Cost of living in Tulum
Tulum, a picturesque town on Mexico's Caribbean coast, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Tulum is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting for an extended period.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.82 on average, with a range between $3.42 and $15.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $43.98, with prices ranging from $24.43 to $75.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.33, with a range between $6.35 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.47 to $6, imported beer $2.2 to $8, cappuccino $2.2 to $7.33, and Coke/Pepsi $0.83 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $1.56 per liter, averaging $1.31.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.73 and $2.96, with an average price of $1.69.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.37 to $3.47, averaging $1.88.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.47 to $3.42 per kg, while oranges range from $0.98 to $3.42 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.27 and $2.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.59 to $1.47 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.88 and $1.22.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.98, with a cost of $0.45 to $2.44 per km and $4.89 to $9.77 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $481.3 to $830.67, averaging $560.09.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $390.91 to $830.67, averaging $561.93.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1221.58 to $1465.9, averaging $1319.31.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $879.54 to $1465.9, averaging $1099.42.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1954.53 to $3664.74, averaging $2809.63.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1465.9 to $1710.21, averaging $1588.05.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $24.84 and $180.58, averaging $79.13.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.01 to $83.07, with an average cost of $26.98.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Tulum offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, especially in terms of dining and housing.
While some costs, like imported goods and certain utilities, can be higher, overall expenses remain manageable.
To save money, consider local dining options and public transportation, which are both cost-effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tulum presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options, making it an attractive destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
Potential residents should budget for occasional higher costs in utilities and imported goods but can enjoy a generally cost-effective lifestyle in this beautiful coastal town.