Cost of Living in Tulum

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Tulum can cost around $500 to $800 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Prices can vary depending on the location and the amenities of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases	The price of buying an apartment in Tulum can vary greatly depending on the location and the size of the property. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 per square meter in the city center. This means that a 100 square meter apartment could cost between $200,000 and $300,000.
Transportation	Public transportation in Tulum is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around $1. Taxis are also affordable, with a typical fare within the city costing around $3 to $5. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are around $1 per liter.
Groceries	The cost of groceries in Tulum is generally lower than in many Western countries. For example, a liter of milk costs around $1, a loaf of bread is about $2, and a dozen eggs cost around $2. Fruits and vegetables are also quite affordable, with a kilogram of apples or bananas costing around $1 to $2.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Tulum can cost around $5 to $10. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $30 to $50. A domestic beer at a restaurant can cost around $2, while a cappuccino can cost around $2.50.
Utilities	Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $50 to $100 per month. Internet connection can cost around $20 to $30 per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay around $200 to $400 per month for preschool, $300 to $500 per month for elementary school, and $400 to $600 per month for middle and high school. These prices can be higher for international schools or schools with a specific educational approach.

Please note that these are average prices and actual costs can vary. It's also important to remember that the cost of living can be significantly higher for expats who maintain a Western lifestyle compared to locals or expats who adapt to a local lifestyle.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tulum

"The cost of living in Tulum, is generally lower than in many parts of the United States or Europe. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. Groceries in Tulum are also affordable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Eating out in Tulum can vary greatly, with inexpensive local eateries and more upscale restaurants available. Public transportation in Tulum is quite cheap, and taxis are also reasonably priced. However, many residents choose to get around by bicycle due to the town's small size. Healthcare in Tulum is significantly cheaper than in the United States, and the quality of care in private hospitals is generally good. Overall, while Tulum is one of the more expensive places to live in Mexico due to its popularity as a tourist destination, it is still quite affordable compared to many places in the United States and Europe. However, it's important to note that costs can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Tulum.

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

"I've been living in Tulum for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in the US or Europe, but it's not as cheap as some other parts of Mexico. The biggest expense is probably housing. If you want to live in the beach zone, which is the most popular and expensive area, you might struggle to find something within your budget. A small apartment or studio there can easily cost $1,000 a month or more. However, if you're willing to live a bit further from the beach, in the town area, you can find a decent place for around $500-$600 a month. The neighborhoods of Villas Tulum, La Veleta, and Aldea Zama are quite affordable and still close to everything. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a meal at a local taqueria for around $5. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. Utilities like electricity and internet are also cheaper than in the US. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Taxis are cheap, and many people get around by bike, which is very affordable. However, if you're used to certain modern amenities, you might have to make some sacrifices. For example, air conditioning can be quite expensive to run, so many people use fans instead. Also, while healthcare is cheaper here than in the US, it's not as advanced, so if you have any serious health issues, that could be a concern. Entertainment can also add up. If you like going out to bars and restaurants, or taking part in activities like yoga classes or diving, that can eat into your budget. However, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do, like going to the beach or exploring the local Mayan ruins. Overall, I'd say it's definitely possible to live in Tulum on $1,500 a month, but it requires a bit of budgeting and a willingness to adapt to a different lifestyle," commented an expat living in Tulum.

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

"I've been living in Tulum 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. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, dining out at high-end restaurants and frequenting the trendier bars can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, I've found that cooking at home and enjoying the local street food can be just as satisfying and much more affordable. In terms of housing, the neighborhoods closer to the beach, like Aldea Zama and La Veleta, tend to be more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can easily cost over $1,000 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Villas Tulum and Huracanes are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500 to $600 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save. While having a car is convenient, it's not really necessary in Tulum. The town is small enough to get around by bike, which is what most locals do. Plus, taxis are relatively cheap if you need to go somewhere further. As for utilities, electricity can be quite expensive, especially if you're using air conditioning a lot. I've found that using fans and keeping the windows open for a breeze can help reduce the cost. Internet and water are generally affordable. Lastly, healthcare is much cheaper in Mexico compared to the U.S., but it's still a good idea to have health insurance. There are several insurance companies that offer affordable plans for expats. So, while living in Tulum on $3,000 a month requires some adjustments, it's definitely doable and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Just remember to live like a local as much as possible and be mindful of your spending," said one expat living in Tulum.

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

"I've been living in Tulum 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 expecting to live in a luxury condo with a private pool and ocean view, then you might find it a bit challenging. But if you're okay with a nice, comfortable apartment or house in a safe neighborhood, then you'll be just fine. The cost of living in Tulum is significantly lower than in many parts of the U.S. or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in Aldea Zama, which is a modern and safe neighborhood, for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you want to live closer to the beach, the prices will be higher, but still affordable. For example, in the neighborhood of La Veleta, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month. When it comes to food, eating out is quite affordable. You can have a nice meal in a restaurant for around $10 to $15. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also quite cheap. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat at the local markets for a fraction of what you would pay in the U.S. As for utilities, they are also quite affordable. For example, electricity, water, and internet will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. The only thing that might be a bit more expensive than you're used to is healthcare. While the quality of healthcare in Tulum is quite good, it can be a bit pricey, especially if you don't have insurance. However, you can get a good health insurance plan for around $200 to $300 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the conveniences you're used to. For example, while Tulum has a good number of stores and supermarkets, you might not find all the brands and products you're used to. Also, while the internet is generally reliable, it might not be as fast as you're used to. As for neighborhoods to avoid, I would stay away from the very touristy areas, like the Hotel Zone, as they tend to be more expensive and crowded. Also, while Tulum is generally safe, there are some neighborhoods on the outskirts of the town that might not be as safe, so it's best to do your research before deciding where to live. Overall, I would say that living in Tulum on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. It's a beautiful place with a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant expat community. I wouldn't trade it for anything," commented an expat living in Tulum.