What It Really Costs For Food & Drinks At NON All-Inclusive Cancun Resorts

So… you’re thinking about possibly going non-all-inclusive on your next Cancun trip? But you’re curious just how much food and cocktails are going to cost you? While it varies, here at the The Cancun Sun we want to give you the full picture. We’ve done a deep dive into what real travelers are paying for food and drinks at 4 and 5-star non-all-inclusive resorts in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Get ready for some honest numbers – because knowing what to expect is half the battle!

What It Really Costs For Food & Drinks At NON All-Inclusive Cancun Resorts

Choosing a non-all-inclusive resort offers incredible freedom to explore Cancun’s diverse culinary scene, but it also means your meals and beverages come à la carte. This flexibility is fantastic, but it’s crucial to understand the pricing landscape. Generally, expect to see prices that are on par with, or sometimes even higher than, what you’d pay in major U.S. cities, especially within the Hotel Zone.

Your Drink Tab: From Morning Brew to Evening Cocktails

Staying refreshed under the Cancun sun is a must, and your drink choices will definitely impact your daily spend.

Coffee & Soft Drinks: A standard soda or a cup of coffee at your resort’s cafe or restaurant will typically run you between $4 – $7 USD. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, a quick stop at a local convenience store like Oxxo will get you a soft drink for a much friendlier $1 – $2 USD.
Beers (Domestic): Fancy a cold Mexican cerveza by the pool? Expect to pay around $5 – $8 USD per bottle or draft at most resort bars, beach clubs, and restaurants within the Hotel Zone.

Cocktails: Those vibrant, tropical cocktails are a Cancun staple! A classic margarita, mojito, or daiquiri at a 4 or 5-star non-all-inclusive resort will generally cost between $10 – $18 USD. If you’re opting for premium spirits or a specialty concoction at an upscale lounge, prices can easily climb higher, often exceeding $20 USD.
Wine (By the Glass): While specific prices can vary widely based on the resort and selection, a glass of house wine will likely be in the $12 – $20 USD range. If you’re purchasing a bottle, expect to start around $40 – $60 USD for a decent option, with imported or higher-end labels going up significantly from there.

Dining Delights: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Beyond the drinks, your meal choices will be the biggest factor in your daily budget.

Breakfast: Starting your day with a sit-down breakfast at a resort restaurant, whether it’s an à la carte menu or a buffet, can range from $20 – $40 USD per person. This typically includes your main breakfast items, coffee, and juice.
Lunch: For a casual midday meal at your resort – perhaps a burger, a fresh salad, or a few tacos by the pool – plan to spend approximately $25 – $50 USD per person. This usually includes a non-alcoholic beverage.
Dinner: This is where your culinary aspirations can truly influence your spending. For a good dinner at one of your resort’s on-site restaurants, expect to pay $40 – $70 USD per person for a main course and perhaps a starter. If you’re dreaming of a prime steak dinner or dining at a signature restaurant within a 5-star property, prices can easily jump to $60 – $100+ USD per person, not including additional drinks or dessert.

The Daily Cost Breakdown: What to Budget

So, what should you realistically budget for food and beverages if you’re staying at a 4 or 5-star non-all-inclusive resort? A practical daily budget for food and drinks would be around $100 – $150 USD per person. This estimate accounts for three meals and a few drinks throughout the day, assuming you’re primarily dining within your resort or similar establishments in the Hotel Zone.

Of course, your actual spend can be lower if you’re a light eater, don’t consume much alcohol, or if you make an effort to explore dining options outside the Hotel Zone.

The Insider Tip: Unlock Cancun’s True Flavors (and Savings!)

Here’s the real secret from The Cancun Sun: while resort dining offers undeniable convenience, the most authentic and budget-friendly culinary experiences await you outside the Hotel Zone. A quick and affordable bus ride into Downtown Cancun (Centro) will open up a world of incredible street food for just a few dollars, and full, delicious meals at local restaurants for a fraction of resort prices. This is where your travel budget can truly stretch further, and your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!