My private experiences dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico: is it costly to reside in Cabo?!

I by no means thought I’d like dwelling in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, bereason for its very touristy costs. Now that I’m right here, I notice this is without doubt one of the finest dwelling overseas experiences I’ll ever have—Cabo is presently my favourite!

📬  Reader Mail: Hello Trisha, Blissful Birthday! I really like that you’re already in Baja, California! I not too long ago had a fast trip in Cabo and beloved it. I simply found there are direct flights from Seattle, so I took a leap and checked it out.

Whereas looking about dwelling in Mexico, I discovered your implausible weblog and have seen that you simply’ve lived in many alternative Mexican cities. To my shock, I noticed in your Instagram tales that you’re in Cabo – too unhealthy I didn’t get to fulfill you!

I’m a digital nomad and I need to learn about your expertise in dwelling in Cabo San Lucas? I’m new to distant work and I’m discovering a variety of nice info in your weblog about this life-style. Thanks a lot and I hope to fulfill you in Cabo!

-Anna Collins, Seattle

Hello Anna,

Thanks for the birthday greeting! Bummer, I missed you – I simply completed a one-month celebration with pals! Really, I didn’t suppose that I would really like Cabo a lot!

I’ve been right here for two months now and have been actually out and about so on this submit, I’ll positively share with you if dwelling in Cabo San Lucas is the best possibility for you.

If Cabo doesn’t suit your wants, be happy to take a look at different locations to reside in Mexico—there are a variety of selections! Ought to you’ve any questions on dwelling in Mexico, I’m at all times right here to assist.

Good luck!

Xx,
Trisha

Is Cabo a very good place to reside in?

You is likely to be questioning why of all locations in Mexico, I selected to reside in Cabo San Lucas. Okay, let me be clear: I didn’t pack my life in Puerto Vallarta and finally deliberate to maneuver to Cabo.

I bought uninterested in dwelling in a single place, so I made a decision to promote all my stuff (once more) and go on a highway journey via Baja California Sur.

By the top of Might 2021, which was the start of summer time, mainland Mexico was scorching and humid. Baja California was scorching, too, however dry and extra tolerable.

So, I grabbed the canine, packed a suitcase, and removed so many issues to start out my highway journey in Baja. My first cease was La Paz, which I additionally beloved however which was someway similar to my outdated residence in Puerto Vallarta.

I’m not saying I gained’t contemplate dwelling there, nevertheless it wasn’t one thing I wanted in the intervening time. I did put it on the record of future properties, although. I stayed there for a month and felt the necessity to transfer on straight away.

Then there was Todos Santos, which was worse than I anticipated. This small city has loopy lovely imagery on Pinterest, so I believed possibly it will be like once I lived in Sayulita.

WRONG. Todos Santos was so ugly – okay, I’m sorry as a result of I actually can’t discover one other phrase for it. Ugly gave the impression to be probably the most well mannered description.

I couldn’t reside as a result of I had already paid for a one-month stick with no versatile refund coverage. I had a pleasant residence in El Pescadero and simply spent my days working, studying, going to the seashore, and mountain climbing—however I bought actually bored. I couldn’t wait to get to my subsequent vacation spot, which was Cabo.

Then we moved to Cabo. Please notice that whenever you learn the phrase ‘we’ inside this weblog, I’m pertaining to my canine, Lola and Archie. I’m a single lady (ouch) who’s shifting round Mexico, one metropolis at a time.

Anyway, we moved to Cabo on my birthday month so my days right here didn’t begin as an expat. I used to be a freaking vacationer for a month. I at all times have a month-long birthday celebration. My birthday is my favourite vacation of the yr and I’m truly off work all September.

Family and friends got here from totally different elements of the US and Mexico. After all, all of them didn’t come on the identical time so I needed to repeat and repeat my birthday celebrations.

Ocean golf equipment, mountain climbing, day journeys, steak dinners, seafood lunches, and plenty of nights I don’t keep in mind – the extra I explored Cabo, the extra it grew in me.

I do know y’all going to be like “isn’t Cabo so gringo? Ew. Why would you need to reside there?”

It’s a matter of reality, very American, girls and boys. Please keep in mind that I’ve been dwelling in Mexico for fairly a while now and I’m craving a unique tradition.

Since I can’t go to the US (no US visa proper now), Baja California is probably the most totally different I’ve been up to now years. My journeys to Colombia and Peru weren’t that totally different both.

That’s the reason as a substitute of the brief stint in Cabo, I made a decision to remain right here and make it my base, possibly for the following yr. I at all times adopted my instincts and at all times listened to what I really feel so proper now, Cabo is the one which makes a lot sense to me.

Within the subsequent few months, I’m going to share stuff on my Instagram about dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico as a younger expat. That is only the start!

Is it secure to reside in Cabo San Lucas Mexico?

ABSOLUTELY! Cabo San Lucas loves vacationers so they are going to by no means do something to interrupt tourism. Cabo is definitely one of many most secure and crime-free locations on the earth so that you don’t have to fret about your security right here!

The streets are well-lit and there may be at all times one thing taking place at evening so you’ll by no means be alone. I used to be truly stunned how Cabo is tremendous energetic until the wee hours of the morning (weekends) since a variety of locations in Mexico have carried out nightly curfews due to COVID.

How a lot cash do you want to reside in Cabo San Lucas Mexico?

I’m going to be very trustworthy right here – Cabo is the costliest place to reside in Mexico, simply because it’s very near the USA. Extra Individuals additionally decide to return right here as a result of Cabo is an unquestionable vacation spot.

It’s not like different locations to reside in Mexico the place you’ve many questions corresponding to security, language barrier, and so on. Everybody is aware of Cabo – we don’t have to promote it to you.

Hire is definitely reasonably priced besides whenever you need to reside downtown. In a while, I’ll clarify to you the totally different areas and prices in Cabo in accordance with my expertise.

I can’t offer you a precise quantity simply but since the price of dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico additionally depends upon your life-style. You may learn my submit in regards to the prices in Cabo so that you’d know what I spend each month.

Dwelling in Cabo San Lucas vs. San Jose del Cabo

Folks typically use the time period ‘Los Cabos’ however Cabo San Lucas (CSL) and San Jose del Cabo are two various things.

To let you know the reality, I believed foreigners beloved visiting CSL than SJC extra however I noticed that they’ve very even taking part in fields. A lot of the resorts are in SJC so individuals have a tendency to remain there for his or her brief holidays.

Nevertheless, there may be extra native life in CSL and it’s truthfully simpler to go round. SJC has higher eating places than CSL – I need to say.

I nonetheless have to discover San Jose del Cabo and as at all times, I’ll share these experiences with you. For now, let’s give attention to dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico.

Price of dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico

I discover that dwelling by your self has at all times been expensive however on this dwelling overseas sequence that’s my life, I made a decision to reside in a 1-bedroom residence in Cabo as a substitute of my regular 3-bedroom shebang.

I noticed I’m at all times touring anyway and that smaller residences are simpler to take care of. I’m presently designing my residence and I’m loving all the method that goes with it.

Actually, I used to be stunned that residences in Cabo are tremendous reasonably priced. I discovered 3-BR residences for $600 USD however notice that they aren’t within the metropolis heart however a 15-minute drive. Which means, you want a automobile.

As for groceries, I spend about $75 USD for two weeks value of groceries. Supermarkets even have supply through the Rappi app when you don’t have a automobile.

Costco, after all, is one other story as a result of all of us appear to really feel obligated to hoard as soon as we enter this place. As a lot as potential, I keep away from Costco except I want one thing in bulk like pet food, rubbish baggage, laundry detergent, cleansing stuff, and so on.

I’ve a extra detailed article about what I spend month-to-month in Cabo so be certain to test that out and know what to anticipate whenever you transfer right here.

Renting residences in Cabo San Lucas

I’ve a separate submit about discovering low cost residences in Cabo however an important issues that you want to know are:

• You may lease an residence in Cabo with a vacationer visa
• You may get an honest home for lower than $1,000 USD a month; (3) homes/residences downtown can value double.

I’m presently renting a 1-BR residence downtown and I’m paying $350 USD. This residence is a few 15-minute stroll to the marina which I don’t thoughts as a result of I really like strolling!

It actually helps to seek out costs like this when you communicate Spanish and know the costs in every space. If you happen to need assistance, I supply these providers to individuals who need to transfer to Mexico. Simply ship me a message!

Connecting with fellow expats in Cabo San Lucas

Let me be trustworthy right here – I didn’t come to Cabo with out figuring out anybody (which I’d usually do). I already knew a bunch of individuals dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico so it was a bonus for me to not put further effort into making pals.

As common, in each expat neighborhood world wide, a Fb group at all times helps. My go-to teams are Cabo Expats and Los Cabos Expats.

Each teams are tremendous full of details about dwelling in Cabo San Lucas. You simply have to put the time into looking each single matter and also you’ll discover solutions to your questions!

Some situations that additionally made me join with expats in Cabo San Lucas had been random canine walks and routine marina runs. You’ll come throughout the identical individuals and ultimately join with them!

You can even be part of dance lessons, go to the gymnasium, pilates class, and so on. That is the place I met the majority of the individuals I do know in Cabo! Within the final a part of this text, I made a complete listing of all the things you want to know like the place to take yoga lessons, gymnasium memberships, and so on.

Dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico: do I want a automobile?

Right here’s the factor: I rented a studio residence within the heart for a similar value as a 2-br residence within the outskirts of the town as a result of I offered my automobile.

Ever since I offered my automobile, I noticed how a lot I beloved strolling and that it turned my unconscious train. I actually really feel stronger and more healthy now!

A variety of foreigners can’t take strolling within the warmth, particularly in the course of the summer time so when you ask them, they’d say you want a automobile to reside in Cabo.

However when you’re asking me, I really feel like Cabo San Lucas has nice terrain for pedestrians. There aren’t any stoplights so vehicles cease for you whenever you cross the highway!

I additionally beloved how I can simply stroll to the seashore with my canine anytime. My residence is only a 10-minute stroll to the marina and the primary seashore.

I can’t think about us dwelling in a 2-BR home however driving to the seashore daily. That might be too tedious for me as a result of we’re at all times outdoors.

Mexico Residency Visa

If you happen to plan to reside in Cabo or wherever in Mexico full-time, I extremely encourage you to use for a residency visa in Mexico. Most foreigners begin with the 180 days vacationer visa on their first transfer to Mexico to check the waters.

Mexico provides a beneficiant 180 days vacationer visa and you’ll positively lease an residence right here with that visa. Nevertheless, you have to to depart earlier than this visa expires.

Many digital nomads or distant staff additionally apply for non-lucrative visas in Mexico. It’s approach simpler to use so long as you possibly can show that you’re incomes $2,000 USD per thirty days.

Professionals of dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico

Nice choice of meals

As for meals, there are a variety of varieties in Cabo. I normally combine my week consuming in probably the most native meals stands to the fashionable Sunday brunches. From Argentine to Italian delicacies, Cabo can have all the things you crave for though there’s a scarcity of Asian meals.

Since I reside right here and I like to cook dinner, I additionally do a variety of grocery buying. We’ve got Costco in Cabo and all the things that you’ve again residence within the US are additionally obtainable right here.

So many issues to do!

Baja California Sur is without doubt one of the finest out of doors spots in Mexico. That is actually my favourite a part of dwelling right here. So many seashores and so many hikes!

Nevertheless, if you wish to discover Baja California Sur, you want to have a automobile. Inside Cabo San Lucas, there aren’t many out of doors spots except for the primary seashore and a few hikes however when you drive out of Cabo, wow, there are quite a few spots to go to!

It is going to take you some time to go to all of them so having a automobile may be very ideally suited. Most drives aren’t that far as a result of Baja California Sur is a small space. Essentially the most I’ve pushed is about 2 hours. This space is only a steady loop.

Many households with youngsters reside in Cabo

Cabo San Lucas is a favourite vacation spot for households touring with kids. The streets are tremendous secure even when there aren’t any stoplights.

This truly makes the highway safer as drivers don’t overs peed and are extra vigilant. CSL is so pedestrian-friendly, they at all times cease for you so long as you might be in the best crossing lane.

There are various expat communities that increase their kids right here. Colegio el Camino is without doubt one of the hottest Worldwide faculties the place expats enroll their kids.

Different selections embody Delmar Worldwide Faculty and Colegio Amaranto. There are various different selections of colleges for teenagers in Cabo and you’ll positively ask different mother and father who reside right here about it.

Your kids will certainly study Spanish even when they’re in Worldwide Faculties due to their Mexican classmates. I’ve seen a variety of American youngsters right here translate for his or her mother and father it’s such a sight to see!

Cabo is pet-friendly

Cabo just isn’t too pet-friendly however I’m solely saying this as a result of I’m coming from dwelling in Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta the place pets are accepted in all places.

Canines can roam freely in El Medano seashore and all the opposite predominant seashores of Cabo San Lucas however Pedregal Seashore is somewhat strict about pets.

Not all institutions settle for pets. It’s actually a hit or miss so earlier than going to the restaurant together with your canine, you want to name to substantiate. You may deliver small canine to seashore golf equipment however it’s a must to tie them.

Cabo is secure

Cabo San Lucas, I really feel, is the most secure place I’ve lived in in Mexico. Tourism right here by no means stops so the cartel or some other harmful forces won’t do something to interrupt that constant tourism circulate.

I stroll to my residence on my own at evening (even til 4:00 AM) as a result of the streets are well-lit. Cabo San Lucas may be very energetic so that you’ll at all times have somebody round.

Cabo Mexico has nice climate

Expats who reside right here select to remain from mid-October to mid-Might the place we expertise cool climate throughout Mexico. Nevertheless, in the course of the summer time season in Mexico, most expats can’t take the (dry) warmth in order that they go to their second properties both within the USA, Canada, or Europe.

Some lease their properties in the course of the summer time however in my expertise, it’s actually very unusual to go to Mexico in the course of the scorching season so most of us simply rent caretakers and pet-sitters to remain in our properties. Nevertheless, I do know a variety of expats who reside right here full time and simply bought used to the summer time warmth!

Be aware that Cabo San Lucas is situated within the deserts of Baja California Sur so our climate right here is approach totally different than mainland Mexico.

Tradition in Cabo San Lucas

You most likely already know this – Cabo may be very very similar to America. Every thing right here has been hollywoodinized in accordance with an American’s liking. I can say that there’s little or no Mexican life right here besides if in case you have Mexican pals and/otherwise you communicate Spanish.

As quickly as you arrive downtown (heart), Arduous Rock Cafe is in the midst of all of it with an imposing facade. American {couples} stroll round with their toddlers.

A gaggle of 10 males who’re most likely on bachelor events is strolling round city with beers of their palms. You will note at the very least 4 teams of ladies all carrying white whereas one wears a crown (and a sash) that claims “bride to be.”

The bachelor/bachelorette events, they’re not unique to foreigners. Even Mexicans regard Cabo because the ‘it’ vacation spot for this celebration.

The marina, the place I do my every day run with the canine is at all times alive from morning til evening. Bars begin blaring at 8:00 pm however can begin earlier throughout weekends.

The middle is filled with shade, life, and joyful noises however as somebody who lives right here, I at all times really feel like a vacationer (nonetheless) when I’m strolling on the metropolis heart.

I reside in a Mexican neighborhood that is only one block from downtown however you’ll see the distinction whenever you enter the small streets of Cabo versus the primary avenue. It at all times appears like I’m getting into a unique space even when my home is simply 5 minutes from the middle!

For me who has Mexican pals right here, the tradition in Cabo could be two totally different layers so I actually can’t generalize the tradition right here – all of it depends upon the lifestyle you think about to be whenever you transfer to Cabo.

Are you a foreigner/expat who likes to immerse with the native tradition otherwise you’re simply shifting to Cabo to have a less expensive model of America? You are able to do both however as I mentioned, you want to determine the life you need earlier than you progress right here. That is Mexico and something is feasible!

Dwelling in Cabo San Lucas Mexico as a younger expat

I might say that the expats dwelling in Cabo San Lucas are combined. Everyone seems to be right here! I can’t say that almost all of the foreigners who reside listed here are younger professionals however let me let you know what’s it prefer to reside right here in your 30s.

Everyone knows how Cabo is a well-liked get together spot to not point out many Individuals come right here for a weekend to get together. My pals at all times thought there is no such thing as a approach that you would be able to reside healthily in Cabo and/or keep away from events however that’s not the case on a regular basis.

To be trustworthy, once I first moved to Cabo, I had a tough time not going out however solely as a result of I used to be nonetheless making an attempt to get to know the town and acquire some pals. The one approach I can get to know individuals is by truly going out.

After some time, it turned very exhausting. Working remotely permits me to mess around with my work schedule however I compelled myself right into a every day routine that I religiously adopted.

How did I try this? I enrolled in a one-month pilates class. I paid 3-month gymnasium membership. I subscribed to weekly yoga lessons. Whereas it’s true that Cabo is a celebration place, there may be additionally the wholesome facet of it that you simply’ll solely know when you reside right here.

Except for that, there are lots of out of doors actions in Cabo like small hikes, browsing, diving, and so on – you possibly can positively dictate how you’ll reside right here!

General, I may say that Cabo is an effective place to reside for younger individuals. Please notice that I’m single (no youngsters simply 2 canine lol) so all of the experiences that I’m stating listed here are primarily based on the life-style of a single lady dwelling overseas.

Supermarkets in Cabo San Lucas

We’ve got Costco!!! And we’re one of many few cities in Mexico that has it! Costco is an American’s favourite and being one of many locations in Mexico that has probably the most Individuals, Costco here’s a large hit.

Nevertheless, Costco just isn’t very handy for individuals who reside alone like me. Listed below are the most effective supermarkets in Cabo San Lucas which I’m going to, relying on what I need to purchase:

• Walmart: cheaper and good high quality of meals. A lot of the objects listed here are Mexican however you may as well discover some American manufacturers. I additionally purchase my pet food right here (Beneful). This model is cheaper in Walmart than different supermarkets in Cabo. There’s additionally an excellent plant store outdoors of Walmart that I at all times go to.
• La Comer: larger priced than Walmart however has the identical merchandise. The one distinction is that La Comer has a gourmand space that has my favourite Asian merchandise!
• Chedraui: proper in entrance of La Comer Cabo is Chedraui. I normally go there to purchase packed meat like bacon or sausages. They’ve extra manufacturers right here that’s why I particularly go to Chedraui for this. Plus they’ve the most effective cooked meals in comparison with the opposite supermarkets.
• Fresko by La Comer: tremendous costly and much away from downtown however I’m going to Kiosko if I need to purchase steaks and different gourmand Worldwide merchandise. They’re owned by La Comer so the merchandise are just about the identical.
• Mercado Organico is a farmer’s market in Cabo that’s open each Saturday and solely in the course of the winter months (November to Might).

Health club, yoga, pilates, well being, and wellness

I might additionally prefer to share with you a few of the locations the place I’m going for well being and wellness in Cabo. I do know that is essential for some and it’s exhausting to seek out info when you don’t know the place to look. I skilled that once I first got here right here and I don’t need that to occur to you!

💃 Dance lessons in Cabo: Thus far, I solely discovered a Pole Dancing class at Dolls Kingdom. For any sort of dance and choreography, I discovered this Russian woman who presents month-to-month dance lessons and I’m about to strive it at Elenium Arts and Health Studio! For every type of Latin dances, Studio Corazon is a superb place to study!

🏋️ Health club in Cabo San Lucas: I’m going to RU2 and I pay about $35 USD for a month-to-month membership. If you need a private coach, it prices $150 USD per thirty days along with the membership. Together with different gyms in Cabo, this one is downtown and is inside strolling distance from the place I reside.

🧘🏽 Yoga lessons in Cabo: I’m going to Cabo Yoga Health as a result of I really like Vinyasa! They’re somewhat bit far-off from downtown however an Uber experience prices lower than $2 USD to get to them. They’re close to Costco, too!

🧘🏿‍♀️ Pilates lessons in Cabo: That is my favourite exercise! I pay $125 USD for 12 lessons at Indigo Pilates. The trainer is from Uruguay however she additionally speaks nice English.

Healthcare in Cabo San Lucas

I’ve been advised that when you turn out to be a resident of Mexico, you want to swap to Mexican medical health insurance however I didn’t try this but. I nonetheless use my Worldwide medical insurance coverage that covers COVID-19.

Hospitals in Cabo are very cutting-edge and have skilled medical practitioners. I actually don’t fear about healthcare in Cabo or Mexico normally as a result of they’ve an excellent and fashionable system.

In case of emergencies, 911 works in Cabo (and throughout Mexico). They reply tremendous quick and can attend to your wants 100%.

I even know many Individuals who’ve grave medical situations and moved right here as a result of healthcare within the US is pricey.

Assets for Dwelling in Mexico

Apply for a residency visa in Mexico

I’ve been dwelling in Mexico for 7 years and I solely have one lawyer who takes care of my immigration processes. You may e-book a name together with her and see what’s the best visa for you.

TALK TO A LAWYER

Medical Insurance coverage in Mexico 

If you happen to want a medical insurance coverage whenever you transfer to Mexico, you possibly can see plans on SafetyWing.

SEE POLICIES

E book a discovery name with me

Need to know what’s it prefer to reside in Mexico? You may e-book a name with me and I’ll offer you an perception!

SEE CALENDAR