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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Mazatlan 2024
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Mazatlan, Mexico


Cost of Living in Mazatlan

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: If you're moving to Mazatlan, understanding the the cost of living in Mazatlan helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Mazatlan is around $400 USD per month. A two-bedroom apartment will cost around $500 USD per month. Prices can vary depending on the location and amenities.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Mazatlan is around $50,000 USD. A two-bedroom apartment will cost around $60,000 USD. Prices can vary depending on the location and amenities.
Transportation Public transportation in Mazatlan is very affordable. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.50 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $3 USD. Renting a car is also an option and the cost is around $30 USD per day.
Groceries Groceries in Mazatlan are very affordable. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD, a liter of milk costs around $1 USD, and a dozen eggs costs around $2 USD. Prices can vary depending on the type of food and the store.
Restaurants Eating out in Mazatlan is very affordable. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $5 USD. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15 USD. Prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the location.
Utilities Utilities in Mazatlan are very affordable. The average cost of electricity is around $50 USD per month. The average cost of water is around $20 USD per month. Prices can vary depending on the type of utility and the location.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Mazatlan varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition is around $200 USD per month. Elementary school tuition is around $400 USD per month. Middle school tuition is around $500 USD per month. High school tuition is around $600 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mazatlan

"$1,500 a month for a single, $2500 a month for a couple. Less if you go to a smaller town," said one expat living in Mazatlan.

"The cost of living in Mazatlan is generally quite affordable. It is possible to find a one-bedroom home starting at $200-300 USD per month and groceries and eating out can be very inexpensive. Housing in the downtown area tends to be more expensive than the outlying neighborhoods, but entertainment is generally less expensive. A daily trip on public transportation costs only a few dollars and basic utilities like water, gas, and electricity tend to be quite inexpensive as well," wrote a member in Mazatlan.

Can I live in Mazatlan on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Mazatlan for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might have to live in a smaller apartment or house than you're used to, or you might have to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants.In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into areas like Centro Historico, El Dorado, or Lomas de Mazatlan. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of affordability and access to modern amenities. You can find decent apartments or houses for rent in these areas for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and location.On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Marina Mazatlan or Cerritos, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher. Rent in these neighborhoods can easily go over $1,000 a month for a small apartment, and the overall cost of living is higher due to the proximity to tourist attractions and more upscale shops and restaurants.In terms of other expenses, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out at local restaurants can be quite affordable, with meals costing around $5 to $10 per person. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants, you might have to cut back on how often you eat out to stay within your budget.Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can cost around $100 to $150 a month, depending on your usage. Keep in mind that electricity can be more expensive during the hotter months when you're using air conditioning more frequently.Transportation costs can be quite low if you use public transportation or walk, with bus fares costing around $0.50 per ride. Taxis and Uber are also relatively affordable, but if you plan on using them frequently, it can add up.Overall, living in Mazatlan on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and dining out. If you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood and cut back on some luxuries, you can definitely make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Mazatlan.

Can I live in Mazatlan on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Mazatlan for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I'd recommend looking into areas like El Cid, Lomas de Mazatlan, or Sabalo Country. These neighborhoods are safe, have a good mix of locals and expats, and are close to shopping centers, restaurants, and other conveniences. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Marina Mazatlan or Nuevo Mazatlan, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and location. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit more expensive than you might be used to, especially during the hot summer months when you'll be using the air conditioning more often.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gas and maintenance. I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis, which are relatively cheap and reliable. If you do decide to buy a car, consider getting a fuel-efficient model to save on gas costs.Eating out can be quite affordable in Mazatlan, with many local restaurants offering delicious meals for under $10. However, if you're craving international cuisine or dining at high-end restaurants, you might find yourself spending more than you'd like. To save money, consider cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Finally, while there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Mazatlan, such as going to the beach or exploring the historic center, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or entertainment options. For example, if you're used to going to the movies or attending concerts regularly, you might need to limit those outings to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Mazatlan on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Mexican city," said one expat living in Mazatlan.

Can I live in Mazatlan on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Mazatlan for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many other places.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where you want to live. There are a few neighborhoods that are more expensive, like El Cid and Marina Mazatlan, but you can still find some great deals if you're willing to look around. I'd recommend checking out areas like Centro Historico, which is a beautiful and vibrant part of the city with lots of history and culture. You can find some really nice apartments and houses for rent at reasonable prices.Another option is to look at neighborhoods like Lomas de Mazatlan or Gaviotas, which are a bit more residential and quieter, but still close to all the amenities you'll need. You can find some great deals on houses and apartments in these areas, and they're still close to the beach and other attractions.As for sacrifices, I haven't really had to make any major ones since moving here. The cost of living is generally lower than in the US or Canada, so you'll find that your money goes a lot further. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all quite affordable, and you can still enjoy going out to eat at nice restaurants or having a night out without breaking the bank.One thing to keep in mind is that while Mazatlan has a lot of modern amenities, it's still a developing city, so you might encounter some minor inconveniences or infrastructure issues from time to time. However, I've found that these are usually easy to deal with and don't significantly impact my quality of life.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Mazatlan on $5,000 a month is not only possible but can be quite comfortable and enjoyable. Just be prepared to do a bit of research and be flexible when it comes to finding the right neighborhood and accommodations for your needs," commented an expat living in Mazatlan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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