As of November 12, 2026, Thailand is cheaper than Mexico for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $79 in Thailand against $99 in Mexico, a gap of 25.5%. Over the past year Thailand has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+5.8% after inflation, against +1.4%). Thailand carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2).
| Measure | Mexico | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $99 | $79 |
| Lean day | $44 | $35 |
| Comfortable day | $231 | $187 |
| Real change, 12 months | +1.4% | +5.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +1.7% | +4.1% |
| Versus 5-year average | −6.3% | +7.3% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 4.5 · Effortless | 4.8 · Effortless |
| Index score | 59 | 75 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Shoulder months | May, Oct | Mar, Jun, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A continent's worth of food and landscapes, with a peso that swings hard in both directions.
The catchRisk is intensely regional: several states carry Do Not Travel advisories while the main visitor areas sit at Level 2. Tulum and Los Cabos price in dollars.
The most polished budget destination on earth: everything works, at every price point.
The catchThe baht has been strong and the islands price like southern Europe in peak season. Value now lives in the north and in shoulder months.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.