My private experiences residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico: is it costly to stay in Cabo?!

I by no means thought I’d like residing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, bereason for its very touristy costs. Now that I’m right here, I understand this is likely one of the finest residing overseas experiences I’ll ever have—Cabo is at the moment my favourite!

📬  Reader Mail: Hello Trisha, Glad Birthday! I really like that you’re already in Baja, California! I just lately had a fast trip in Cabo and liked it. I simply found there are direct flights from Seattle, so I took a leap and checked it out.

Whereas looking about residing in Mexico, I discovered your implausible weblog and have seen that you just’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 residing in Cabo San Lucas? I’m new to distant work and I’m discovering numerous nice data 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! Truly, I didn’t suppose that I would love Cabo a lot!

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

If Cabo doesn’t suit your wants, be at liberty to take a look at different locations to stay in Mexico—there are numerous decisions! Ought to you will have any questions on residing in Mexico, I’m at all times right here to assist.

Good luck!

Xx,
Trisha

Is Cabo place to stay in?

You may be questioning why of all locations in Mexico, I selected to stay 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 received uninterested in residing in a single place, so I made a decision to promote all my stuff (once more) and go on a street journey by means of 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 street journey in Baja. My first cease was La Paz, which I additionally liked however which was one way or the other similar to my outdated dwelling in Puerto Vallarta.

I’m not saying I gained’t contemplate residing there, but it surely wasn’t one thing I wanted for the time being. I did put it on the record of future properties, although. I stayed there for a month and felt the necessity to transfer on immediately.

Then there was Todos Santos, which was worse than I anticipated. This small city has loopy stunning imagery on Pinterest, so I believed possibly it might be like after 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 appeared to be essentially the most well mannered description.

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

Then we moved to Cabo. Please notice that if you learn the phrase ‘we’ inside this weblog, I’m pertaining to my canine, Lola and Archie. I’m a single girl (ouch) who’s transferring 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 12 months and I’m really off work all September.

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

Ocean golf equipment, mountaineering, 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 stay there?”

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

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

That’s the reason as an alternative of the brief stint in Cabo, I made a decision to remain right here and make it my base, possibly for the subsequent 12 months. 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 residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico as a younger expat. That is only the start!

Is it protected to stay 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 occurring at evening so you’ll by no means be alone. I used to be really shocked how Cabo is tremendous energetic until the wee hours of the morning (weekends) since numerous locations in Mexico have applied nightly curfews due to COVID.

How a lot cash do that you must stay in Cabo San Lucas Mexico?

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

It’s not like different locations to stay in Mexico the place you will have many questions equivalent to security, language barrier, and many others. Everybody is aware of Cabo – we don’t have to promote it to you.

Hire is definitely reasonably priced besides if you need to stay downtown. In a while, I’ll clarify to you the completely different areas and prices in Cabo in keeping with my expertise.

I can’t provide you with a precise quantity simply but since the price of residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico additionally is determined by your life-style. You’ll be able to learn my publish concerning the prices in Cabo so that you’d know what I spend each month.

Dwelling in Cabo San Lucas vs. San Jose del Cabo

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

To inform you the reality, I believed foreigners liked visiting CSL than SJC extra however I spotted 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.

Nonetheless, there may be extra native life in CSL and it’s truthfully simpler to go round. SJC has higher eating places than CSL – I have 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 deal with residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico.

Value of residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico

I discover that residing by your self has at all times been pricey however on this residing overseas collection that’s my life, I made a decision to stay in a 1-bedroom condo in Cabo as an alternative of my regular 3-bedroom shebang.

I spotted I’m at all times touring anyway and that smaller residences are simpler to keep up. I’m at the moment designing my condo and I’m loving all the method that goes with it.

Actually, I used to be shocked 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 middle however a 15-minute drive. That means, you want a automobile.

As for groceries, I spend about $75 USD for two weeks price of groceries. Supermarkets even have supply by way of 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 luggage, laundry detergent, cleansing stuff, and many others.

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

Renting residences in Cabo San Lucas

I’ve a separate publish about discovering low cost residences in Cabo however crucial issues that that you must know are:

• You’ll be able to lease an condo in Cabo with a vacationer visa
• You may get a good home for lower than $1,000 USD a month; (3) homes/residences downtown can value double.

I’m at the moment renting a 1-BR condo downtown and I’m paying $350 USD. This condo 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 converse Spanish and know the costs in every space. In case you need assistance, I provide 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 sincere 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 residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico so it was a bonus for me to not put further effort into making pals.

As standard, 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 residing in Cabo San Lucas. You simply have to put the time into looking each single subject and also you’ll discover solutions to your questions!

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

You can even be a part of dance lessons, go to the gymnasium, pilates class, and many others. 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 pieces that you must know like the place to take yoga lessons, gymnasium memberships, and many others.

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

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

Ever since I offered my automobile, I spotted how a lot I liked strolling and that it grew to become 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 might say you want a automobile to stay 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 automobiles cease for you if you cross the street!

I additionally liked how I can simply stroll to the seaside with my canine anytime. My condo is only a 10-minute stroll to the marina and the primary seaside.

I can’t think about us residing in a 2-BR home however driving to the seaside each day. That may be too tedious for me as a result of we’re at all times outdoors.

Mexico Residency Visa

In case you plan to stay 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 offers a beneficiant 180 days vacationer visa and you’ll undoubtedly lease an condo right here with that visa. Nonetheless, you’ll need to depart earlier than this visa expires.

Many digital nomads or distant staff additionally apply for non-lucrative visas in Mexico. It’s method simpler to use so long as you may show that you’re incomes $2,000 USD monthly.

Professionals of residing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico

Nice choice of meals

As for meals, there are numerous varieties in Cabo. I normally combine my week consuming in essentially the most native meals stands to the stylish Sunday brunches. From Argentine to Italian delicacies, Cabo could have all the pieces you crave for though there’s a scarcity of Asian meals.

Since I stay right here and I like to cook dinner, I additionally do numerous grocery procuring. Now we have Costco in Cabo and all the pieces that you’ve got again dwelling within the US are additionally accessible right here.

So many issues to do!

Baja California Sur is likely one of the finest out of doors spots in Mexico. That is actually my favourite a part of residing right here. So many seashores and so many hikes!

Nonetheless, if you wish to discover Baja California Sur, that you must have a automobile. Inside Cabo San Lucas, there aren’t many out of doors spots apart from the primary seaside and a few hikes however when you drive out of Cabo, wow, there are quite a few spots to go to!

It should take you some time to go to all of them so having a automobile may be very preferrred. 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 children stay in Cabo

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

This really makes the street 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 appropriate crossing lane.

There are lots of expat communities that increase their youngsters right here. Colegio el Camino is likely one of the hottest Worldwide faculties the place expats enroll their youngsters.

Different decisions embody Delmar Worldwide Faculty and Colegio Amaranto. There are lots of different decisions of faculties for teenagers in Cabo and you’ll undoubtedly ask different mother and father who stay right here about it.

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

Cabo is pet-friendly

Cabo will not be too pet-friendly however I’m solely saying this as a result of I’m coming from residing in Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta the place pets are accepted in all places.

Canines can roam freely in El Medano seaside and all the opposite principal seashores of Cabo San Lucas however Pedregal Seaside 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 along with your canine, that you must name to substantiate. You’ll be able to convey small canine to seaside golf equipment however it’s a must to tie them.

Cabo is protected

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 movement.

I stroll to my condo 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 stay right here select to remain from mid-October to mid-Might the place we expertise cool climate throughout Mexico. Nonetheless, 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. Nonetheless, I do know numerous expats who stay right here full time and simply received 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 method completely different than mainland Mexico.

Tradition in Cabo San Lucas

You in all probability already know this – Cabo may be very very similar to America. All the pieces right here has been hollywoodinized in keeping with an American’s liking. I can say that there’s little or no Mexican life right here besides when you’ve got Mexican pals and/otherwise you converse Spanish.

As quickly as you arrive downtown (middle), Exhausting 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 in all probability on bachelor events is strolling round city with beers of their arms. You will note a minimum of 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 stuffed with shade, life, and comfortable 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 middle.

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

For me who has Mexican pals right here, the tradition in Cabo might be two completely different layers so I actually can’t generalize the tradition right here – all of it is determined by the lifestyle you think about to be if you transfer to Cabo.

Are you a foreigner/expat who likes to immerse with the native tradition otherwise you’re simply transferring to Cabo to have a less expensive model of America? You are able to do both however as I mentioned, that you must establish 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 residing in Cabo San Lucas are blended. Everyone seems to be right here! I can’t say that almost all of the foreigners who stay listed below are younger professionals however let me inform you what’s it prefer to stay right here in your 30s.

Everyone knows how Cabo is a well-liked social gathering spot to not point out many People come right here for a weekend to social gathering. My pals at all times thought there is no such thing as a method that you may stay healthily in Cabo and/or keep away from events however that’s not the case on a regular basis.

To be sincere, after 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 achieve some pals. The one method I can get to know individuals is by really going out.

After some time, it grew to become 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 do 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 aspect of it that you just’ll solely know when you stay right here.

Except for that, there are various out of doors actions in Cabo like small hikes, browsing, diving, and many others – you may undoubtedly dictate how you’ll stay right here!

General, I may say that Cabo is an effective place to stay for younger individuals. Please notice that I’m single (no children simply 2 canine lol) so all of the experiences that I’m stating listed below are based mostly on the approach to life of a single girl residing overseas.

Supermarkets in Cabo San Lucas

Now we have 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 essentially the most People, Costco here’s a huge hit.

Nonetheless, Costco will not be very handy for individuals who reside alone like me. Listed here 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 below are Mexican however it’s also possible to 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: greater priced than Walmart however has the identical merchandise. The one distinction is that La Comer has a connoisseur 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 connoisseur 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).

Gymnasium, yoga, pilates, well being, and wellness

I might additionally prefer to share with you a number of the locations the place I’m going for well being and wellness in Cabo. I do know that is necessary for some and it’s laborious to seek out data when you don’t know the place to look. I skilled that after 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 affords month-to-month dance lessons and I’m about to attempt it at Elenium Arts and Health Studio! For every type of Latin dances, Studio Corazon is a superb place to study!

🏋️ Gymnasium in Cabo San Lucas: I’m going to RU2 and I pay about $35 USD for a month-to-month membership. If you would like a private coach, it prices $150 USD monthly along with the membership. Together with different gyms in Cabo, this one is downtown and is inside strolling distance from the place I stay.

🧘🏽 Yoga lessons in Cabo: I’m going to Cabo Yoga Health as a result of I really like Vinyasa! They’re somewhat bit distant 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, that you must change to Mexican medical insurance however I didn’t do this but. I nonetheless use my Worldwide medical insurance coverage that covers COVID-19.

Hospitals in Cabo are very state-of-the-art and have skilled medical practitioners. I actually don’t fear about healthcare in Cabo or Mexico basically as a result of they’ve an excellent and trendy 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 People who’ve grave medical situations and moved right here as a result of healthcare within the US is dear.

Assets for Dwelling in Mexico

Apply for a residency visa in Mexico

I’ve been residing in Mexico for 7 years and I solely have one lawyer who takes care of my immigration processes. You’ll be able to e book a name along with her and see what’s the appropriate visa for you.

TALK TO A LAWYER

Medical Insurance coverage in Mexico 

In case you want a medical insurance coverage if you transfer to Mexico, you may see plans on SafetyWing.

SEE POLICIES

Guide a discovery name with me

Need to know what’s it prefer to stay in Mexico? You’ll be able to e book a name with me and I’ll provide you with an perception!

SEE CALENDAR