BajaNomad

Cost of Living in San Felipe

1Bajalover - 7-14-2012 at 02:30 PM

My cousin has a yen to get south but not too as he fears being far from his medical care. I am suggesting San Felipe but only have some knowledge about prices in Mulege area. Any tips for him on rents, food prices, etc?
thanks!

Medical Care

bajaguy - 7-14-2012 at 02:46 PM

What type of medical care does he need????? San Felipe is not what I would consider medical care friendly.

It's a long way to Mexicali/Calexico, Ca., even further to first class trauma facilities in the US. For minor medical procedures or routine appointments it's still a long way to drive. Get a California map and check it out.

It woud be a good idea for him to drive to San Felipe and look for himself. See if it fits his needs.

If he still wants to live in Baja and have close access to the US or decent local medical facilities/treatment he should look at Ensenada........

DavidE - 7-14-2012 at 07:59 PM

The border. The line. CBP. It is an obstacle unto itself. For medical purposes, I have a different opinion.

Get on an airplane. Within a couple of hours it lands right at LAX. One complaint from a senior and the ambulance arrives, and away you go to the medical center.

I could be in Guadalajara and I can safely bet I'll be in an LA Hospital before someone in San Felipe gets to San Diego.

Food for thought.

bajaguy - 7-14-2012 at 08:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
The border. The line. CBP. It is an obstacle unto itself. For medical purposes, I have a different opinion.

Get on an airplane. Within a couple of hours it lands right at LAX. One complaint from a senior and the ambulance arrives, and away you go to the medical center.

I could be in Guadalajara and I can safely bet I'll be in an LA Hospital before someone in San Felipe gets to San Diego.

Food for thought.





If you are in Ensenada and you have a SENTRI, there is no wait to cross at Otay and a heck of a lot faster to San Diego and cheaper than one airline flight from wherever.

From Ensenada (where there is excellent medical facilities) to the front door of Sharp Medical Center, a first class trauma center in Chula Vista is 90 minutes.



[Edited on 7-15-2012 by bajaguy]

nbacc - 7-15-2012 at 07:01 AM

Buy Evac insurance.

wornout - 7-15-2012 at 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 1Bajalover
My cousin has a yen to get south but not too as he fears being far from his medical care. I am suggesting San Felipe but only have some knowledge about prices in Mulege area. Any tips for him on rents, food prices, etc?
thanks!


We moved to San Felipe in 1998 and have not been sorry since. We are now in upper 60's, lover 70's in age and in more need of medical services every once in a while and still have not moved closer to those services.

We have a clinic in San Felipe for our routine needs. Our doctors and hospital is in San Diego. We schedule our doctors visit on the same day and usually stay overnight.

We have a Sentri Pass and it worked well when my wife needed to get to the hospital in a hurry. Turns out she had had a heart attack. 4 hours and 15 minutes later we were in San Diego. We couldn't do that today since the road is being widened but that will return to norm.

We have friends who have used the hospital in Mexicali and thought it was great. I would use it if my medical coverage would cover services there. I use to use the VA clinic in El Centro and it was fine for minor tests and checkups. I have many friends with senior advantage who use services in El Centro and Yuma.

It is my understanding that San Felipe will need a hospital in order to bring in commercial international flights.

Like mentioned, some people have med evacuation insurance.

Tell your cousin good luck with his decision. We choose to retire in San Felipe due to the cost of living and it proximity to the old country. We did look at Jamaica, Cabo, East Cape, and Belize.

DavidE - 7-15-2012 at 08:12 AM

Beef 90 - 130 pesos kilo
Pork 60 - 90 pesos kilo
whole chicken 35 - 45 pesos kilo
legs and thighs 35 - 40 pesos kilo
liver 35 pesos kilo
roma tomatoes 22 pesos kilo
potatoes 19 pesos kilo
iceberg lettuce 10 pesos each
8 oz bacon 40 pesos
whole fresh milk 52 pesos kilo
bimbo whole wheat largest loaf 38 pesos
roll of cheap paper towels 14 pesos
fresh broccoli 2 heads 12 pesos
pithy red washington apples 22 pesos kilo
green seedless grapes 38 pesos kilo
hass avocados 45 pesos kilo
cantaloupe 17 pesos kilo
eggs 45 pesos 30/eggs
six pack of tecate 53 pesos
purified water 5 gal 12.5 pesos
Raid mosquito spray 60 pesos
5W-30 Castrol motor oil 72 - 88 pesos per quart
Quart jar of Best Foods mayonnaise 72 pesos

Peso exchange rate 13.25

Hope This Helps

Bajaboy - 7-15-2012 at 08:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Beef 90 - 130 pesos kilo
Pork 60 - 90 pesos kilo
whole chicken 35 - 45 pesos kilo
legs and thighs 35 - 40 pesos kilo
liver 35 pesos kilo
roma tomatoes 22 pesos kilo
potatoes 19 pesos kilo
iceberg lettuce 10 pesos each
8 oz bacon 40 pesos
whole fresh milk 52 pesos kilo
bimbo whole wheat largest loaf 38 pesos
roll of cheap paper towels 14 pesos
fresh broccoli 2 heads 12 pesos
pithy red washington apples 22 pesos kilo
green seedless grapes 38 pesos kilo
hass avocados 45 pesos kilo
cantaloupe 17 pesos kilo
eggs 45 pesos 30/eggs
six pack of tecate 53 pesos
purified water 5 gal 12.5 pesos
Raid mosquito spray 60 pesos
5W-30 Castrol motor oil 72 - 88 pesos per quart
Quart jar of Best Foods mayonnaise 72 pesos

Peso exchange rate 13.25

Hope This Helps


Your Tecate price is about two years old....more like 67 pesos now

mcfez - 7-15-2012 at 09:20 AM

We think San Felipe is great. It's within reach of Mexicali and Ca of less than two hours drive. There is a airport that can work for you, for fly out emergency evacuation.

Dr Abasolo is a member of the SF Rotary Club. His clinic is excellent.
Abasolo Medical Center. CLZ Chetumal S/N Rancho Mexico Appointments: (686) 577-1458. San Felipe, Baja California Emergency 24 Hours: (686) 573-0174

Groceries are best bought up in the town edido, north of the old Harbor. There is major outlets such as Costco in Mexicali.

This is the perfect time to buy in San Felipe. There are rock bottom...give away home prices on the market. If you can handle being off the grid.....the south beaches are indeed at give away prices, very nice ocean front properties are avail.

One thing about San Felipe that I dont like is.............the summer's heat :-( We dont go there to our home during those months.

DavidE - 7-15-2012 at 10:12 AM

Good god!
How much is Tecate aņejo worth?
Thanks for the correction. I am not much of a beer drinker since the earth cooled.

1Bajalover - 7-15-2012 at 11:02 AM

very helpful, I will forward this info to Mike..thank you all...
I just found out it is hot there in the summer...thought it might be better than lower Baja in the summer and so suggested that to him as well as it being closer to the border...

woody with a view - 7-15-2012 at 11:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 1Bajalover
I just found out it is hot there in the summer...


boy do you have some reading up to do....:light:

Bajaboy - 7-15-2012 at 12:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by 1Bajalover
I just found out it is hot there in the summer...


boy do you have some reading up to do....:light:


At least there is no humidity or blowing sand:lol:

mcfez - 7-15-2012 at 01:57 PM

:-)
San Felipe DOES have some mega sand storms! A few years back.....we got caught in one..........couldn't see 12 feet in front of the bumper. I think DavidK has pictures of a few sand storms at his site.

Most folks at our camp "head out" around Jun 1 and not return til mid October. Other factors to consider ....involves seeing the family.....or the family seeing you......it's a long drive, flights are expensive, or many are afraid to enter Mexico. I'd say that is a reason why many retired folks sell their Baja homes ......and return "home" .......because they miss their families.

I suggest renting for a year................
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by 1Bajalover
I just found out it is hot there in the summer...


boy do you have some reading up to do....:light:


At least there is no humidity or blowing sand:lol:







[Edited on 7-15-2012 by mcfez]

viabaja - 7-15-2012 at 02:54 PM

You know 1Bajalover, things have gotten expensive in SF compared to 10-12 years ago. Booze and fuel costs are very similiar to the states, albeit a little cheaper in Mexico. Remember, all consumables have to be trucked in. Things like light medical & dental are reasonable and SF has a great doctor and dentist. For those of us that live in the 2 worlds (US & Mex), one has 2 costs (insurances, FM2's, etc.). I know of people that have had medical emergencies and were flown from SF to SD (private planes). Expensive. But necessary. But where else can one have a place on the water for very reasonable costs? Not in the states!

meme - 7-15-2012 at 03:33 PM

All we have to do to realize how economical & lucky we are living is in San Felipe is go to the states(ElCentro or Yuma for a couple days & take a long look at the travel bills. Motels , Food, Drinks Dinner & shopping. Sure cant afford to live there anymore, especially in the style we have become accustom to!!

nbacc - 7-15-2012 at 03:36 PM

rent and see if you like it as all of the above is true. It will give you a chance to get comfortable with the culture. Remember........no movie houses in San Felipe. It is a wonderful place if it fits your lifestyle. nancy

Bajajorge - 7-17-2012 at 09:21 AM

I live on solar in San Felipe, it costs approx $1200USD a month, that includes eating out, tequila and cervaza, fuel for 2 vehicles, no mortgage, no electric bill, Telnor phone and internet bill, $30USD
Not included:
Mexican auto insurance, $177 per year
Homeowners insurance $210 for $70,000USD coverage per year
Lot dues, $480 per year
FM3 for 2 using a service, $480

Healthcare is basic, good doctors though. For healthcare of any extent you have to travel. Food is inexpensive, one of the best Filet Mignons I ever bought came from a Mom and Pop carneceria in SF.

Desertbull - 7-17-2012 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
I live on solar in San Felipe, it costs approx $1200USD a month, that includes eating out, tequila and cervaza, fuel for 2 vehicles, no mortgage, no electric bill, Telnor phone and internet bill, $30USD
Not included:
Mexican auto insurance, $177 per year
Homeowners insurance $210 for $70,000USD coverage per year
Lot dues, $480 per year
FM3 for 2 using a service, $480

Healthcare is basic, good doctors though. For healthcare of any extent you have to travel. Food is inexpensive, one of the best Filet Mignons I ever bought came from a Mom and Pop carneceria in SF.


Jorge just gave away the FARM! Now everyone knows! :lol:

Exactly what Jorge says including the steak, but please don't give away the location of the carneceria...:cool:

MitchMan - 7-17-2012 at 03:54 PM

A pitch for La Paz.

Plenty of Medical care, new public hospital...its a big one, plenty of doctors of all kinds, several other hospitals, plenty of Nomad recommendations for hospitals and doctors.

Casitas are very cheap, raw land very cheap (how does $25 to $30 USD/sq meter sound?), all with city sevices all over the place and within 6 miles of down town and the boardwalk (malecon) and the marina or much, much less of a distance than that. Walmart, Home Depot, 3 giant multiplex movie theaters, two very big new and absolutely modern shopping centers, all of the important government offices, plenty of professionals (accountants, attorneys, architects), all the maintence/hardware stores, appliance stores, clothing stores, furniture stores you will ever need, restaurants galore (including some haute cuisine), etc., etc., etc. Also, the international airport is just 7 miles from down town and RT flights to and from La Paz and Tijuana 1/3 the cost of RT flights to and from LAX every day.

If you own your own Casita, one person can live on $700 USD/mo, two can live on $1,000 USD/mo and that includes everything: food, all utilities (with airconditioning), haircuts, clothing allowance, some entertainment, TV, Internet, telephone, auto ins, some auto repair, Mexican health insurance, some medication, some house maintenance, annual fideicomiso fee, FM3 annual fee, and some incidentals.

Oh, almost forgot. Do you like to fish for yellow fin tuna, Dorado, Yellow Tail, Marlin, Rooster Fish, Jack Crevelle, Sierra, Pargo, Cabrilla, and maybe an occasional Wahoo?

[Edited on 7-17-2012 by MitchMan]

1Bajalover - 7-17-2012 at 06:33 PM

I really appreciate all this feedback and can attest to the cost of living changing drastically with just a wee step over the border to the northerly side of things.as I just got back from Mulege a few weeks ago and am still in shock...I marvel at how that can be but there it is - capitalist to 3rd world in the blink of an eye
my cousin has no health issues per se just does not want to be
far from "good" medical care.....I guess he is planning for the future or something.....
san Felipe sounds pretty nice..I love the Bay of Concepcion but
was not realizing how hot summers are in SF also ....... he might even like Ensenada...it seems so busy and built up to me but south of there has some quieter and beautiful spots..
anyway, thanks for all the great info from everyone

Mula - 7-17-2012 at 06:41 PM

You really can't look for a possible retirement place for someone else.

MitchMan - 7-18-2012 at 07:43 AM

Generally, the things in Baja that are cheaper than in USA are labor, basic produce, some utilities, Mexican health insurance and healthcare, professional services, and certainly real estate costs (unless you insist on beach front property and beach front condo projects made to American standards). Food is just about the same cost, though, overall. Thngs that are more expensive are manufactured goods and packaged goods, appliances and electrical manufactured goods, vehicles, tires and most auto replacement parts, but you can make up for auto cost overall due to lower gas prices and shorter traveling distances, and the labor element of auto repair.

Also, an important reduction in cost can be the lifestyle. While in the Baja, entertainment is often just visiting with friends instead of going to expensive sports events, golfing, or to expensive concerts or in engaging in expensive hobbies. Clothing is cheaper because things are so casual. You don't have to impress anyone. Also, the average quality of clothing in the 'regular' stores is usually lower and that is usually quite acceptable. Also, eating can be more casual and haute cuisine is usually ignored for the most part. You generally learn to eat more simple foods that do not cost as much. I mean, most come to Mexico for casual living in the first place, and casual living is usually less expensive than a formal approach to things.

Bajajorge - 7-18-2012 at 08:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Desertbull
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
I live on solar in San Felipe, it costs approx $1200USD a month, that includes eating out, tequila and cervaza, fuel for 2 vehicles, no mortgage, no electric bill, Telnor phone and internet bill, $30USD
Not included:
Mexican auto insurance, $177 per year
Homeowners insurance $210 for $70,000USD coverage per year
Lot dues, $480 per year
FM3 for 2 using a service, $480

Healthcare is basic, good doctors though. For healthcare of any extent you have to travel. Food is inexpensive, one of the best Filet Mignons I ever bought came from a Mom and Pop carneceria in SF.


Jorge just gave away the FARM! Now everyone knows! :lol:

Exactly what Jorge says including the steak, but please don't give away the location of the carneceria...:cool:


PS - The carneceria where I bought the steak changed hands. The last time I bought a Filet Mignon from the new owner I could have made a pair of shoes. Might have just been a bad batch, I know of some folks down in SF that still rave over that carneceria.

Sprocket - 7-19-2012 at 04:23 PM

Live like the locals and you will be just fine with a very small monthly income. Splurge on US propucts, going out to eat/drink and trips to the USA and it will add up quickly!

willardguy - 7-19-2012 at 04:37 PM

frequent trips to the iguana will add up quickly too, but ya gotta budget it in!:yes:

Desertbull - 7-19-2012 at 07:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
frequent trips to the iguana will add up quickly too, but ya gotta budget it in!:yes:


What's the Iguana, a French deli? :lol::lol::lol::lol:

willardguy - 7-19-2012 at 07:40 PM

more of a smorgasbord really:bounce:

[Edited on 7-20-2012 by willardguy]

Bajajorge - 7-22-2012 at 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sprocket
Live like the locals and you will be just fine with a very small monthly income. Splurge on US propucts, going out to eat/drink and trips to the USA and it will add up quickly!


This is correct. Buy Mexican products, don't cross NOB unless absolutly necessary. Shop in SF or go to Costco and Mega in Mexicali if there is something else you need, that's if you just can't stand living without certain US products.

1Bajalover - 7-22-2012 at 12:00 PM

hmm, interesting...how are things politically on mainland Mexico? I have heard mixed stories..the thing with Baja is the wonderful wilderness, desert and of course two oceans to enjoy..I love mainland Mexico but felt it was far more developed and not as inexpensive therefore