Cost of Living in Cabo: How Much Do You Need to Rent in Cabo?

Publicado por Carlos Medina

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.