Have you been thinking about retiring? Maybe you’re looking for a place where you don’t have to worry about making ends meet or sacrificing your current lifestyle. If these or any other concerns have been floating around in your mind, you might want to consider retiring in Tulum as a possible solution. Tulum has all the elements that make every one of these thoughts obtainable. Besides having perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and welcoming culture, the cost of living in Mexico compared to the rest of North America is minimal.
Tulum is located in Mexico’s exclusive Riviera Maya. This trending town is becoming one of the most desirable areas when wanting to make a change in lifestyle. We all recognize Tulum’s beaches and turquoise water as being some of the best in the world. Tulum holds tight to its traditions and at the same time, promotes an eco-friendly environment. This hidden secret offers all the modern conveniences at a very affordable price. This includes real estate, daily living, and all entertainment.
Let’s address several categories that would make retiring in Tulum an affordable option. The comparisons are figured on averages. They could slightly differ depending on the exact location, exchange rate, and having an extreme lifestyle.
Dining and entertainment
Depending on your dining habits, Tulum can be affordable if not downright inexpensive – cheap, in other words. The check will be quite a bit less in comparison to the United States or Canada. The following bullets are based on averages:
- A breakfast in downtown Tulum either curbside or in a traditional setting will cost approximately 5.25 USD – 65% less than in the US and 72% less than in Canada.
- Lunch or dinner in a medium-range restaurant on the beach with a beverage will cost on the average 35.00 USD – 50% less than in the US and 57% less than in Canada.
- Enjoying a draft beer or a cocktail is a mere 1.50 to 3.00 USD – 60% less than the US and 65% less than in Canada.
Note: The savings reflect typical menu prices and foreign exchange rates.
Daily necessities
Groceries are considerably less expensive than in the United States or Canada. This includes the local and open-air markets, as well as Mexico’s chain grocery stores. There is also a Walmart in Playa del Carmen if you need to get your ‘Wally World fix!’ There are a few things to remember when shopping in Mexico. Fresh vegetables, liquids, and meats are priced in metric measurements like kilograms and liters.
- Dry goods, can foods, bread, and other assorted items can cost up to 70% less than the US and 75% less than Canada.
- Dairy products such as eggs and local cheese, except for milk (most North Americans won’t drink non-homogenized milk), can add up to a 50% saving over the US and approximately 58% over Canada.
- Meats like chicken, beef, and especially fish can total up to 50% saving over the US and 52% less than Canada.
- Fresh fruits and produce can save over 78% vs. US prices and 71% less than in Canada.
- Alcohol, beer, wine, and other beverages bought in stores can save on an average 37% than in the US and approximately 40% in Canada.
Note: Many of the products mentioned are Mexico brands.
Transportation
Mexico offers a variety of transportation to get around. Tulum doesn’t have a public transportation system because it’s still a relatively small town. However, it does have taxis and colectivos that are 55% to 75% less than in the US and 60% less than Canada.
Tulum Real Estate
When comparing location – square footage – inclusions – amenities, Tulum real estate deals cannot be matched in the United States or Canada. The government is continuously making improvements to the city’s infrastructure. Tulum offers many geographical choices that would fit anyone’s desired landscape. Below are several comparisons with specific locations and price points.
If you wish to be minutes away from the beach, surrounded by tropical foliage and Mayan ruins, then Tulum is an ideal spot for your next dream home. Imagine having a beautifully designed condo with a spacious floor plan, upgraded fixtures, flooring, and furnishings throughout will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars less than both the United States and Canada. Brand-new condos in Tulum’s prestigious ÂAldea Zama start at 300,000 USD. Here are a few comparisons from the current market.
- A 2-bedroom and 2 bath – 1,000 sq.ft. Condo in San Diego, CA, has a starting price of half a million dollars. Take note that they are of older construction, little to no updates, and the furnishings are usually optional — condos with updates or a little newer start around 600,000 USD.
- A 2-bedroom and 2 bath – 1,200 sq.ft. Condo that has been fairly updated in Naples, FL bottom line starting price is 425,000 USD. A more realistic average price within minutes of the beach starts at over 600,000 USD. The closer you get to the water; prices start to jump in leaps and bounds!
If you want to live in downtown Tulum, with all its restaurants only steps away, you can choose from several new developments starting at 150,000 USD. The average cost of an inner-city condo in the United States is approximately 300,000 USD. There are no guarantees that the condos in the US are new, old, or otherwise.
Retiring in Tulum is your best option!
Retiring in Tulum can be very affordable when comparing real estate prices and the cost of living in Mexico. The exchange rate from the American Dollar to Mexican Peso is also a contributing factor in affordability. You can live very comfortably when including monthly necessities, entertainment, and travel on $2,500 a month. You will also appreciate the relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere when retiring in Tulum. Who said life has to be expensive?
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… we make it happen!
