Cost of Living in Lake Chapala, Mexico
Last updated on Apr 14, 2023
Summary: The cost of living in Lake Chapala, Mexico is generally quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $400 to $600 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost from $500 to $800 USD per month. Dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can cost around $15 USD per person.
Is the cost of living in Lake Chapala high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Lake Chapala, they wrote:
"That is such a personal question. I recommend that people housesit in the community they are thinking of retiring in so they can gauge costs, safety, reliability of utilities, etc," remarked one in Lake Chapala.

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Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.
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Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.
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Will I save money living in Lake Chapala?
"Initial indications are that living in Mexico will meet or exceed our expectations. Our motivation was to find a place where we could live within our income until such time as we may require assisted living... Having gone through a number of years of paying over $6,000 a month for a family member in assisted living was a big reason for our move. We didn't want to put this kind of burden on our children. Assisted living here, if needed, is affordable and the care meets or exceeds what we paid for earlier..," said one expat in Ajijic.
What is the average cost of housing in Lake Chapala?
If you are thinking about moving to Lake Chapala, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Lake Chapala varies depending on the type of housing that you are looking for. On average, you can find basic living accommodations such as a one or two bedroom apartment for around 600-1,000 USD a month. For larger homes, the cost can climb up to around 2,500 to 4,000 USD a month," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What are typical rental prices for expats in Lake Chapala?
"Renting a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Lake Chapala typically costs between 800-1300 USD per month. When renting a larger 2 bedroom apartment, the average cost can range from 1400-1800 USD per month," said an expat in Lake Chapala.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Lake Chapala what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"Many rental properties in Lake Chapala have a refrigerator and stove as standard appliances. Washing machines and dryers may also be included depending on the property. Other common appliances in rental properties in Lake Chapala include ovens, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Further amenities such as air conditioning and hot water heating may also be included in the rental," commented one expat living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Lake Chapala
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Lake Chapala
- Insider's Guide to Health Care in Lake Chapala, Mexico
- The Insider's Guide to Lake Chapala, Mexico
- 10 Tips for Living in Lake Chapala, Mexico
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Banking Tips for Expats in Mexico
- What It's Like Living in Lake Chapala
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico