BajaNomad

Cost of living in Baja

CaboRon - 7-18-2008 at 08:32 AM

I could be wrong.... but, it looks like since last October when the exchange rate was 11.0 for US currency exchange , our buying power has lost 8% .... with the rate this morning at 10.2 pesos for one US dollar.

This is huge !!

Those of you still in the USA and your friends have to work harder ... and increase the gross national product so that we can live cheaper and better in ol' Mexico.

Thanks ever so much ,

CaboRon

CaboRon - 7-18-2008 at 10:49 AM



I knew it !

You guys aren't replying because you are sitting around on the job :lol:

You've got to work harder to make our US Dollar stronger ....

We've all got to pull together :spingrin:



CaboRon



[Edited on 7-18-2008 by CaboRon]

BMG - 7-18-2008 at 02:13 PM

peso vs dollar - 5 year chart

5y.png - 3kB

Udo - 7-18-2008 at 02:42 PM

Caboron's conception that 8% US Dollar devaluation against the Mexican Peso is HUGE...
8% sounds like a large number in perspective, but as BMG shows on the chart, the devaluation is somewhat cyclical over the years, and it kinda goes along with how the US economy is going, and when things don't go so well in Mexico again, the Peso will again decrease against the Greenback.
I guess that gas will now cost those of us who visit Mexico regularly a little more...pehaps somewhat closer to $2.60 per gallon...DARN!

CaboRon - 7-19-2008 at 05:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by udowinkler
Caboron's conception that 8% US Dollar devaluation against the Mexican Peso is HUGE...
8% sounds like a large number in perspective, but as BMG shows on the chart, the devaluation is somewhat cyclical over the years, and it kinda goes along with how the US economy is going, and when things don't go so well in Mexico again, the Peso will again decrease against the Greenback.
I guess that gas will now cost those of us who visit Mexico regularly a little more...pehaps somewhat closer to $2.60 per gallon...DARN!


Well then, I hope the peso tanks soon. You may think 8% is not a lot of money, but when you are living on SS pension it can be devastating.

Ron

comitan - 7-19-2008 at 08:27 AM

Sorry Ron I guess you will have to cook a couple of more dinners from now on. And please don't hope the Peso tanks, that was not a good era, just hope the dollar gets stronger.

CaboRon - 7-19-2008 at 10:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by CaboRon
Well then, I hope the peso tanks soon. You may think 8% is not a lot of money, but when you are living on SS pension it can be devastating.
Understood.

The other side of the coin is that the current "strong" peso makes prices more affordable on a lot of things for Mexican wage earners.

--Larry


Well Larry,

That is at direct odds to what is good for me ... and I will have to vote for me ....

CaboRon

Another dupe !! Didn't save much for retirement , eh ?

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 10:08 AM

Sounds like a typical lib whinner !!
Quote:

Well then, I hope the peso tanks soon. You may think 8% is not a lot of money, but when you are living on SS pension it can be devastating. Ron

Yep, Me me me me --typical lib .

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 10:10 AM

No gasp of economics .
Quote:

Well Larry, That is at direct odds to what is good for me ... and I will have to vote for me .... CaboRon

CaboRon - 7-19-2008 at 10:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by beercan
No gasp of economics .


Quote:

Well Larry, That is at direct odds to what is good for me ... and I will have to vote for me .... CaboRon


TrashCan,

That's right and that's just life ... and if you say that you don't do the same you are a liar.


CaboRon

Bajaboy - 7-19-2008 at 11:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by beercan
No gasp of economics .
Quote:


Have you seen who is running the US? Let me guess, some how the Left is responsible for the current mess we're in, right?

Yep, do you know who was elected in 2006 --

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 11:07 AM

with PROMISES to "fix everything "?? The "rats--and so far gas prices have DOUBLED since they took over !!
Quote:

Have you seen who is running the US? Let me guess, some how the Left is responsible for the current mess we're in, right?

You're trash !

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 11:08 AM

Quote:

TrashCan, That's right and that's just life ... and if you say that you don't do the same you are a liar.

The Gull - 7-19-2008 at 11:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BMG
peso vs dollar - 5 year chart


That's Al Gore's global warming chart. I would prefer the Peso to strengthen at 9:1 or less, it would rid the peninsula of some of the marginal occupants from other countries.

Geeze buttcan -- just go BACK to off topic. You just can't control yourself, can you?

Lee - 7-19-2008 at 11:29 AM

Don't come over here disturbing the gente, huh?

Honestly, your political brand of ''extremism'' is on it's way out. This thread is about cost of living in Baja. So, back to the thead.

Baja not so bad. More good and only getting better, eh? Cost of living is relative. Definitely cheaper than SoCal. No bad days only good. Everyday a holiday every meal a banquet.

Larry, Shhhhh, I'm having too much fun!

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 11:31 AM

I come over here to this section and I see some of the same "village idiots" ranting and crying --
to this I add Taco's answer below !


They "fixed" it all right...
increasing inflation
increasing unemployment
increasing interest rates
high oil, gas, and food prices
the stock market is crashing
banks are failing
the mortgage crisis
we’re in a “recession” and on the way to a “depression”

It's certainly not Bush's fault, though, remember:
He's too dumb to get out of a wet paper bag.
He's fifteen cents short of a quarter.
He's as sharp as a bowling ball.
He's got all foam, no beer.
He'd miss shooting the side of a barn from the inside
He's about as swift as a brick cemented in a wall.
He's dumber than a stack of sticks
The light bulb over his head is burned out.
A village in Texas is missing its idiot.

[Edited on 7-19-2008 by beercan]

Quit trying to give orders --private !!

beercan - 7-19-2008 at 11:34 AM

At least I live in Baja--not like you who only dream.
Quote:

This thread is about cost of living in Baja. So, back to the thead.

BMG - 7-19-2008 at 12:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by The Gull
Quote:
Originally posted by BMG
peso vs dollar - 5 year chart


That's Al Gore's global warming chart. I would prefer the Peso to strengthen at 9:1 or less, it would rid the peninsula of some of the marginal occupants from other countries.

Hey, while you're at it, take it to 5:1, would ya? I'm about ready for a shopping trip to the U.S. :lol:

--Larry


I miss the days when a case of Corona or Pacifico was only M$10,000. As I recall, Bohemia was M$12,000.
Quote:

That's Al Gore's global warming chart.


Doesn't look like a hockey stick to me.

This post is supposed to be

Bajajack - 7-19-2008 at 12:07 PM

about the cost of living in baja, yet it's anything but.

Cant we dispense with the BS and get back to what it should be???

fulano - 7-19-2008 at 12:11 PM

If you want the Reader's Digest version of why the dollar is down agains the peso, it is because our Federal Reserve Bank is currently trying to create a "soft landing" for the recession by keeping the dollar cheap against other currencies. Mexico and Canada's central banks are more interested in keeping down inflation, so they are keeping their currencies stronger with higher interest rates.

That is why both the peso and the loonie have been stronger recently against the dollar. Yesterday the Mexican central bank, Banexico, raised the prime rate to 8%.

BMG - 7-19-2008 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fulano
If you want the Reader's Digest version of why the dollar is down agains the peso, it is because our Federal Reserve Bank is currently trying to create a "soft landing" for the recession by keeping the dollar cheap against other currencies. Mexico and Canada's central banks are more interested in keeping down inflation, so they are keeping their currencies stronger with higher interest rates.

That is why both the peso and the loonie have been stronger recently against the dollar. Yesterday the Mexican central bank, Banexico, raised the prime rate to 8%.


Or the other theory about combining the 3 currencies into a single currency like Europe did with the euro.

Bajafun777 - 7-19-2008 at 07:31 PM

Well, I have had friends retire into Baja and to the Mainland. Guess which one is really cheaper. Now, it looks like the graph goes high with the U.S. then to Baja and the cheapest yet is Mainland. Baja is only cheap if you totally get away from the tourist areas. I like Baja as it is just something I am use to, however if it had as many rentals like Mainland it would make the rentals cheaper. My time for full time is just two operations away and I leave the U.S. for "No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun."

Now as far as politics I know a mess of them "fancy pants" from all of the different parties and let me ask you this------Do you know what prostitutes, lawyers, and politicians all have in common????? Got some ideas floating and ready for the real answer??? Well, here it is "They will assume any position for the right amount of money!!!" Sorry boys I do not put my faith in any politician from any party as it has always and forever been about the money and that nasty power trip one way or another. Baja is always a fun time and BeerCan your right living there fulltime is better than part-time or little vacation time outs. I still get a kick out of all of you whether you're fussing, cussing, or just going crazy over Ken's deep ocean photos( by the way we need some more), or our other Ken's great 4X4 photo shots, Shari fishing and community photos, David K's trip photos, J.D.'s dogs playing on the beach by the ocean waves, along with all of the other photos and life experiences of other Nomads, now these are just some of "the real reasons we all come to this B.N." God don't you just love it. "No Fight Be Happy" and Skeeter & Cabo Ron pop me a cold one because I know you both have some. Later-----------bajafun777

CaboRon - 7-19-2008 at 09:20 PM

Bajafun777,

You are always welcome to drop in for a cold one .

CaboRon

CaboRon - 7-20-2008 at 09:38 AM

WOW :wow:

Thank you, President for Life, Robert Magabe :fire:

Wonder how much he has stashed over the years while Zimbabwe crumbles and his people starve ....

It is interesting that the note is graced by the likeness of a white Africanner ..... perhaps a rememberance of more prosperous days in this absolutely beautiful land ....

I'll take the tuna on rye for 750 billion , thank you,

CaboRon

[Edited on 7-20-2008 by CaboRon]

Since this is about

Bajajack - 7-20-2008 at 10:45 AM

the cost of living in baja why dont some of you guys post some real time prices on different things we use or encounter everyday such as Food, Rent, Utilities, availability, etc.

It would be interesting to compare prices in different areas.

As I haven't been south of San Flip in awhile all I know is border prices, which right now seems to be on par with the US.

[Edited on 7-20-2008 by Bajajack]

meme - 7-20-2008 at 11:24 AM

Example#1-----A gallon of milk in San Felipe is now $4.40-$4.60 USD depending on which store here.

Absolutely ridiculous

Bajajack - 7-20-2008 at 11:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by meme
Example#1-----A gallon of milk in San Felipe is now $4.40-$4.60 USD depending on which store here.
that they would be charging that much, Basha's Phoenix ad this week has it for $2.99 a gallon.

Cypress - 7-20-2008 at 11:56 AM

Shrimp are more expensive, oysters are cheaper, fish more expensive on average.:)My seafood price comparisons are based on prices in MS, LA, USA. Produce and other food items are cheaper. Fuel and energy costs are less expensive. Rent/real estate, depends on the neighborhood.:)Labor is less expensive.:)The sunshine and friendly people? Priceless!!!:yes:

shari - 7-20-2008 at 12:27 PM

Water for residential...90 pesos a month
Electricity...about100p-150p a month(no air conditioner)
flour tortillas (whole wheat) ...15p a packet of 10
tecate(who drinks milk?) $52 sixpack
fish....free
local fruit and veggies are cheap
beef steaks...35p a pound

CaboRon - 7-20-2008 at 12:38 PM

Fish fillets from the Pangero Association ... less than half of the price in the states.

Corn tortillas 10 pesos a kilo !!

CaboRon

Cypress - 7-20-2008 at 12:38 PM

shari,:)Free fish?:)That depends upon your definition of "free".:)

Bajaboy - 7-20-2008 at 01:42 PM

cement 130 pesos per bag
cinder blocks between 7-8 pesos each

Things have changed

Bajajack - 7-20-2008 at 01:49 PM

a lot in the last 2 years, except for water and electric all the other prices stated are on par or higher than stateside.

What I don't understand is how they justify such prices when the labor force is so plentiful and cheap.

OK, time to jump on the soapbox

fulano - 7-20-2008 at 03:41 PM

As some may have gathered from reading my posts, I am a CPA. So, when somebody starts to talk about the cost of living in country A vs country B, my ears perk up. What many people do not understand, is that you cannot just compare dollars to pesos to understand which country is better to live in. You have to compare the price you pay vs. the value of what you receive. I added emphasis to the preceding phrase, because it is the heart of an economic analysis.

There are many, many things to which you cannot assign a dollar value, but which nevertheless do have value. Security, a first rate-medical system, a good interstate highway system, a legitimate judicial system, a functioning postal system, water, power and telephone that is always turned on, etc., etc.

Now, with that in mind, look at the simple price-value chart:



On the left vertical axis is the price you pay for everything in a country - in dollars or pesos - it doesn't matter. On the horizontal axis is the value of all the goods and services you receive for what you pay. The diagonal black line is the line of indifference. For every country that falls to the right of the diagonal line (the green zone), you are getting more value, relative to what you pay. For everything that falls to the left of the diagonal line, you are getting less value, relative to what you pay.

So, on this chart I have placed the US in the green zone, even though if you look only at the vertical axis, it is more expensive than Mexico, which is in the orange zone. So, the moral is, if you just look at prices, Mexico is cheaper. No agruing it. It is lower down on the price axis. But is it cheaper relative to the value of what you get?

Pay attention, there will be a quiz at the end of the period.
:lol:



[Edited on 7-20-2008 by fulano]

bajaguy - 7-20-2008 at 03:47 PM

The Pacifico is still cheaper and tastes better in Baja, and I have not found anywhere in the US that can make a street vendor fish taco that tastes as good as they are in Baja....:lol:

[Edited on 7-20-2008 by bajaguy]

BMG - 7-20-2008 at 03:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fulano
So, on this chart I have placed the US in the green zone, even though if you look only at the vertical axis, it is more expensive than Mexico, which is in the orange zone. So, the moral is, if you just look at prices, Mexico is cheaper. No agruing it. It is lower down on the price axis. But is it cheaper relative to the value of what you get?


I decided to plug in some of my values in my own chart. The results are obvious and cannot be disputed or argued.

[img]deleted funny chart[/img]

Okay, I'll substitute this picture but I don't think it's nearly as humorous and it now makes my post completely senseless. (Please, no comments about the senseless part.)

Now can you get rid of all that blinking crap below?



[Edited on 7-21-2008 by BMG]

cyclone.jpg - 26kB

fulano - 7-20-2008 at 04:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
The Pacifico is still cheaper and tastes better in Baja, and I have not found anywhere in the US that can make a street vendor fish taco that tastes as good as they are in Baja....:lol:

[

Terry, I just graded your quiz and you got an "F". Meet me after class, the chalkboard erasers need cleaning.
:lol:

bajaguy - 7-20-2008 at 04:03 PM

You buy the Pacifico and I'll be there

fulano - 7-20-2008 at 04:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BMG

I decided to plug in some of my values in my own chart. The results are obvious and cannot be disputed or argued.

[


ELINVEST18 is going to slap you silly for posting that oversize image and screwing up the board.
:lol:

CaboRon - 7-20-2008 at 07:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fulano
Quote:
Originally posted by BMG

I decided to plug in some of my values in my own chart. The results are obvious and cannot be disputed or argued.

[


ELINVEST18 is going to slap you silly for posting that oversize image and screwing up the board.
:lol:



meme - 7-20-2008 at 07:29 PM

Strange as it might seem to some of you our milk bill is bigger for a month than our water bill. We love milk! We just drink Tecate in between! Not to forget a bit of wine & tequila also.:bounce::tumble::tumble:

HOLY CRAPPOLA!

ELINVESTIG8R - 7-20-2008 at 07:34 PM

Happy now?

BMG - 7-20-2008 at 08:51 PM

Now my post doesn't even make sense. (Not that it originally did.)
Quote:
Originally posted by CaboRon
Quote:
Originally posted by fulano
Quote:
Originally posted by BMG

I decided to plug in some of my values in my own chart. The results are obvious and cannot be disputed or argued.

[


ELINVEST18 is going to slap you silly for posting that oversize image and screwing up the board.
:lol:



[IMG]blinking gif deleted[/IMG]


[Edited on 7-21-2008 by BMG]

Udo - 7-20-2008 at 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
The Pacifico is still cheaper and tastes better in Baja, and I have not found anywhere in the US that can make a street vendor fish taco that tastes as good as they are in Baja....:lol:

Bajaguy...
how about if I come to your casa and fix you and your family a fish taco dinner!
My fish tacos are exactly like the ones in SF, Ensenada, or San Quintin. All I do different is to offer extra condiments not generally available at the stands.

[Edited on 7-20-2008 by bajaguy]

Cypress - 7-21-2008 at 06:37 AM

Haircuts are less expensive.:D

vandenberg - 7-21-2008 at 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
Haircuts are less expensive.:D


Wife has been doing mine. Free, except for a hug and kiss.

As far as the picture, too large, comment goes, I rather look at a too large pic then the sh*t old David puts up daily.:no:

You have to learn to investigate somewhere different David.:P

looney-toons-yosemite-sam-100x100.png - 21kB