Even though I've lived in Mazatlán, Mexico for 15 years, I still find myself surprised at how much — or, really, how little — things cost.>1. The basics
One reason I enjoy living in Mazatlán is how affordable my monthly living expenses are. I pay $5 or less for these basics:
- My monthly water bill for my two-bedroom apartment
- My monthly electricity bill (when I'm not using air conditioning)
- A premium hand car wash
- Two hours of gardening
- One hour of house-cleaning service
- Decent-sized, decorative palm tree for my apartment
These palms are an inexpensive décor option.Photo: Janet Blaser
2. Groceries
In Mexico, fresh produce, dairy products and meats are accessible>3. Drinks and beverages
They say beer is cheaper than water in Mazatlán, and sometimes that really is true! Small cafés on the beach will serve cheaper drinks than fancier restaurants, but compared to the U.S., alcohol prices are inexpensive everywhere.
Here's what you can get for $5:
- A 10-pack of Pacifico or Tecate beer
- Two 3-liter bottles of Coke
- 15 gallons of purified water
- Two 3-liter bottles of Coke
- Two liters of freshly-squeezed orange juice
- A cocktail made with name-brand alcohol
- Four big bottles of Topo Chico mineral water
- Two cappuccinos or lattes
- A 16-ounce draft of artisan beer, plus another 5-ounce pour
- Three fresh coconuts
4. Full meals
Going out to dinner in Mazatlán doesn't have to break your budget. There are many affordable cafés and taco stands where meals hover around $5.
At some more "formal" restaurants, certain entrées can be within this budget, too.
Going out for lunch in Mazatlán doesn't have to break your budget.Photo: Janet Blaser
Here are some of the things I've had for $5 or less:
- Three to 10 street tacos
- Three restaurant tacos
- An order of Huevos Rancheros with coffee and juice
- A BLT
- A burger with fries
- Eight boneless chicken wings and beer>5. Fun activities
Mazatlán is known for , a traditional Sinaloa music style that sounds like horn-heavy German polka. You can enjoy a private concert from a strolling band>6. Health products
You've heard that medicines, doctor visits and prescriptions are significantly cheaper in Mexico. But what will $5 really get you? These necessities:
- Two consultations with a licensed doctor
- A 236-milliliter bottle of Pepto-Bismol
- 30 600-milligram ibuprofen tablets
- 30 550-milligram Ciprofloxacin antibiotic tablets
- Four Oral-B toothbrushes
- Three tubes of Crest or Colgate toothpaste
Pet not feeling well? A basic vet visit or a shot of antibiotics is also just $5.
7. Transportation
While gas is pricey ($5 gets you just more than a gallon), public transportation in Mexico is incredibly affordable. Here's what you can get for $5:
- 16 rides on Mexico City's very efficient Metro subway system
- An Uber, Lyft or Didi ride
- Nine rides on Mazatlán's "green bus," which goes along the coast
Prices like these make my life in Mexico pretty close to stress-free. With everyday costs so low, I'm able to do more of the things that make me happy. I can live the life I love — and love the life I live.
