Why do people move to Bucerias? Some are looking to escape the fast pace of life back home, or maybe for retirement. Others are allured by the lower cost of living in Bucerias to be able to enjoy life without worrying about money all the time. Or maybe a bit of everything! Oh, and did I mention that you’ll never have to worry about shoveling snow ever again? Learn more about retiring here, our tropical lifestyle, and the cost of living in Bucerias, Nayarit.
Cost of Living in Bucerias
We have found that living in Bucerías is on average 1/2 the cost of living when compared to a city in the US or Canada. A downside to this is that your earning potential is much less, especially if you are accustomed to US or Canadian wages… but everyone seems to agree: your quality of life improves greatly here. The tropical life here makes people live and work at a slower pace, so you’ll have to adapt to this lifestyle.
Goods and services cost less so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north. For example, most people can easily afford house cleaning services with a maid, weekly at-home massages, and even a gardener to tend to the yard. Things that might be more expensive in the area are furniture, home decor, electronics (e.g. cell phone & laptops), and imported food items.
Below are some examples so that you can come up with an estimated cost of living at this amazing little beach town.
Utilities & Services
The cost of living in Bucerias, Mexico varies a lot depending on the season. Electricity costs will vary depending on how much air conditioning you need. It can get very hot here during the summer, but a/c becomes unnecessary in the winter.
The cost of electricity is by far the most costly utility you will pay, although it will vary widely depending on your consumption. For people that run their air conditioning all day long, they may be set at a higher rate (called DAC) by the electricity company due to their high energy consumption. On the contrary, low consumers have a subsidized cost.
Fiber optic internet has been installed throughout much of the city, allowing users to have up to 150 Mbps. We’ve personally used Telmex (Infinitum) and Izzi internet providers.
- Electricity, Water, & Garbage for a 1 Bedroom Condo: $1000.00 MXN
- Mobile Prepaid Plan with Telcel (3GB): $250 MXN
- Internet – 30 Mbps: $399.00 MXN (Infinitum Fiber Optic)
- Household help (maid, 3x week): $1000.00 MXN
Healthcare
In Mexican hospitals, proof of payment is necessary in order to receive health services. For those that are going to be full-time residents, we would suggest getting a long-term health care insurance plan. In general, costs are low compared to other countries.
Until you get your VISA here in Mexico the only option for insurance is to get travel insurance. Be sure to know the local providers that are included in your plan.
The best hospitals in the area are CMQ in Bucerias or Hospital Joya Riveria Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta.
- For basic medical care, you can see a walk-in doctor at most pharmacies for about $60 MXN and get generic drugs for a fraction of the cost.
- Minor care issues can cost you under $500 MXN.
- A visit to the emergency room can cost about $9,000 – 40,000 MXN. This is a considerably lower cost than many places but it can add up quickly if you pay for everything out of pocket.
Transportation
Your cost of living in Bucerias, Mexico won’t be affected very much by transportation costs. It is very walkable and public transport is inexpensive. Having a car is not necessary, though many like to have one. Maintenance, fuel, and insurance for one car can average about $150 a month.
- In 2020, the average price of regular gasoline in Mexico reached $17.97 MXN per liter. This is roughly $3.40 USD / Gallon.
- 20-minute Uber ride: $200 MXN
- Bus fares tend to run around $10-35 MXN per ride, depending on the route.
Groceries
- Milk: 23.17 MXN
- A loaf of bread: 35.25 MXN
- Rice (1kg): 21.33 MXN
- 12 Eggs: 33.86 MXN
- Local Cheese (1kg): 153.25 MXN
- Chicken (1kg): 99.67 MXN
- Apples (1kg): 50.75 MXN
- Tomato (1kg): 26.47 MXN
- Potato (1kg): 31.00 MXN
- Onion (1kg): 27.33 MXN
- Lettuce (1 head): 20.33 MXN
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range): 161.41 MXN
- Water (1.5-liter bottle): 15.60 MXN
Bucerias Lifestyle
Bucerias offers a more traditional-style Mexican living, offering tourism real estate opportunities along the beach with a lively Mexican community surrounding it.
Still not sure if you are up for living in Bucerias, Mexico? Then we highly recommend you watch this video on the MovingtoMexi.co Youtube channel:
Community Activities
Local community activities include:
- Beach cleanups
- Animal rescue centers
- Volunteer-run turtle release camps
- Recycling & nature conservation efforts
- Learning Spanish or teaching English as a second language (ESL)
Entertainment and Memberships
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $75.00 MXN
- Meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: $655.00 MXN
- Domestic beer at a restaurant: $35.00 MXN
- Imported beer at a restaurant: $55.50 MXN
- Americano cafe: $40.00 MXN
- A mid-range Tequila bottle (750ml): $255.00 MXN
- Gym monthly membership: $750.00 MXN
- Movie theater ticket: $90 MXN
Clothing and Shoes
Prices definitely vary with quality. A clothing budget of $100 a month in your cost of living in Bucerias, Mexico will buy 2 to 4 shirts or blouses, depending on the store, or a couple of pairs of jeans or trousers, or up to about three pairs of shoes or sandals.
- 1 Pair of Jeans: $860.00 MXN
- A Summer Dress: $450.00 MXN
- 1 Pair of Tennis Shoes: $1,000.00 MXN
Monthly Rent & Real Estate
Your cost of living in Bucerias, Mexico obviously depends enormously on your rent. Below are some example rent prices that vary depending on the neighborhood you want to live in.
- 2 Bedroom, 85 m2 (900 sqft) in the best neighborhood: $33,000 MXN
- 2 bedroom, 85 m2 (900 sqft) in a normal neighborhood: $17,000 MXN
- Studio, 45 m2 (480 sqft) in the best neighborhood: $17,500 MXN
- Studio, 45 m2 (480 sqft) in a normal area: $12,500 MXN
