Cost of living in La Paz
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur in Mexico, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in La Paz is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in La Paz, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.82 on average, with a range between $5.96 and $12.42.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $42.23, with prices ranging from $24.84 to $74.52.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.73, with a range between $7.45 and $8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.99 to $3, imported beer $3.97 to $5.46, cappuccino $1.74 to $3.97, and Coke/Pepsi $0.75 to $1.49.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.06 and $2.98 per liter, averaging $1.51.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.09 and $3.97, with an average price of $3.03.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.64 to $3.58, averaging $2.62.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.24 to $4.41 per kg, while oranges range from $0.75 to $2.24 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.89 and $2.2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $1.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.5 and $0.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.17 and $1.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.48, with an hourly waiting charge of $9.94.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $596.14 to $844.54, averaging $689.29.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $397.43 to $596.14, averaging $427.24.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1490.36 to $1738.75, averaging $1614.55.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $596.14 to $1490.36, averaging $1018.41.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $993.57.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $496.79.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $29.81 and $49.68, averaging $39.74.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.32 to $24.84, with an average cost of $23.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Mexico are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Mexico, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
La Paz offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on rent.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel, which can help reduce overall monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, La Paz, Mexico, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining, grocery, and transportation options.
The city offers a range of housing prices, with more affordable options available outside the city centre.
Overall, La Paz is an appealing choice for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a vibrant and culturally rich environment.