Cabo isn’t just a vacation paradise, it’s home to thousands of Mexicans, long-term locals, and expats who live and work here year-round.
But how much do you really need to live comfortably in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or East Cape?
Whether you’re a Mexican family relocating, a local upgrading or downsizing, or an expat deciding where to live, this guide breaks down real costs, from rent and groceries to utilities and lifestyle expenses.
✅ 1. Cost of Living Overview (2025)
The cost of living in Cabo depends on where you live and how you live:
· Basic or Local Lifestyle – Expect to spend $25,000 to $35,000 MXN/month, ideal for workers, small families, or locals downsizing.
· Comfortable or Mid-Range Lifestyle – Around $40,000 to $65,000 MXN/month, common for Mexican families upgrading or expats in condos or houses.
· Luxury Lifestyle – $80,000 to $150,000 MXN/month (or more), typical for executives, retirees, or anyone living in villas or beachfront homes.
Where does the money go?
· Rent: Anywhere from $15,000/month for a small apartment to $100,000+/month for luxury villas.
· Utilities: Around $2,000 to $3,500/month for basic apartments, $3,500 to $6,000/month for mid-range homes, and $6,000 to $12,000/month for luxury homes.
· Internet & Cell: Typically $700 to $1,500/month, although luxury homes or remote workers using Starlink may pay $2,500/month or more.
· Groceries: $6,000 to $10,000/month if you shop at local markets, $10,000 to $15,000/month for supermarket shopping, and $15,000 to $25,000/month for organic or imported goods.
· Transportation: $2,000 to $4,000/month if you drive a basic car, $4,000 to $6,000/month for SUVs, and $6,000 to $12,000/month for luxury vehicles.
· Entertainment & Dining: $3,000 to $5,000/month for locals, $6,000 to $10,000/month for mid-range dining and activities, and $15,000 to $30,000/month for luxury experiences.
✅ 2. Rent: Your Biggest Expense
Average Rent by Area
· Cabo San Lucas: A 1-2 bedroom condo costs $15,000 to $30,000/month, a 3-bedroom house is $25,000 to $60,000, and luxury villas or penthouses can go above $100,000/month.
· San José del Cabo: Expect $18,000 to $35,000/month for condos, $20,000 to $50,000 for houses, and $65,000 to $110,000 for luxury homes.
· East Cape: Condos range from $18,000 to $30,000/month, houses $20,000 to $45,000, and luxury properties $50,000 to $80,000.
Who Pays What?
New Expats → Usually choose furnished condos at slightly higher prices.
Established Expats → Often upgrade to houses in El Tezal or San José.
Locals Upgrading → Prefer unfurnished houses in gated communities.
Locals Downsizing → Move to smaller condos or apartments to reduce rent.
👉 See available long-term rentals in Cabo here.
✅ 3. Utilities & Internet
Electricity (CFE) – (CFE bills in Mexico are typically issued every two months)
Basic apartments: $500 – $1,000 every two months.
Homes with A/C: $800 – $4,000 in summer.
Luxury villas: $5,000 – $15,000+ (multiple A/C units, pools).
✅ Pro Tip: East Cape homes with solar panels can cut bills by 50%.
Water & Gas
Apartments & small homes: $500 – $1,000/month.
Houses: $1,000 – $2,000/month.
Internet
Fiber optic (Telmex or Starlink): $350 – $1,500/month.
Remote workers often pay for Starlink (around $2,500/month).
✅ 4. Groceries & Food
Monthly Grocery Costs
Basic (local markets): $6,000 – $10,000.
Mid-range (Costco & supermarkets): $10,000 – $15,000.
Luxury (organic & imported goods): $15,000 – $25,000.
Dining Out
Tacos & local food: $100 – $300/meal.
Mid-range restaurants: $300 – $700/person.
Fine dining: $1,500 – $3,000/person.
✅ Pro Tip for Locals & Expats: Eating at local fondas or mercados can save thousands monthly.
✅ 5. Transportation
Car Costs
Basic cars (used): $2,000 – $4,000/month (fuel & maintenance).
SUVs & luxury cars: $6,000 – $12,000/month.
Public Transportation
Buses & colectivos: $16.50 – $80 per ride.
Best for workers & locals downsizing.
✅ Pro Tip: Living in Cabo San Lucas or Downtown San José reduces the need for a car.
✅ 6. Schools & Education (Families Upgrading)
Public Schools: Free or $500 – $1,500/month (fees).
Private Mexican Schools: $4,000 – $8,000/month.
International Schools: $10,000 – $20,000/month.
✅ 7. Entertainment & Lifestyle
Gym Memberships: $500 – $1,200/month.
Yoga/Pilates Studios: $1,200 – $2,500/month.
Beach Clubs & Golf: $2,000 – $10,000/month.
✅ 8. Example Monthly Budgets (Realistic Scenarios)
A. Local Worker or Small Family (Downsizing)
Rent: $12,000
Utilities & Internet: $2,000
Groceries: $8,000
Transportation: $2,000
Miscellaneous: $3,000
➡ Total: ~ $27,000 MXN/month
B. Mid-Range Mexican Family Upgrading
Rent: $30,000
Utilities & Internet: $3,000
Groceries: $12,000
Transportation: $4,000
Schools: $8,000
Miscellaneous: $6,000
➡ Total: ~ $63,000 MXN/month
C. Established Expat in Comfort
Rent: $45,000
Utilities & Internet: $6,000
Groceries: $12,000
Transportation: $5,000
Entertainment: $8,000
➡ Total: ~ $76,000 MXN/month
✅ 9. Saving Money in Cabo
Shop at mercados and local butcheries instead of only Costco.
Consider East Cape or Downtown San José for lower rent.
Share internet (some gated communities include it in HOA).
Negotiate for longer lease terms to lock rent.
✅ 10. Final Thoughts
Living in Cabo (Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and East Cape) can fit almost any budget, from modest local living to high-end luxury.
The key is knowing:
✔ Where to live based on your lifestyle,
✔ What real costs to expect, and
✔ How to negotiate and plan ahead.
👉 See available long-term rentals in Cabo here to find a home that fits your budget.
💡 Want to learn more about renting and living in Cabo?
Explore all our rental and real estate guides here: rentasencabo.com/blog