Cancún, Quintana Roo — Summer vacation isn’t over yet, but thousands of parents across Quintana Roo have already started receiving school supply lists from teachers for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The early distribution has kicked off the countdown to one of the year’s biggest expenses. Between supplies, backpacks, uniforms, and shoes, back-to-school costs are hitting family budgets hard.
In stationery stores in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Chetumal, and Tulum, a basic set of supplies ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 pesos, while the total cost per student can reach 3,000 to 4,000 pesos when adding uniforms and footwear.
The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) has published its recommended list of minimum supplies for basic education, though teachers may request additional materials related to academic activities.
Given the rising costs, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) recommends checking leftover materials from the previous school year. Notebooks with unused pages, crayons, rulers, calculators, or backpacks in good condition can be reused to cut expenses.
Profeco also advises making a shopping list of only necessary items to avoid impulse purchases and buying products not required by schools.
According to agency data, families allocate about 36% of school spending to supplies, 21% to registration fees, 17% to uniforms, and 14% to clothing and shoes, making planning essential to stay within budget.
Profeco further suggests setting a budget, comparing prices across stores, and avoiding last-minute purchases, as prices for some items tend to rise as the school year approaches.
Another recommendation is to avoid overusing interest-free installment plans, as an impulsive purchase could lead to debt that lingers months after classes resume.
The 2026-2027 school year begins August 31, giving families several weeks to organize purchases, compare costs, and take advantage of deals before the rush.
