Puerto Escondido Cost of Living: How Affordable is Life by the Beach?

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Puerto Escondido has been growing in popularity over the past few years. What was once a hidden gem is now a paradise for travelers, digital nomads, and investors. The town has a laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and a welcoming community, but what about the cost of living? Is it really as affordable as people say? Let’s break it down.

Housing: Rent or Buy?

The first thing most people want to know is the cost of housing. Renting in Puerto Escondido can range widely depending on location, type of property, and season. For a basic one-bedroom apartment in a local neighborhood, prices can start as low as 6,000 pesos a month (around $350 USD). If you’re looking for something more modern or closer to the beach, be prepared to pay anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 pesos (around $580 to $1,160 USD).

For those interested in buying, prices have been steadily rising, but deals are still to be found. A two-bedroom home in a non-touristy area might start around 2 million pesos ($116,000 USD), but beachside properties can go for 7 million pesos and up ($357,000 USD and higher). Given the demand, purchasing property here can be a good investment, especially as more people discover the area.

Utilities and Internet

Electricity in Puerto Escondido can be a bit of a wild card, especially if you’re running air conditioning. Monthly bills without AC might be around 500 pesos ($30 USD), but with heavy AC use, it can jump to 2,000 pesos or more ($115+ USD). Water is cheap, typically around 100 pesos ($6 USD) monthly.

Internet quality has improved, but it’s something to consider depending on your needs. Basic plans start at about 400 pesos ($23 USD) per month, but for a reliable, faster connection, it’s wise to budget for around 700 pesos ($40 USD) or more.

Groceries and Eating Out

Shopping for groceries in local markets can be very affordable. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap, and you can find deals on seafood if you buy directly from fishermen. A weekly grocery bill for a couple, sticking mostly to local produce and staples, could be around 1,500 pesos ($90 USD).

Dining out varies a lot. You can enjoy delicious meals from street vendors or small eateries for as little as 50 pesos ($3 USD). Mid-range restaurants will run you about 200-300 pesos per person ($12-18 USD). If you’re eating at places catering to tourists, expect to pay more, similar to prices you’d find in other popular beach towns.

Transportation

Public transportation is limited to colectivos (shared vans) and taxis. Colectivos are cheap, usually under 10 pesos ($0.60 USD) for a ride, and taxis around town shouldn’t cost more than 50 pesos ($3 USD). If you’re staying long-term, consider renting a scooter for about 1,500 pesos per month ($90 USD), or a car for about 8,000-12,000 pesos ($460-700 USD).

Healthcare

Puerto Escondido has several good clinics for basic care and an important clinic with many different specialists. An appointment with a general practitioner typically costs around 500 pesos ($30 USD) and with a specialist around 700-1000 pesos.

For expats, private health insurance is recommended. Costs vary widely based on coverage and age, but a reasonable estimate is around 1,500 pesos per month ($90 USD) for a basic plan.

Read more: Puerto Escondido Healthcare and Hospitals

Entertainment and Leisure

Beach life in Puerto Escondido is a major draw, and fortunately, it’s free! Surfing, swimming, and sunbathing don’t cost a cent. If you want to take surfing lessons or rent gear, expect to pay around 200-300 pesos ($12-18 USD) for a board rental per day or around 600 pesos ($35 USD) for a lesson.

Yoga is also popular, with classes ranging from 100-200 pesos ($6-12 USD) per session. There are some gyms and fitness centers, with monthly memberships around 500-2000 pesos ($30-180 USD).

Expat Community and Social Scene

There’s a growing expat community in Puerto Escondido, which means more social events and networking opportunities. Many of the locals speak some English, but learning Spanish will help you get the most out of your experience. There are language schools and private tutors available, with rates typically around 200-300 pesos ($12-18 USD) per hour.

Potential for Real Estate Investment

Property values in Puerto Escondido are appreciating, and with increased tourism, rental demand is on the rise. Investors looking for rental income can benefit from the short-term vacation rental market, especially in high season (November to April). Long-term rentals yield lower returns but offer more stability.

Foreigners can buy property in Puerto Escondido, but if it’s within 50 km of the coast, they’ll need to use a fideicomiso (trust). This process can seem complicated, but with the right legal advice, it’s straightforward. An experienced local real estate agent and lawyer are crucial in navigating these waters.

Final Thoughts on Affordability

Overall, Puerto Escondido offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many other beach towns in Mexico and abroad. The cost of living can be as low or high as you want, depending on your lifestyle choices. For those who don’t need a lot of luxury and enjoy a simple life close to nature, it’s a paradise. For investors, the town’s growth and increasing popularity are promising signs.

Living in Puerto Escondido can be a dream come true for the right person. Whether you’re a surfer, a retiree, or someone looking to escape the city, it’s worth considering. If you’re exploring Puerto Escondido for a real estate investment or as your new home base, our agents will be happy to show you properties that fit your dream and lead you through the buying process. Get in touch with an agent here.