Monthly living costs in Cabo San Lucas range from $2,000 to $5,000+ USD per month depending on your lifestyle. Most American expats report saving 30 to 50 percent compared to living in major US cities. Housing is the biggest variable, while groceries, dining, and healthcare offer the largest savings.
1. Monthly Cost Overview
Here is what a comfortable lifestyle costs for a couple living in Cabo San Lucas in 2026:
| Category | Budget | Comfortable | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $800-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,000-$8,000+ |
| Groceries | $300-$400 | $500-$700 | $800-$1,200 |
| Dining out | $150-$250 | $300-$500 | $800-$1,500 |
| Utilities | $100-$150 | $200-$300 | $300-$500 |
| Healthcare | $100-$200 | $200-$400 | $400-$800 |
| Transportation | $100-$200 | $200-$400 | $400-$800 |
| Entertainment | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $500-$1,000+ |
| Monthly Total | $1,650-$2,600 | $3,200-$5,300 | $6,200-$13,800+ |
2. Housing Costs
Housing is the single largest expense and varies dramatically by neighborhood. Rental rates for unfurnished long-term leases:
- El Tezal / downtown studio: $600 to $900/month
- 2-bedroom condo (good area): $1,200 to $2,000/month
- 3-bedroom home (Pedregal, Palmilla area): $3,000 to $6,000/month
- Luxury villa (oceanfront): $5,000 to $15,000+/month
Buying is often more economical long-term. Property taxes in Mexico are remarkably low — typically $300 to $1,500 USD per year depending on assessed value. HOA fees for gated communities range from $200 to $800 per month.
3. Groceries & Dining
Groceries from local markets and Mexican supermarkets (Soriana, Chedraui, La Comer) cost 30 to 40 percent less than US prices. Fresh produce, meat, and seafood are particularly affordable. Imported American brands at Costco or City Club cost closer to US prices.
Dining out is where expats notice the biggest savings. A meal at a local Mexican restaurant runs $5 to $12 USD per person. Mid-range restaurants average $15 to $30. High-end dining runs $50 to $100 — still 30 to 40 percent less than comparable restaurants in major US cities.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare in Cabo San Lucas is high-quality and dramatically cheaper than the US. Many doctors and dentists are US-trained and speak English. The two main private hospitals — H+ Hospital and Blue Net Hospital — offer modern facilities with international standards.
- Doctor visit: $30 to $60 USD
- Dental cleaning: $40 to $80 USD
- Specialist consultation: $50 to $100 USD
- Private health insurance: $150 to $400 USD/month per person
- IMSS (public healthcare): $400 to $600 USD/year per person
5. Cabo vs US Cities: Cost Comparison
For a couple living comfortably, here is how Cabo compares to popular US retirement and lifestyle destinations:
| City | Monthly Cost (Couple) | vs Cabo |
|---|---|---|
| Cabo San Lucas | $3,200-$4,500 | — |
| San Diego, CA | $6,000-$8,000 | 45-55% more |
| Miami, FL | $5,500-$7,500 | 40-50% more |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $4,500-$6,500 | 30-40% more |
| Austin, TX | $4,000-$6,000 | 25-35% more |
6. Ready to Explore?
The cost of living in Cabo San Lucas offers exceptional value — especially when you factor in the weather, the lifestyle, and the proximity to the US. Explore our community guides to find the neighborhood that fits your budget and lifestyle, or talk to our team about what daily life really looks like in Los Cabos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cabo per month?+
A comfortable lifestyle in Cabo San Lucas costs between $2,500 and $4,500 USD per month for a couple. This includes $1,200 to $2,000 for housing, $400 to $600 for groceries, $200 to $400 for dining out, $150 to $300 for utilities, and $200 to $400 for healthcare. Luxury living can exceed $8,000 per month.
Is Cabo cheaper than living in the US?+
Yes, significantly. Most expats report saving 30 to 50 percent compared to major US cities. Healthcare is 50 to 70 percent cheaper. Groceries at local markets are 40 percent less. Dining out averages 40 to 60 percent less. However, imported goods and certain luxury items can cost more than in the US.
How much are utilities in Cabo San Lucas?+
Monthly utilities for a 2-bedroom home average $150 to $300 USD. This includes electricity ($80 to $200 — higher in summer with AC), water ($20 to $40), gas ($30 to $50), internet ($40 to $60 for fiber), and cell phone ($15 to $30). Mexico subsidizes electricity through the CFE tiered rate system.