Hi! Hopefully we'll be retiring part time to Baja in next couple of years. So, if possible, I was hoping to get some input on what it really costs to
live in Baja? I know the answers will be different for different people. But a range of costs would be a big help in my future planning. By the way,
I'm currently considering several different locations, from Punta Final to Los Barilles. Like, what does it cost to exist in paradise for one year?
Thanks in advance.fishbuck - 7-23-2009 at 10:46 PM
This is a great question. Perhaps it might help if you define "exist" a bit more clearly.BajaWarrior - 7-24-2009 at 04:29 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by fishbuck
This is a great question. Perhaps it might help if you define "exist" a bit more clearly.
Some people feel "roughing it" is a room without a view!Cypress - 7-24-2009 at 05:04 AM
On average it costs less than in the US at whatever style of living you're accustomed to. HaciendaCerritos - 7-24-2009 at 05:31 AM
Hello BajaBros:
I have lived in Baja for 12 years now, 4 in Cabo San Lucas and 8 in Todos Santos and I found that the cost of living is different in each location and
as you said, you will get different answers from different people.
You indicate you wish to live on or near the Sea of Cortez and I would take that to mean that you like to either fish, scuba dive or snorkel. If that
is the case, then those areas may be very good choices. I, too enjoy those activities but am not so keen on the humidity and heat that goes along with
living there.
Todos Santos, on the Pacific Side between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz is a very nice place to plant yourself as the humidity is lower, there is always a
cool breeze from the Pacific and the town is a nice small pueblo with some of the nicest locals you would ever want to meet (you’ll find those all
over the Baja). Also, lots can be obtained for as low as $26,000 within walking distance to the beach. If you are into surfing, Los Cerritos Beach in
Pescadero is a great option.
So, depending on your life style – are you going to buy a lot and build on it? Are you going to buy a lot and put a camper on it? Are you going to buy
a lot and put a Palapa on it (same as building, but not quite what “Gringos” think about). Or are you going to rent?
Those questions are pertinent to your cost of living.
I would say that if you are going to buy a lot and bring down a camper and put it on it, that would be your best cost-saving idea (I’ve seen many who
did this and then just built around the camper, making it part of the finished “house” as time went on.)
Another factor in your cost-of-living is just how close to the beach you want to be? How close to stores you want to be? How close to medical
facilities you want to be? Etc.
Let’s say you are a healthy person, want to live close to the beach, enjoy fishing on a daily basis and are pretty “laid back in your attitude”, you
can live very nicely in the areas you mentioned by eating what you catch and add some beans, rice and tortillas to the mix - and don't forget the
wonderful mangos and Papayas available. If you have your own boat, all the better. If not, add to your cost of living.
If you are only a “weekend” fisherman, The Pacific Side may be your answer as you can easily shoot over to Los Barilles for a day of fishing and then
return to your much cooler home at the end of the day. I’m speaking of between 5 to 10 degrees difference in temperatures and a vast difference in
humidity.
I can’t give you cost of living estimates without knowing much more. Some people can live very comfortably on $1,000 a month, others on $500 and then
there are the ones who couldn’t make it on less than $2,000 or more. A lot depends on you, what you like and where you want to be.
[Edited on 7-24-2009 by HaciendaCerritos]DENNIS - 7-24-2009 at 06:37 AM
This is like asking, "How much will it cost to live in California for one year."
There are a million variables to be considered. Many survive in the Ensenada area on Social Security alone. Many with less than maximum.
I guess the operative word there is, "Survive." The difference between living and surviving will have a personal level.
Try to narrow down your inquiry.....lodging....transportation.....pastimes.....etc.
Please
bajaguy - 7-24-2009 at 06:41 AM
Be sure that your your monthly budget includes enough set aside for a couple of cases of PacificoDENNIS - 7-24-2009 at 06:46 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Be sure that your your monthly budget includes enough set aside for a couple of cases of Pacifico
Yep...That was the ETC I mentioned. Should go without saying but, it's hard to know what some people don't know.shari - 7-24-2009 at 06:57 AM
check your U2U mail box bro...it's up in the top right corner.
small villages are way cheaper in mid baja...and have hospital, clinics etc. and services...just not inflated gringo prices on some things....you can
still find lots close to the beach starting at $5,000 and is naturally easier to save money cause there arent alot of things to spend money on.vandenberg - 7-24-2009 at 07:07 AM
Tent on the beach $ 500.00 a month, but watch out for machete wielding, doped up Mexicans.
Palapa close to Sea of Cortez, $ 800.00 a month after you purchase it
Condo, $1200.00 a month after you purchase it. They are still rather expensive since Baja does not follow the world recession trend.
Michael Jackson type villa in Cabo, roughly $ 130.000 a month, not including your own physician.tjBill - 7-24-2009 at 09:05 AM
Last I checked the Mexican government says you need $1,100 a month plus $600 per dependant to get an FM3. But they are always changing the numbers.
There are Americans who manage to get by on $500 a month but they live like working class Mexicans.DENNIS - 7-24-2009 at 09:14 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by tjBill
There are Americans who manage to get by on $500 a month but they live like working class Mexicans.
Most Mexicans don't have rent, mortgages or car payments.....the things we take for granted as universal.
It's different.
I guess you could steal a car and live in it on the streets.......tjBill - 7-24-2009 at 09:21 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
I guess you could steal a car and live in it on the streets.......
I have observed locals doing that. Cypress - 7-24-2009 at 09:41 AM
I rented a neat, well constructed little casa(not a palapa) for $450/month. On the water, good neighbors, great landlord, with all utilities. BajaBros - 7-24-2009 at 09:55 AM
Thanks to everyone for the quick replies. Your first-hand info is invaluable. I'd like to buy a place with a small house already built, but I've had
three homes built for me here in the States over the years so buying a lot and starting from scratch is a possibility, too. We plan to do a grand tour
of three or four areas in the fall and check out what's for sale. (I have a feeling not everything is listed on the Internet!)Udo - 7-24-2009 at 09:59 AM
For a newbie...haciendacerritos has good insight of where the reasonable spots are without giving away any inside secrets.Mike99km - 7-24-2009 at 06:32 PM
Check out your areas and rent for 6 months. You'll get to know the the locals what the prices are and if you don't like the area you can move on.DENNIS - 7-24-2009 at 06:57 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Mike99km
Check out your areas and rent for 6 months. You'll get to know the the locals what the prices are and if you don't like the area you can move on.
And, that is the best advice you will get anywhere.
