Is Sayulita Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)

Is Sayulita expensive?

Sayulita was once a well-kept secret among those seeking bohemian beach vacations in Mexico, but these days it has become a go-to destination for many.

Back in the year 2000, this location was nothing more than a collection of dirt roads, free-range hens, and avid surfers. If you go back thirty years, it was a quiet fishing village that rarely appeared on maps but things have shifted over the years.

As you step out of the taxi in the middle of town, you’ll look around confused, wondering how you could have possibly missed the border crossing back into the United States.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a more tropical version of Southern California if it weren’t for the nearly one hundred percent American population. There are a few stands selling tacos, a margarita cart on the sidewalk, and half a dozen stray dogs that are barking at motorcycles.

Sayulita has somehow lost its well-kept secret” vibe, but the authentic small town by the beach atmosphere remains.

Is Sayulita Expensive?

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We would say that a vacation here is more expensive than one in its neighboring city of Puerto Vallarta, but we would not consider it to be more expensive than one in Tulum.

Nonetheless, even when compared to the standards of other Mexican destinations, Sayulita’s rates are reasonable and within reach of the average tourist. When compared to hotels or apartments in many other popular beach holiday destinations in Mexico, Sayulita vacation rentals offer remarkable value for the money.

Tasty street tacos may easily satisfy the hunger of a family of four for much less than ten US$. During your trip, you can keep yourself engaged with a variety of free activities such as swimming, hiking, seeing local attractions, and spending the day at the beach.

Cost of a Vacation in Sayulita

One person can expect to spend around $1,555 for a week in Sayulita, while a couple can expect to spend around $2,793, and a family of four can expect to spend around $5,236. Hotels in Sayulita cost between $67 and $303 per night on average, while a weeklong stay in a private residence might cost anywhere from $140 to $1,000.

With regards to airfare, price ranges for the economy and first-class tickets to Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International Airport (GDL) range from $518 to $817 and $1,625 to $2,564, respectively. We suggest budgeting between $56 and $93 per person, per day, for transportation and eating out at local restaurants (depending on activities).

See below for a comprehensive cost analysis of common expenses in Puerto Vallarta for every type of traveler. Prices include lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment.

Check out the hotel rates here.

Booking.com

Average Expenses for a Solo Traveler

The average cost of a week in Sayulita for one person is $169-$359 a day.

Economy flights range from $303 to $678.

Lodging: A 2- or 3-star hotel room costs $81 to $101 per night, while a 1-bed vacation rental is $161 to $197 per night.

Meals, transportation, and sightseeing: $56 to $93 per day for one person.

Average Cost for a Couple’s Trip

A week in Sayulita for a couple costs between $329 and $588 per day.

Economy flights range from $606 to $1,356.

Lodging: A 2- or 3-star hotel room costs $81 to $101 per night, while a 1-bed vacation rental is $161 to $197 per night.

Meals, transportation, and sightseeing: $112 to $186 per day for two persons.

Average Cost of a Family Vacation

The average cost of a week in Sayulita for four persons is $536-$1,029 a day.

Flights range from $1,212 to $2,712 for economy class.

Lodging: $162 to $202 a night for two- or three-star hotel rooms, or $225 to $315 per night for a two-bed vacation rental.

Meals, transportation, and sightseeing: $224 to $372 per day for four persons.

Cost of Living in Sayulita

Sayulita is widely regarded as one of the most stunningly beautiful, tranquil, and secure locations throughout the entirety of Mexico. Also, it is famous for the high quality of its cuisine and the warmth of its residents.

If you are thinking about relocating to this Pueblo Magico, you will be happy to know that you can easily get by on $1,000 U.S. dollars per month (including rent, eating out, entertainment, and utility costs), while many individuals get by on much less.

Some apartments in Sayulita rent for as little as US$400 per month, but other houses in the area may be rented for as much as US$2,500 per month.

The following is an example of how one can break down the monthly costs associated with living in Sayulita.

● Rent $400
● Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, cell phone/internet) $130
● Food $300
● Sports (Gym) and Entertainment (movies, eating out, bars) $130
● Transport $40

Comparing Sayulita to Other Destinations

Comparison to other Mexican beach towns

Sayulita vs Isla Mujeres

For vacationers who prefer quiet time on the beach to wild nightlife, Cancun’s sister island of Isla Mujeres is the perfect alternative. The more you travel north from the main village, the less crowded it becomes, but the quieter it becomes and the more difficult it is to get around.

Meanwhile, Sayulita’s primary industry is surfing. A greater variety of services are geared toward young adults in their twenties, such as backpackers, surf bums, and hippies. When compared to Isla Mujeres, which is located off the coast of Cancun, Sayulita has superior and more “local” fare than Isla Mujeres, which is more pricey and influenced by American cuisine.

To get an idea of how much money you’ll need for a daily budget on Isla Mujeres, the typical tourist spends M$1,971 ($107) each day there. Depending on your preferences as a traveler, a day in Sayulita can cost anywhere from USD 35 to USD 50. You may expect to pay between $15 and USD 45 per night in a hotel room, USD 35 per night for an Airbnb (for two people), and USD 15 per night at a hostel.

Sayulita vs Puerto Vallarta

If you’re a fan of spending time on several various kinds of sand, you’ll have more options in Puerto Vallarta than in Sayulita. Reasons for this are largely related to the larger coastline area that Puerto Vallarta now encompasses.

Sayulita’s laid-back ambiance makes it more popular among travelers and free spirits than neighboring Puerta Vallarta.

Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta is the place to go whether you’re a retiree or a member of the LGBTQ+ community looking to connect with others. You might run into folks like them in Sayulita, though. However, the LGBTQ+ group is more prevalent in Sayulita than in the elderly.

The lowest nightly rate at a hotel in Puerto Vallarta starts at 400 MXN (about USD 20). Yet, hostels in Puerto Vallarta are less expensive than those in Sayulita. The cheapest in Sayulita can be had for around $US 45 (MXN 900) each night.

Related Read: Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)

Sayulita vs Puerto Escondido

Surfing is the top activity in Puerto Escondido and Sayulita. You can’t take a stroll down the sidewalk or hit the beach without bumping into someone carrying a surfboard.

While Sayulita and Puerto Escondido are known for their surf, each town has a different reason why they are popular with surfers.

The Mexican Pipeline is what makes Puerto Escondido so well-known. Off Zicatela Beach, where the water is warmer than Hawaii, is a popular spot for seasoned surfers to ride waves that are consistently 10 feet or higher, making it one of the most reliable spots in the world for this type of wave.

However, the waves at Sayulita’s beaches are more suitable for novice and intermediate surfers due to their medium to small size. Both spots, like Puerto Escondido, are known for having excellent summertime surfing, with massive, consistent waves.

Tips for Saving Money in Sayulita

1. Go during the summer if you can tolerate the heat

From June through September, the heat and humidity are intolerable. Many locals abandon their houses and travel to their vacation properties elsewhere. Those who can’t stand the heat often return to their home countries like the United States and Canada. The fact that most eateries and watering holes close for the season should also be taken into consideration.

However, Summer is when you can view the greatest concentration of fireflies in the jungle (usually around August), as well as other forms of bioluminescence (between June – September). You can still go throughout the summer if you think you can tolerate the extreme weather. Plus, lodging costs during this season are lower than usual.

These are, on the whole, the least expensive times to visit Sayulita:

● January 8th to March 4th
● May 14th to June 3rd
● August 6th to November 18th

The middle to the latter part of September is typically when vacationers may get the best deals on trips to Sayulita.

2. Take a bus to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport

At Puerto Vallarta International Airport, as at every other airport in Mexico, only licensed VIP cab services can pick up and drop off passengers. However, the license is quite pricey, and as a result, the bare minimum that you will need to pay is $125. The trip takes about an hour and 10 minutes.

So, how to save on cash when going from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?

You can take a bus for just $2-3. It will take an hour and a half but compare to taking a taxi, it is much more cheaper.

3. Take the public bus

Sayulita is located 30 miles to the north of Puerto Vallarta, but you won’t need a car to get there. Taking the bus to Walmart from the airport will cost you 6.5 pesos (50 cents), and from there you can switch to the Sayulita bus for 30 pesos (about $2.30).

As several buses depart for Sayulita from the Walmart plaza, it’s important to select the one that bypasses Punta Mita to save time. Nonetheless, the time required to travel using the faster bus option can still range from one to two hours.

4. Get your fill of Street Food

Instead of spending five dollars on a taco at Sayulita Fish Taco, as many tourists do, try one of the many street vendors. Tacos range in price from around $3 for the “expensive” kind to as little as $1 for the cheapest options.

For less than $5, you may have a satisfying dessert at a churro vendor.

5. Explore Sayulita for free

Many come to Sayulita for more than just surfing. Even if swimming isn’t always safe, you can’t help but want to spend hours basking in the sun on Sayulita Beach’s gorgeous golden sands. The best part is that it’s free!

The quiet Playa de los Muertos is another option. It’s a hike, but once you get there, you’ll find a peaceful cove with soft sand, bamboo beer shacks, and fascinating tide pools where you can play in the water.

For those who are more physically capable, the walk-up Monkey Mountain is widely regarded as Sayulita’s best. At its peak, you can take in the entire stretch of Higuera Blanca beach in all its splendor.

Conclusion

This magical pueblo is the perfect destination for vacationers wishing to relax, seek out some excitement, and enjoy a nightlife that is satisfactory if they choose to venture out after the sun has set. It is more about excellent cocktails and live music and less about going out to clubs and drinking massive beers.

Sayulita is a fantastic destination to visit since it offers a variety of exciting activities, such as surfing, beautiful jungle walks, outstanding restaurants, and breathtaking views. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by yourself, with a partner, with your family, or with a large group of friends; this stunning seaside town is affordable and a fun place to visit all year round. Sayulita is the ideal location for you to visit any time of the year if you are seeking a beach vacation in Mexico.