Crystal clear waters, miles of white thin sand, and year round warm temperatures, it’s hard to believe that the cost of living in the Riviera Maya is so affordable. It is said that living in the Riviera Maya, Mexico is around 40% less than in the U.S, Canada and Europe.
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of white sandy coastline, roughly 200 km long, from north of Cancun to Tulum. Cancun, located at the most northern point, is the entry point to most of the Riviera Maya, with the second most transited airport in Mexico. Playa del Carmen is the halfway point, roughly 60km south of Cancun, once a tiny fishing village it evolved into a hippie-modern town and today is a sophisticated small town combining this hippie-modern style with luxury trendy lifestyle. Tulum is the most rustic yet hippie-chic of the three. With bikini-clad women riding their bicycles, top models and movie stars taking a break along the eco-friendly beaches. Although the Riviera Maya is mostly known for these three destinations, there are many more tiny towns and beaches that line the Riviera Maya.
How is then, that living on this pristine stretch of the Caribbean ocean is so cheap? First we need to consider that the Mexican economy wasn’t all that affected by the recession that most countries are going through, with its steady stream of tourism and recent recognition as one of the best countries to invest in, the economy has been very stable. As far as renting or buying a place to live, it is still considered more affordable than in the U.S., you might want to look into a Playa del Carmen condo a few blocks away from the beach if you are on a tight budget, walking a couple of blocks surrounded by a tropical ocean breeze while everyone greets you is not a bad way to start your day. Utilities such as water and gas tend to be a stable monthly bill of about $10USD, where electricity can vary month to month, and this might be your only expensive bill. Local markets are filled with local organic fruits and veggies, both healthy and cheap, and if on the off chance you can’t find what you’re looking for, the big chain supermarkets will have if for a few more pesos.
Health care is also very cheap in Mexico, a doctors appointment at a private clinic costs around $45USD, since most Mexicans do not have medical insurance, doctors are more considerate when it comes to costs. The hospitals are very modern and up to date, and most if not all of the staff are bi-lingual and very prepared.
The following website provides accurate comparisons between the U.S and Mexico, showing the costs of transportation, rent, utilities, etc.
So if you are thinking of moving to a seaside quaint, Caribbean town, the Riviera Maya is an amazing and very affordable option!
Greetings from the tropical waters of the Riviera Maya!
Camila Pittman
Moskito Riviera Maya