Cost of Living in Ensenada

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Ensenada can cost around MXN 5,000 to MXN 8,000 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost around MXN 10,000 to MXN 15,000 per month. Outside the city center, the cost can be significantly lower, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around MXN 3,000 to MXN 5,000 and a three-bedroom apartment costing around MXN 7,000 to MXN 10,000.
Apartment Purchases	The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around MXN 15,000 to MXN 20,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter can be around MXN 10,000 to MXN 15,000.
Transportation	A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around MXN 10. A monthly pass can cost around MXN 500. Taxi start (normal tariff) is around MXN 30 with MXN 13 for each additional kilometer. The cost of gasoline is around MXN 20 per liter.
Groceries	The cost of basic groceries including milk, bread, rice, eggs, cheese, chicken, beef, apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, lettuce, water, and wine can be around MXN 1,500 to MXN 2,000 per month.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around MXN 100 to MXN 150. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around MXN 500 to MXN 700. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around MXN 80 to MXN 100.
Utilities	Basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment can cost around MXN 1,000 to MXN 1,500 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around MXN 400 to MXN 600 per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. For preschool, the cost can be around MXN 2,000 to MXN 3,000 per month. For elementary school, the cost can be around MXN 3,000 to MXN 4,000 per month. For middle school, the cost can be around MXN 4,000 to MXN 5,000 per month. For high school, the cost can be around MXN 5,000 to MXN 6,000 per month.

Please note that these are average costs and actual costs can vary based on various factors including location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Also, the exchange rate can affect the costs in USD or other currencies. As of the time of writing, the exchange rate is approximately 20 MXN to 1 USD.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ensenada

"The cost of living in Ensenada is generally lower than in many parts of the United States and Europe. Housing is particularly affordable, with both rent and property prices significantly lower than in many other cities. Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are also relatively inexpensive.Groceries in Ensenada are also quite affordable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Eating out in local restaurants is also quite cheap, although prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant.Transportation costs in Ensenada are also low, with affordable public transportation options and relatively cheap gasoline prices for those who drive. Healthcare is also less expensive than in many other countries, although the cost can vary depending on whether you use public or private healthcare services.However, it's important to note that while the cost of living in Ensenada is generally low, it can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, if you choose to live in a luxury apartment, eat out at high-end restaurants, and use private healthcare services, your cost of living will be significantly higher," said one expat living in Ensenada.

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

"I've been living in Ensenada for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. In terms of housing, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Zona Centro or Playa Hermosa. They're affordable and centrally located, so you'll have easy access to markets, restaurants, and other amenities. A decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost you around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Punta Banda or Valle Dorado are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Unless you're willing to allocate a large portion of your budget to housing, I'd suggest avoiding these areas. Groceries are relatively cheap here, especially if you shop at local markets. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, cost me around $100 a month. Public transportation is also affordable, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the U.S. I spend around $50 a month on transportation. Healthcare is another factor to consider. While it's cheaper than in the U.S., it's still a significant expense. I pay around $100 a month for health insurance. Lastly, you'll want to set aside some money for entertainment and personal expenses. I spend around $200 a month on these. So, if you add it all up, you're looking at around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. This leaves you with a few hundred dollars for savings or unexpected expenses. It's not a luxurious lifestyle, but it's comfortable and affordable. And the best part is, you get to enjoy the beautiful weather and culture of Ensenada," commented an expat living in Ensenada.

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

"I've been living in Ensenada for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the U.S. or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. The neighborhoods I would recommend are Zona Centro, Playa Hermosa, and Chapultepec. These areas are safe, close to the city center, and have a good mix of locals and expats. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Punta Banda and Valle Dorado are a bit more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a budget. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages are also quite affordable, usually costing around $30 to $50 a month. Groceries are also cheaper here. You can get fresh produce, meat, and other essentials for around $200 to $300 a month. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. As for transportation, public buses are very cheap, but if you prefer to drive, gasoline costs are comparable to those in the U.S. If you're a fan of wine, you'll be happy to know that Ensenada is located in the heart of Mexico's wine country, so you can get high-quality local wines for a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. or Europe. The main sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to a slower pace of life. Things don't always run on schedule here, and services might not be as efficient as you're used to. But once you get used to it, it's actually quite refreshing. Healthcare is another thing to consider. While it's cheaper here, you might not have access to the same level of care as in the U.S. or Europe. However, there are good private hospitals and clinics in Ensenada, and many doctors speak English. Overall, I'd say that living in Ensenada on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You just need to adjust your expectations a bit and embrace the local lifestyle," said one expat living in Ensenada.

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

"I've been living in Ensenada for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be modern amenities. If you're used to high-end luxury, then you might have to make some adjustments. But if you're okay with a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle, then you'll be just fine. For housing, I'd recommend looking in neighborhoods like Playa Hermosa or Zona Centro. They're safe, relatively affordable, and close to everything. A decent two-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost you around $500 to $700 a month. If you want something more upscale, you could look at Punta Banda or Valle Dorado, but you'll be paying closer to $1,000 or more per month. Utilities like electricity, water, and gas are quite affordable, usually costing around $50 to $100 per month. Internet and cable TV can be a bit more expensive, but still reasonable at around $30 to $50 per month. Groceries are also quite affordable. I usually spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries. Eating out is also quite cheap, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot of money. Public transportation is quite cheap, and if you choose to drive, gasoline is much cheaper than in the U.S. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot of money. The quality of healthcare in Ensenada is quite good, and it's much cheaper than in the U.S. A visit to a doctor can cost as little as $20, and a visit to a specialist can cost around $40. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and shopping. While there are plenty of things to do in Ensenada, it's not as cosmopolitan as some other cities. And while there are plenty of stores, you might not find all the same brands and products that you're used to. But overall, I've found that living in Ensenada on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but quite comfortable. And the best part is, you get to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of Baja California," commented an expat living in Ensenada.