Which Section Of Los Cabos Is Best For Travelers On A Budget? 

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Los Cabos, a popular vacation destination in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, is actually two vacation destinations in one.   

It’s made up of Cabo San Lucas, which sits at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, and San Jose del Cabo, which is located northeast of Cabo San Lucas.   

Collectively, Los Cabos is often referred to as just Cabo, but the two places are actually quite different, and we’re going to tell you which section of Los Cabos is the best for travelers on a budget.   

To Choose Or Not To Choose An All-Inclusive Resort 

There is a lot of debate out there about whether it’s more expensive to choose an all-inclusive resort or to steer away from an all-inclusive and buy food on your own.   

What it really comes down to is what kind of deal you’re getting at an all-inclusive resort and what kind of eater and drinker you are.   

If you can get a good deal, it really is worth it because the all-inclusives in Los Cabos are unlike anywhere else in the world.   

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Los Cabos All-Inclusives – Value For Your Money  

Most of the all-inclusives in Los Cabos offer 24-hour dining, so if you’re a three-meals-a-day plus snacks kind of eater, an all-inclusive may be the budget-friendly way to go.   

All-inclusives are also great if you like to have drinks throughout the day and evening, as many of them offer premium liquor and restock your mini fridge daily, and it’s all included.   

Most of the Los Cabos all-inclusives also have plenty of gourmet dining options, so if you like fine dining, an all-inclusive may be a great way to eat well on a budget, but which area you choose may play a role in your decision too. 

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Los Cabos Resorts 

You’ll find more huge, sprawling all-inclusive resorts in Cabo San Lucas and smaller and boutique-style properties in San Jose del Cabo.   

So if you’re looking to eat well without having to fork over big bills and large tips, because tips are often also included in all-inclusives, then a Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive resort will probably be more budget-friendly in the end.   

But if you want the boutique-style resort experience in the quieter, more laid-back San Jose del Cabo, you can find some great budget-friendly restaurants there.   

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All-Inclusive Resorts Price Range 

Looking at all-inclusive resort prices for both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo for a four-night stay in April, you’ll find that each has a more budget-friendly option, starting at around $1,000 for a four-night stay.   

But beyond that, the prices go up very quickly for luxury all-inclusives in San Jose del Cabo, with the next available option at nearly $2,000 for the same nights.   

This is compared to Cabo San Lucas, which has at least seven more options for less than that on those days.  So if an all-inclusive is what you’re looking for, Cabo San Lucas would be the better choice.   

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Food 

In addition to having fine dining at all-inclusive resorts in Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find many high-end restaurants outside of the resorts too.   

In order to find more affordable options, you’ll have to get a little bit away from the main tourist area, but there are options out there.   

It’s much easier to find affordable dining options in San Jose del Cabo, where authentic Mexican restaurants, both casual and fine dining, line the streets. 

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Activities 

If you do choose an all-inclusive resort, you’re likely going to save money on activities in general.   

If you’re not, then Cabo San Lucas is definitely the more affordable option for activities.   

The marina is filled with tour operators offering all kinds of tours, with prices typically running around $50 and up.   

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So Which Option Is More Budget-Friendly? 

The answer to that has more to do with what style of vacation you’re looking for.   

If you’re looking to indulge in all-inclusive food, drink, and activities, then Cabo San Lucas is the better choice.   

If you’re looking to steer away from the all-inclusive in search of rest, relaxation, and some great Mexican cuisine, then San Jose del Cabo, where you can find some decent highly-rated hotels for under $50 a night, might be the most affordable option for your Los Cabos vacation.