Budget in San Miguel de Allende

When we decided to spend 28 days in San Miguel de Allende, we were drawn by its vibrant culture, near-perfect weather, and mouth-watering cuisine. It’s a magical place, and it’s easy to see why expats from all over the world are flocking to live here. But with this appeal comes higher prices, and we ended up spending more than we initially expected—particularly on groceries. In total, our family of four spent $3,734.16 for the month, which breaks down to about $133.36 per day. Let’s see how our budget in San Miguel de Allende adds up!

Accommodation

Airbnb – $1,613.41

We stayed in a vacation rental about a 10-15 minute drive from El Centro, the heart of San Miguel. This home had everything we needed: a full kitchen, open-concept floor plan, three bedrooms, and even a washer and dryer. The highlight for us was the beautiful backyard, complete with a swing set where our youngest learned to swing on her own!

Eating Out – $139.24

We treated ourselves to a few meals out. Here’s where we spent:

• Brasimix: Delicious local tacos with an awesome salsa spread – $20.39

• Geek & Coffee: A kid-friendly spot we loved – $4.16

• Bastardos: A gastropub where one of us indulged in a drink. Our most expensive meal – $49.64

• Churros y Chocolate: Heavenly churros – $11.22

• Taco Tony’s: Street tacos during our Guanajuato day trip – $13.01

• Estacion Gelato: Sweet treat in Guanajuato – $13.58

• Concha: Two yummy pastries for $1.30

• Cafe 1910: Tasty breakfast burritos – $25.90

Groceries – $857.46

Most of our grocery shopping was done at La Comer, the most convenient option for us as we were outside the city. While it was pricier than shopping at local tiendas, it saved us time. We also checked out SANO, a co-op with organic options. Here’s the breakdown:

• La Comer – $745.51

• SANO – $53.83

• Bodega Aurora – $58.12

Transportation – $954.17

We rented a car, which came with some unexpected fees. Here’s how it all added up:

• Rental car: Initially booked cheaply, but with added fees, it totaled $841.30 or about $30.05 per day. Having the car gave us the freedom to explore, but we weren’t expecting this price.

• Parking: We paid $19.35 for parking in various locations.

• Gas: $93.52

Tourist Attractions – $134.22

We took the opportunity to explore San Miguel and surrounding areas:

• Jardín Botánico: A peaceful botanical garden – $8.39

• La Cañada de la Virgen: A guided tour with the renowned Albert Coffee – $70.34

• La Gruta Hot Springs: A relaxing experience – $46.81

• Funicular ride in Guanajuato: Stunning panoramic views – $8.68

Miscellaneous – $35.66

From children’s ibuprofen to art supplies for the kids, we spent $35.66 on miscellaneous items.

How Can We Improve?

1. Cut down on grocery costs: While we needed to buy groceries, shopping at larger chains like La Comer was more expensive. We could have saved by shopping at local tiendas. Sticking to more affordable options would have helped bring our food costs down significantly.

2. Walk or use public transportation more often: Renting a car gave us flexibility, but it wasn’t the most budget-friendly choice. Relying on Uber or public transportation could have saved us money. Next time, we might opt for more walking more or use public transport to explore the city.

3. Plan for unexpected expenses: The rental car cost more than anticipated. Having a cushion in our budget for these surprises would have alleviated some stress.

San Miguel de Allende was an incredible experience, and though we spent more than we intended, it was worth every penny. Hopefully, with these insights, we can better plan our next trip—and help you do the same!

More on the Blog:

Check out La Parroquia, a must while in San Miguel de Allende.

Our favorite parks to take kids while in San Miguel de Allende.

The ultimate 1 week guide for San Miguel de Allende with kids.