BajaNomad - Living Inexpensively

Living Inexpensively

DavidE - 2-18-2012 at 09:55 AM

A British couple here in Starbucks asked me an interesting question: They are going to travel and live in Baja until May on "fifty pounds" a day. What is that around seventy dollars US?

I suggested Mulege or Loreto (which one do you think is less expensive?). The cape is out and La Paz may or may not be too expensive, I don't have a lot of experience there, They are flying to San Diego on Monday, and i told them about the cross border Greyhound shuttle to the bus station.

But what about Bahia de Los Angeles? The doc used to rent cabins with power. Are places like this inexpensive? How much?

Faced with a living budget of let's say thirty dollars a day, and a couple months on your hands where would you go and how would you live if you didn't have a car? They have a backpacker's stove, mess kit, bags and tents but sais they'd rather stay in an inexpensive hostel or hotel.

If you should meet them, he's tall and thin "Barry" and she is petite and blonde "Norma" from Liverpool.

They are reading this over my shoulder. I am going to return tomorrow and let them read your responses.

baja living

captkw - 2-18-2012 at 10:01 AM

HOLA,I must have read this wrong,,70 dollars a day !! how about 7 dollars a day,,and as alway's,, I'm lost in baja..LOL.....K&T. :cool:

DavidE - 2-18-2012 at 10:13 AM

That includes transportation, meals, internet cafe, tips, etc. How about your seven dollar a day budget, you must really have a system :-)

SFandH - 2-18-2012 at 10:15 AM

In your post you say 50 pounds, $75/day, and later on you say $30/day. Which is it?

DavidE - 2-18-2012 at 10:19 AM

Oops, sorry. Not used to dealing in pounds.
Don't know if it's 75 dollars. But I figured 30 per day per person would be a mite easier to deal with. My apologies.

wessongroup - 2-18-2012 at 10:19 AM

not much ...

DianaT - 2-18-2012 at 10:23 AM

If they want to stay in one place, they would probably have some good luck talking with locals and finding a cheap house for a month for a couple hundred dollars---depending on the area.

And in some areas, there are still hotels that are about $30.00 a night like the Verduzco Hotel in our town and the Hotel Posada in San Ignacio and it is ok with them if you cook right out front.

So, they should be able to handle the budget.

vandenberg - 2-18-2012 at 10:26 AM

David,
At the current exchange rate that converts to about $80.00 a day. I believe La Paz would be their best bet. Loreto and Mulege are 2 of the most expensive towns in BCS.
La Paz has easy transportation, nice beaches, the Malecon and very reasonable accommodations. Just my 2 cents.

Exchange rate

bajaguy - 2-18-2012 at 10:28 AM

Today, 50 British Pounds equals 79.1661 USD

desertcpl - 2-18-2012 at 10:36 AM

before I answer

what does Norma look like :cool:

DavidE - 2-18-2012 at 10:57 AM

Well I'm still here, and they seem interested in La Paz, vandenberg. Do you have any specific hotels in mind? Location? Prices? Norma forbids me to describe her but she has a very brit-ish accent. Thanks for taking the time.

comitan - 2-18-2012 at 11:12 AM

There are a couple of hostels in La Paz but I don't have the addresses.

comitan - 2-18-2012 at 11:17 AM

Just Google La Paz Mexico hostels 2 with address.

KASHEYDOG - 2-18-2012 at 11:28 AM

Try this............

http://www.hostels.com/mexico

and this
http://www.hostelz.com/hostel/35480-Pension-California

and this
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/mexico/la-paz/

and this
http://www.bajaexpo.com/cities/lapaz.htm

[Edited on 2-18-12 by KASHEYDOG]

MitchMan - 2-18-2012 at 11:36 AM

Doing it on 5o pounds depends on what they are willing to do for housing, transportation, and food. Without the proper economic orientation on that, they may not have a chance in the world to make it.

If they rent a place by the month, the daily cost would be small, somewhere between $10 to $25 USD per day. If they 'motel it', it could cost anywhere from $25 to $70 USD on up per day. If they bring a vehicle or if not, if they locate their housing accomodations in a place where getting by on foot would work, then transportation would be cheap, unlike having to rent a vehicle. Next if they home cook most all their meals for the duration, then daily home cooked food would cost $8 to $15 USD per day for two people. If they choose to eat out all the time, the cost would be doubled to quadrupled per day.

So, can they do it on 50 pounds a day? In my view, easily and very comfortably if they do what it takes. Some people, though, "wouldn't/couldn't" do it. Depends, doesn't it?

Really like Loreto, love Mulege, but, for convenience, medical services considerations, variety, convenience and general resource considerations (and cost considerations, all things considered) I'd have to recommend La Paz.

[Edited on 2-18-2012 by MitchMan]

LA PAZ

captkw - 2-18-2012 at 11:46 AM

Hola, I like la paz for a city,,as far as city's go...but it's a noisy place, even at 3 in the morning,,somthing to keep in mind..ME..I like the night in the desert,or the beach at any cost over a town or city,,myself.............K & T :cool:

KASHEYDOG - 2-18-2012 at 11:47 AM

If they're an older couple and don't eat much like me. Four or five $1 tacos or a big burrito should do......
Sounds like he's tall and thin and she's petite anyway. Could get them to buy a shovel and bucket and teach them to go claming.....

[Edited on 2-18-12 by KASHEYDOG]

DavidE - 2-18-2012 at 11:56 AM

They also mentioned whales and I told them about the Cielito Hotel. They asked me to ask everyone if the hotel is still going OK, and how much the room rate is. Ans that will do it as far as the questions go :-)

vandenberg - 2-18-2012 at 12:52 PM

I have another question: What were they doing in a Starbuck's if they are on such a meager budget?
That place is for yuppies only. :biggrin:

Bajatripper - 2-18-2012 at 12:56 PM

I'm with those who think La Paz would be the better bet, if for no other reason than because of competition. If they're serious and you'd let me know their requirements for a hotel, I'd be happy to go into town and check around. U2U works.

vandenberg

captkw - 2-18-2012 at 12:58 PM

I dont know about them ,,but I stop at the overprice starbucks and use the wirless,, better than driving home and back..just saying K&T :cool:

[Edited on 2-18-2012 by captkw]

mulegemichael - 2-18-2012 at 01:00 PM

all la paz is is another great big city.....for the true baja experience, we suggest mulege bar none!....there are houses here in town that rent by the month for $250-$300...that is affordable....and the community here is wonderful!

Udo - 2-18-2012 at 01:55 PM

After spending a few days in La Paz, last month, I'm for La Paz area. Fairly inexpensive on food, housing and transportation.
The malecon area IS gorgeous, but a little pricey.

rhintransit - 2-18-2012 at 03:45 PM

no idea of Mulege, but live in Loreto and it's not inexpensive. I second, third, fourth or whatever, La Paz.

shari - 2-18-2012 at 04:00 PM

Yes, that is easily obtainable, we have a house here for $250 a month with fabulous ocean view and internet! Food is cheap and if you are in a smaller village, there is less to spend your money on...we have a guy here who lives on $500 a month no sweat! (obviously he doesnt drink Tecate though!)

A.&M. - 2-18-2012 at 05:08 PM

We have to second Shari's post. Asuncion is where we would stay. This town has everything we required and is very inexpensive. The people are great every body talked to us, sure didn't feel like a stranger. We spent about 7 days there and then returned twice more for a few days each time.

Even had a local fellow stop at our camper one day and ask if I would like to go surf fishing, we had a great morning 5 Crockers each. It's just that kind of town. We will return as many times as we can and for much longer next time. Thanks Shari, Cheers, Anne & Mike

cavilan - 2-18-2012 at 06:14 PM

TRY THIS WEBSITE POSADACONCEPCION.NET ON THE BEACH, BAKERY AND A FEW FOOD ITEMS. ACTIVE COMUNITY

David K - 2-18-2012 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cavilan
TRY THIS WEBSITE POSADACONCEPCION.NET ON THE BEACH, BAKERY AND A FEW FOOD ITEMS. ACTIVE COMUNITY

if you add http:// in front of an Internet address (url) it makes it a direct (or hyper) link... just click on the blue text:

http://posadaconcepcion.net

bigzaggin - 2-18-2012 at 07:09 PM

Did you happen to ask these people how much they drink? Budget sounds super doable to me, if they can limit Tecate intake to six or less daily. Granted, that's basically impossible, but I have heard tell of a few people who manage to do it.

Clamming???

bajaguy - 2-18-2012 at 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
......... Could get them to buy a shovel and bucket and teach them to go claming.....
[Edited on 2-18-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Thought that was against the law???

KaceyJ - 2-18-2012 at 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
Hola, I like la paz for a city,,as far as city's go...but it's a noisy place, even at 3 in the morning,,somthing to keep in mind..ME..I like the night in the desert,or the beach at any cost over a town or city,,myself.............K & T :cool:

Amen ,

And aint that the truth.

Can you believe there are people St..id enough that want to pave the road into Chivato. ???

Just Sayin

kc :cool:

bajalou - 2-18-2012 at 09:49 PM

Quote:

If you don't have a car and aren't looking to spend every day for a couple of months fishing what will you do all the time camped in the desert or on a beach?

latina - 2-18-2012 at 10:07 PM

Hands down La Paz... City with small town atmosphere. Mexican culture, art & entertainment, opportunity to speak another language and be appreciated for trying, not being hounded by trinket and timeshare salesmen at every step, awesome restaurant choices, even on a tight budget, cheap taxis available everywhere, incredible beaches, awesome day trips ( Todos Santos, Lopez Mateos, San Antonio..etc...) fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, whale sharks, whales, and on and on and on....

Hook - 2-19-2012 at 07:00 AM

For the months of March and April, I wouldnt want to be on the Pacific side. Too cold and windy. Of course they are Brits. ANY weather is better than the UK, no? :lol:

La Paz seems like a good choice. Rent a house, use the bus system, buy barbacoa, tinga poblana, pollo entero rostizado and tortillas, etc., by the kilo at the supers. Easily doable on their budget, assuming their alcohol consumption isnt great.

Especially beer. I'm slowing being forced into drinking beer from cans as the price of a case of Pacifico Lights with returnable bottles is now up to 202 pesos over here. It's increased 20% in less than 4 years. From the Expendio.

Cans from the supers always seem to be on sale.

RnR - 2-19-2012 at 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
If you don't have a car and aren't looking to spend every day for a couple of months fishing what will you do all the time camped in the desert or on a beach?

He did say that he was traveling with his girlfriend ..... :?:

castaway$ - 2-19-2012 at 09:40 AM

If they just want to kick back and soak in the small village atmosphere Naranja just outside Mulege is cheap, $20 a day for a canbana right on the water in the Bay of Conception with cooking facilities and bathroom. It's about 6-7 miles outside mulege so not too far back to town. Buy most of your meals and cook them yourself you will have plenty of money left every day.

castaway$ - 2-19-2012 at 09:44 AM

Asuncion is another great choice for a village experience. When we camped out at Shari's Campo Sirena it was VERY affordable, everything is in walking distance, there is tons of exploring to do and Juan and Shari are great hosts.

bajalou

captkw - 2-19-2012 at 10:56 AM

Hola,good question, let's see, this morn 6:00 took a Hot tub,made breakfest,talked to some new folk's,spent time with some reg's,drove into town,cked email,,and the day's ,,well they fly by rather quik,,not enough hrs in a day,,now Im gonna go change the oil and filter on my beloved VOLVO and then bbq over at a friends house and show his wife how to make papa enselada..and that plan can/will change by the hour....welcome to the land of mannana !! BTW been trying to change that oil for over 3 weeks,,but,,been tooo busy !!K&T :cool:

Martyman - 2-19-2012 at 11:09 AM

Combine camping and cheap hotels/palapas you should be comfortable. Get a cheap one burner stove and a few pans. A soft cooler is good also. Go shopping and camp for a week-you spend zero. Southern mex is much cheaper though.

Bajatripper - 2-19-2012 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
now Im gonna go change the oil and filter on my beloved VOLVO and then... :

Just curious; as a fellow oil changer, what do you do with your used oil?

bacquito - 2-19-2012 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
Did you happen to ask these people how much they drink? Budget sounds super doable to me, if they can limit Tecate intake to six or less daily. Granted, that's basically impossible, but I have heard tell of a few people who manage to do it.

unbob - 2-19-2012 at 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin... if they can limit Tecate intake to six or less daily. Granted, that's basically impossible, but I have heard tell of a few people who manage to do it.

Tecate? Seriously? Life's too short to drink Tecate - much better cerveza available - Bohemia Obscura for example!

On second thought, drink your Tecate and leave the Bohemia on the shelf - more for me!

Alm - 2-20-2012 at 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
A British couple here in Starbucks asked me an interesting question: They are going to travel and live in Baja until May on "fifty pounds" a day. What is that around seventy dollars US?

I suggested Mulege or Loreto (which one do you think is less expensive?). The cape is out and La Paz may or may not be too expensive, I don't have a lot of experience there, They are flying to San Diego on Monday, and i told them about the cross border Greyhound shuttle to the bus station.

But what about Bahia de Los Angeles?

The question was perhaps an academic one - posted on such a short notice before the scheduled fight.

Firstly, Mulege or Loreto are normally reached by flight to Loreto, with 3-hour bus ride to Mulege if needed. Not by Greyhound and ABC bus from Tijuana - I did that too, not much fun and hardly any cheaper than flying to Loreto.

Now, as you (or they) must have realized, the answer depends on many variables. Do they drink? Do they dine out? Ok, they have a "tourist stove" - so I assume they can make simple meals. Do they need electricity and internet?

One can live in Baja for 1/10 of that cost, as people mentioned. Without daily internet, though, and sleeping in a tent or palapa in one of camps of Bay of LA or Sta Rosa or Mulege.

Transportation is not a problem in Mulege (it's on the highway with bus connection and Oasis camp is almost in town), and in Sta Rosa (though good camps are 15 miles from town), and in Loreto.

There is no bus in BOLA. They can, however, reach BOLA by bus, getting out at the intersection of Crusero and catching a ride to BOLA (40 miles) with guys selling gasoline at Crusero from barrels. They are always there in daytime. The cost of door-less palapa without electricity in BOLA is $10. I've heard of some casitas with electricity in BOLA, don't know where and how much. Can't be more than 30 bucks. The best camps are on the outskirts, and those have no electricity or running water (there are salt-ish showers though).

Added PS:
1) The (only?) flight to Loreto is from LA, not from San Diego.
2) Grehound (now called Cruceros on this route) is not a shuttle. It's a bus from LA to Tijuana that stops in San Diego and San Isidro.

[Edited on 2-21-2012 by Alm]

DavidE - 2-21-2012 at 11:19 AM

Thanks Alm, your reply is chock full of information. The couple are long-gone, but the information continues.

MitchMan - 2-21-2012 at 11:57 AM

FWIW, I worked out a budget for great living in La Paz for one person that owned their own casita (with adequate air conditioning) and their own fishing boat. The budget included all basic living expenses including but not limited to yrly fideicomiso fee, miniscule property tax, yrly FM3 fee, haircuts, WIFI, clothes, TV service, 44 fishing outings per year, some restaurant meals, Mexican medical insurance, auto insurance and upkeep, household maintenance, etc., etc., etc.

My budget came to $674 USD per month. That's $22.16 USD per day. For each additional person in the household, add $300 each per month (or $10 ea per day.)

[Edited on 2-21-2012 by MitchMan]

Udo - 2-21-2012 at 01:52 PM

Hey, MitchMan...my Tequila buddy!

Many thousands of thanks for taking the time to put together the budget.
You really went waaay out of your Nomadic duties to put this together.

This is the most comprehensive list I have yet to see published here on Nomadland. I don't think that Doug could come up with a better one.

I am saving this part in hard copy writing so I can refer to it when other friends ask me the same type of question. Anyone here, I would refer the thread.

What you have compiled is a comprehensive list for anyone who will be on a US Social Security Income (i.e. fixed). In our instance, we will be retiring down South in the Summer of next year, and the budget is WELL within our means on two SSI incomes.

Our sincerest GRACIAS amigo!

On edit:
I forgot to mention that we will be living in a 45' Executive RV and possibly will purchase a house at an oceanfront location.

[Edited on 2-21-2012 by Udo]

MitchMan - 2-22-2012 at 11:29 AM

My pleasure, Udo.

I tell people in USA all the time that all you need is about $100,000 USD in the bank, a decent "Baja suitable" vehicle, and an income stream of $1,200 USD for one person to retire "fat" in La Paz and various other places in Baja. For a couple, same requirements with additional monthly income of $300 for a total of $1,500 USD monthly household income. The reason I say $1,200 for one person while saying it costs that one person $674 USD per month is to provide a solid cushion of income for adequate peace of mind savings as a safety net for emergencies, vehicle replacement, major repairs or improvements and to pay for transportation to/from the USA for those that want to visit family periodically throughout the year. It is always good to plan your finances and consumption so as to always be "long term adding" to savings, not long term depleting your savings.

With the $100,000, you can take $50,000 to $80,000 USD and buy your casita -or - buy a lot and build your own casita using abanils to build it for you if you know how to do your own construction contracting work yourself. Put the remainder of the money in the bank. The construction cost for labor and materials will run around $40 to $50 USD per sq foot of construction that way and the lot can be obtained in older Mexican neighborhoods for around $23 to $30 USD per sq meter in the La Paz area, especially within 4 to 10 miles of downtown La Paz. You can do pretty much the same thing in Loreto, but the cost for the land is 2.5 to 3.5 times higher than in La Paz area for some very inexplicable reason. However, in Loreto you will only be 1 to 2 miles from the center of town and only 1.3 to 2.3 miles from the marina. Very cool. You know how long it takes to drive 2.3 miles? About 7 minutes!

By comparison, for one person to retire "safely, securely, and comfortably" in Orange County, California, you would need a nest egg of at least $200,000 USD net worth for condo living or $350,000 net worth for free standing single family residence house ownership and an income of at least $3,000 pre-tax USD per month.

[Edited on 2-22-2012 by MitchMan]

DENNIS - 2-22-2012 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan

an income stream of $1,200 USD for one person to retire "fat" in La Paz and various other places in Baja.

Really? That ain't much...what with the cost of gas and grocerys.....not to mention the other necessities, like a phone and internet with a VOIP phone. I don't consider these things electives or luxuries any more.

DavidE - 2-22-2012 at 12:00 PM

I have been trying to manage on 2/3rds of that Dennis. It isn't easy. Especially when medications and medical were all out-of-pocket. Sacrifices have to be made. One of the things that I did was try grow tiny gardens whenever I could. That and not using the car could save a modest amount monthly.

DENNIS - 2-22-2012 at 12:11 PM

WOW....well, I guess that would rule out fine Tequila, but we do what we gotta do.
I lived most of my life on a tight budget so It's not like I don't appreciate what you're saying.

J.P. - 2-22-2012 at 12:17 PM

Dont quote me isnt the minimum monthly income to get a fm3 1,200 a month that would be a starting point for figureing a budget.
Personaly I never before in my life tried to save money,but today I put what is left over in my regular account the end of the month in savings it's suprising how it adds up :biggrin:

MitchMan - 2-22-2012 at 12:39 PM

Dennis, there are many variables in this equation due especially to living standards from person to person and one's ability to be frugal ... or not be frugal. For example, assuming intelligent and objective frugality, my budget means that for transportation one aught to consider a very frugal gas saving vehicle. My Tacoma in Baja gets 14 MPG which is all in-town driving ... alot of stop and go, rarely getting out of 3rd gear on a 5 speed stick shift. But, I make one trip a day to town which is a round trip of about 14 miles for me. However, if I were to live there, I would spend $5,000 USD and get an 8 to 12 year old Toyota Echo that gets 34 mpg in-town and 43 MPG on the highway. Actually, most days in La Paz, I only go to Walmart and back or 8 miles round trip on those days. To live there and insist on a giant gas guzzling vehicle is, IMHO, irrational and an unnecessary voluntary waste of $50 to $100 USD on gasoline per month.

With regard to groceries, while I am there in La Paz, I spend exactly $6 per day on food (and I can prove it) and that includes spending on household supplies for TP, cleaning supplies, liquor and beer, and various small household accessories. I keep riggorous to the penny records of all my trips for the last three years for every and all expenditures, including the receipts. I know for a fact that I eat healthier and better than most people, plus I love to cook. Actually, I really don't like to go to restaurants in general because the food quality and service is almost always hit and miss. Home cooked meals are almost always perfect, exactly what I want when I want it and how much I want. Also, I know how to shop and I know all the prices by heart. It is not expensive to eat if you know how to shop and you know the prices and you cook for yourself.

For example, for one week, I will make/have albondiga soup, fideo, frijoles, coffee, fruit juices, milk, cucumber and lettuce salads with home made italian dressing or spiced vinegrette, barbecued chicken, one 8 oz Sonoran Rib Eye steak, ham/turkey Gouda cheese sandwiches, chicken tacos, fried potatoes, grated fried potatoes, orange soda, 1 drink a day (a beer or margarita [make my own maggie mix with two key limes and two tablespoons of sugar], or tropical rum drink with Anejo and fruit juices), soft drinks (bought by the 2 liter bottle), home made pan fried crispy fish or chicken tacos, cheese enchiladas, spaghetti with killer marinara sauce and sauteed mushrooms and parmesan, fish dinner, eggs and toast and potatoes and fruit and fruit juice and left overs for breakfast. Left overs and sandwiches for lunch. Man, the left overs are to kill for.

Do the math, not expensive if you know how to shop, only buy booze on sale, stay completely away from most all processed prepackaged foods, do your shopping at the big discount supermarkets, cook for yourself, and get aquainted with and how to make delicious meals with great spices and the basics like beans and vegetables which are dirt cheap in Mexico, especially at Walmart. Don't waste anything, only cook what you know you will consume. Pay attention to what the heck you are doing. Hey, chicken wings are only a $1.00 USD per lb in Baja! However, if you don't shop wisely, are not frugal, pay no attention to prices, don't spend time figuring out your menu for the week, don't want to do your own cooking, you will easily spend 2 to 3 times more and you won't eat any better, most likely worse. Now we're talking some serious change, easily over $200 to $400 USD wasted per month.

BTW, my budget includes phone, internet, Skype usage, TV connection.

[Edited on 2-22-2012 by MitchMan]

DENNIS - 2-22-2012 at 12:47 PM

OK, Mitch.....I get it. Problem is, I'm just a sinful internet consumer.
Ohhh well....we all have our vices.

Sounds like you're living pretty good, by the way.

MitchMan - 2-22-2012 at 12:57 PM

I do live well, very well indeed, and I am able to do pretty cheaply. To be honest, I don't feel the pinch of economizing. I treat getting deals and economizing and figuring things out as a hobby. My lap top is full of Excel spreadsheets with all kinds of analyses. Also, I am very lucky, my wife and I are exactly the same when it comes to finances and economizing.

Food and fishing are my vices. If I need a good diversion, I'll pick the moment and get good and buzzed.

Woooosh - 2-22-2012 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
......... Could get them to buy a shovel and bucket and teach them to go claming.....
[Edited on 2-18-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Thought that was against the law???

A day in a Mexican Jail would certainly creating lasting vacation memories. Foreigners can only fish from the shore but no license is required. No nets, no clams.

Cypress - 2-22-2012 at 01:27 PM

Claming? Could be a good way to loose weight. Call it "The Baja weight loss program". All the clams you can dig up and eat. :light:

Foreigners aren't allowed to take shell fish. And the locals haven't left enough for seed.

chuckie - 2-22-2012 at 03:04 PM

This year I have been in Mulege since December 21. I have put a total of 237 miles on my Dodge Diesel since then. I use a Honda 4 wheeler to get around town, maybe use 2 Gallons of gas a week. If you are in Baja, why go anywhere else anyway? Veggie guy, Fish guy, pastry lady, water guy all come to the house...Honda gets to me the cantina, and sometimes back...I met a British couple at Carlos "Pit stop" a while ago..may have been them..70 bucks a day is 2100 bucks/mo..I f you cant live on that,and pretty well, well?