos.......LOL

I am just on a 6 month trip from Mexico, having spent the 5 last weeks in Mexico. My travel style might differ a bit, but here some information. I generally sleep in the cheapest option available, couchsurf (rarely) or stay with friends. I eat only 2 meals a day, but often in (cheap) restaurants. Occasionally I go drinking and partying. I stay between 1 to 3 nights in most cities, so transport is a bit more. I do not do tours (with exceptions) and try to visit everything on my own with local transport.

My average budget is 30€/approx. 500 pesos - I am spending slightly more at the moment (meeting Mexican girls can be expensive ;)). Dorms are from 130-200 pesos, doubles a bit more expensive. Cooking yourself is dirt cheap, but for decent food menus you will never pay more than 50 pesos if you go 3 blocks away from center and tourist areas, otherwise it may double. Street food is 10-15 pesos and safe (at least for me). Generally, I find the food very inexpensive. The big thing for my budget are actually transport costs.

Local transport is dirt cheap, buses never cost more than 10 pesos for me so far. With taxis negotiate always 20 pesos less - mostly they are very affordable too (only take them at night for long distances or when arriving in a new city in the dark). However, long-distance transport is expensive. Expect to pay around 60-80 pesos for every hour of travel, in better buses even more (can be worth it). High frequented intercity routes may be less.

Museum entries are mostly 40-60 pesos as are entry to ruins. Often, museums are free too - so always inquire. Also churches (unlike in many European countries) do not charge anything.

40$ maximum including everything. Staying in a city using local transport and not going out drinking should not really be more than 20$ per Person.

Hope this helps you. Have a good trip and enjoy Mexico (I love it and feel absolutely safe here - even in areas like Michoacan which are very worth a visit)

bigge and Chrissy7, thanks a lot for your feedback. All replies on the thread have really helped us to get a rough figure in our head on which we can spend a day, so much appreciated!
To answer your question bigge, We where hoping to spend around 90US a day (understanding that the figure can vary from day to day, i.e. travels days, relax days etc) also we would like to HELPX along the way keeping costs down, helping people out and learning a few things too!

August is high season in Mexico. All the rates will be high as it is Mexican Vacation month. You will need reservations in advance. Toward the end of August the kids go back to school. In September the rates drop way down. I In August beach areas all all booked up and have required stays.

ah okay thanks patywolf, i guess i had my wires crossed on high and low seasons.. appreciate the advise and will keep it in mind when the time comes!