Cost of Living in Cabo San Lucas
Summary: If you're moving to Cabo San Lucas, understanding the the cost of living in Cabo San Lucas helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Cabo San Lucas is around $500 USD per month. A two-bedroom apartment can cost up to $800 USD per month. Prices can vary depending on the location and amenities. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Cabo San Lucas is around $100,000 USD. A two-bedroom apartment can cost up to $150,000 USD. Prices can vary depending on the location and amenities. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Cabo San Lucas is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $1 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Cabo San Lucas can cost around $20 USD. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Cabo San Lucas is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD, a liter of milk costs around $1.50 USD, and a dozen eggs costs around $2 USD. Prices can vary depending on the store and the quality of the product. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Cabo San Lucas is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $10 USD per person. A meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around $5 USD per person. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Cabo San Lucas is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around $50 USD per month. The average cost of water is around $20 USD per month. Prices can vary depending on the size of the home and the amount of electricity and water used. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Cabo San Lucas varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $500 USD per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around $1,000 USD per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $1,500 USD per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around $2,000 USD per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cabo San Lucas
"Cabo San Lucas is well known for being an affordable destination and its cost of living is no exception. The cost of basic goods, such as groceries, are lower than other cities in Mexico, and dining out at local restaurants is also quite inexpensive. Renting or buying an apartment or house can be expensive, however, and utility costs in Mexico tend to be higher than in many other countries. On the whole, however, living in Cabo San Lucas can be quite affordable," said one expat living in Cabo San Lucas.
Can I live in Cabo San Lucas on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Cabo San Lucas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Pedregal or Puerto Los Cabos might be out of your budget, but there are plenty of other options. I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like El Tezal, Cabo Bello, or even downtown Cabo, where you can find more affordable apartments or houses for rent. You can expect to pay around $500-$800 a month for a decent place in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other monthly expenses. Electricity can be quite expensive in Cabo, especially if you're using air conditioning a lot. To save on electricity, try to use fans instead of AC whenever possible and be conscious of turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Water and gas bills are generally more affordable, but it's still a good idea to be conservative with your usage.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices can vary greatly depending on where you shop and dine. To save money, try shopping at local markets and grocery stores like La Comer or Soriana, where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at lower prices than at more upscale supermarkets. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local taco stands and smaller restaurants, but dining at more touristy spots or high-end restaurants can quickly eat into your budget.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you have a car, gas prices in Cabo are higher than in the US, so you'll want to be mindful of your driving habits. Alternatively, you can rely on public transportation like buses and colectivos, which are quite affordable, or even consider investing in a bicycle for getting around town.Finally, you'll need to be selective about your entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Cabo, like going to the beach or hiking, other activities like golfing, fishing, or going on boat tours can be quite expensive. To make the most of your budget, try to find a balance between enjoying the local attractions and sticking to more affordable pastimes.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Cabo San Lucas is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and smart choices. By finding an affordable place to live, being mindful of your utility usage, shopping and dining wisely, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of Mexico," commented an expat living in Cabo San Lucas.
Can I live in Cabo San Lucas on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Cabo San Lucas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like El Tezal, Cabo Bello, or even San Jose del Cabo, which is a bit further away but still close enough to enjoy the amenities of Cabo San Lucas. These neighborhoods offer more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive areas like Pedregal or the touristy beachfront properties.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. I'd recommend using public transportation or even getting a bicycle to get around town. This will not only save you money but also help you stay active and healthy.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to be more conscious of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money compared to eating out at restaurants. However, there are still affordable dining options in Cabo, especially if you venture away from the touristy areas and explore the local eateries.Entertainment and activities can also be quite expensive in Cabo, especially if you're used to enjoying a lot of nightlife or participating in tourist activities like boat tours and water sports. To save money, I'd recommend taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings and enjoying activities like hiking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in Cabo. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible.Overall, living in Cabo San Lucas on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of the more affordable options available, you can still enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful part of Mexico," said one expat living in Cabo San Lucas.
Can I live in Cabo San Lucas on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Cabo San Lucas for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.First, you'll want to consider where you're going to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Pedregal and Palmilla, might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like El Tezal, Cabo Bello, or even downtown Cabo San Lucas. These neighborhoods still offer modern amenities and are close to everything you need, but the cost of living is more reasonable.One sacrifice you might have to make is downsizing your living space. While you can find some beautiful homes and condos in Cabo, they can be quite pricey, especially in the more upscale neighborhoods. By opting for a smaller place in a more affordable area, you'll be able to save money on rent or mortgage payments.Another thing to consider is transportation. While it's possible to get around Cabo using public transportation, it's not always the most convenient option. If you're used to having your own car, you might have to sacrifice that luxury and rely on buses and taxis to get around. However, if you choose to live in a more central location, you might find that you can walk or bike to most places you need to go.Eating out can also be a bit more expensive in Cabo, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you might have to cook more meals at home or opt for more budget-friendly dining options. There are plenty of delicious local restaurants that won't break the bank, so you'll still be able to enjoy the amazing Mexican cuisine.Finally, you might have to be more mindful of your overall spending habits. While it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Cabo, you'll need to be conscious of your budget and make sure you're not overspending on non-essential items.Overall, living in Cabo San Lucas on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but it does require some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, downsizing your living space, and being mindful of your spending habits, you'll be able to enjoy all the amazing things Cabo has to offer without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Cabo San Lucas.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Cabo San Lucas
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Cabo San Lucas
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Cabo San Lucas
- Public Transportation in Cabo San Lucas
- Best Markets in Cabo San Lucas
- Retire in Cabo San Lucas Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Cabo San Lucas
- Pros & Cons of Living in Cabo San Lucas
- Tips for Expats Driving in Cabo San Lucas
- Cost of Living in Cabo San Lucas
- Health Care in Cabo San Lucas
- The Essential Guide to Cabo San Lucas
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Real Estate in Mexico
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Mexico (Plus, Itineraries)
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico