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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Rosarito 2024
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Cost of Living in Rosarito

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rosarito helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Rosarito - Cost of Living in Rosarito

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rosarito is around $400 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 USD per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $300 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $600 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Rosarito varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $50,000 USD. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $100,000 USD. A one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can cost around $30,000 USD. A three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can cost around $60,000 USD.
Transportation Public transportation in Rosarito is inexpensive and reliable. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $0.50 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $3 USD. Car rentals are also available and the cost of a rental car for a day is around $30 USD.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Rosarito is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD. A liter of milk costs around $1 USD. A dozen eggs costs around $2 USD. A kilogram of rice costs around $2 USD. A kilogram of chicken costs around $4 USD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Rosarito is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5 USD. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 USD. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $20 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Rosarito is relatively inexpensive. The cost of electricity for a month is around $30 USD. The cost of water for a month is around $10 USD. The cost of internet for a month is around $20 USD.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Rosarito varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition is around $200 USD per month. Elementary school tuition is around $400 USD per month. Middle school tuition is around $500 USD per month. High school tuition is around $600 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rosarito

"The cost of living in Rosarito is generally lower than in other parts of Mexico and the United States. Food expenses are particularly low, with residents being able to get fresh fruits and vegetables from the local market at an incredibly low price. Utilities and housing costs are also comparatively lower than those found in many other Mexican cities. This makes Rosarito a great place for those looking to stretch their money to go further. Furthermore, basic transportation is relatively cheap, and there are plenty of attractions, restaurants, and activities to enjoy for a moderate price," said one expat living in Rosarito.

Can I live in Rosarito on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rosarito for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Colonia Constitución, Colonia Lucio Blanco, or Colonia Reforma. These neighborhoods offer more affordable housing options compared to more expensive areas like Las Gaviotas or Club Marena. You can find a decent apartment or small house for around $500 to $700 a month in these areas.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages can range from $30 to $60 a month. So, you'll need to be mindful of your usage and maybe cut back on some non-essential services if you want to stay within your budget.Groceries can be quite affordable in Rosarito, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be affordable too, with many local restaurants offering meals for under $10. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants, you'll need to limit how often you do so to stay within your budget.Transportation costs can vary depending on your needs. If you have a car, you'll need to factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance costs. Gas prices are currently around $3.50 per gallon, and insurance can range from $300 to $600 a year. If you rely on public transportation, you can expect to spend around $30 to $50 a month on bus fares.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Rosarito. You can enjoy the beach, go hiking, or visit local attractions like the Rosarito Art & Cultural Center. However, you may need to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing or frequent trips to nearby cities like Tijuana or Ensenada.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rosarito is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," commented an expat living in Rosarito.

Can I live in Rosarito on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rosarito for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Rosarito include Colonia Constitución, Colonia Lucio Blanco, and Colonia Reforma. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent housing options for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Las Gaviotas, Club Marena, or La Jolla del Mar, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of insurance, maintenance, and gas. Instead, you might want to consider using public transportation or even biking around town. The local bus system is quite reliable and affordable, and it can take you to most places within the city.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and street food vendors offer great value for money. You can get fresh produce, meats, and other essentials at a fraction of the cost compared to shopping at larger supermarkets or dining at fancy restaurants. However, if you're craving some international cuisine or a night out at a high-end restaurant, you might have to limit these experiences to special occasions to stay within your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Rosarito. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, take up surfing, or explore the local art scene without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, such as golfing at exclusive clubs or frequent trips to nearby tourist destinations like Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Rosarito is achievable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the many low-cost leisure activities available, you can make the most of your budget while still enjoying a great quality of life," said one expat living in Rosarito.

Can I live in Rosarito on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Rosarito for a while now, and I can confidently say that it's possible for an expat who is used to modern amenities to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many other places.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where you want to live. There are a variety of neighborhoods in Rosarito, some more affordable than others. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, I'd recommend checking out the neighborhoods of Constitución, Ampliación Lucio Blanco, or Ejido Mazatlán. These areas offer a good mix of affordability and access to amenities, and you should be able to find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $800 a month.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to look into neighborhoods like Las Gaviotas, Club Marena, or La Jolla del Mar. These are some of the more upscale areas in Rosarito, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 a month for a nice place with modern amenities. Keep in mind, though, that living in these areas might mean that you'll have to cut back on other expenses to stay within your $5,000 a month budget.As for other living expenses, you'll find that things like groceries, transportation, and entertainment are generally quite affordable in Rosarito. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with bus fares costing around $0.50 per ride. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are currently around $3.50 per gallon.Eating out and entertainment options are also reasonably priced in Rosarito. You can find a good meal at a local restaurant for around $5 to $10, and a night out at the movies will only set you back about $4. Of course, if you prefer more upscale dining and entertainment options, you can expect to pay more, but it's still generally more affordable than what you'd find in many other countries.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the more luxurious amenities you're used to, like high-end shopping malls or certain international brands, might not be as readily available in Rosarito. However, you'll still be able to find most of the things you need, and you might even discover some new local favorites along the way.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Rosarito on a $5,000 a month budget. You might have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and be mindful of your spending, but you'll likely find that the lower cost of living and the laid-back atmosphere make it well worth it," commented an expat living in Rosarito.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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