Tulum is a beautiful and interesting place to retire. It’s also affordable, with a cost of living much lower than where you likely live now.
We hope that this article helps you in your decision-making process about whether or not Tulum is a good choice for retirement.
The Cost of Living in Tulum, Mexico Is Lower Than You Think
You may not know it, but the cost of living in Tulum, Mexico is lower than you might think. In fact, if you’re smart about your choices (and are willing to live like a local), you can live well while spending only $100USD or less per day.
I know it sounds counterintuitive—the thought that an idyllic coastal town with pristine beaches and a mystique like no other could also be affordable enough for the average family budget. But I’m here to tell you: it is!
A great deal of what makes Tulum such an attractive destination for people from all over the world is its laid-back vibe and relaxed atmosphere.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Tulum?
Cost of living in Tulum runs a $2,000 U.S. dollars per month.
This covers a nice condo or house, dining out and having a good social life. You can live here on less if you’re careful (and you rent instead of owning), but that means giving up some of the best things about Tulum—namely, its restaurants, proximity to the beach, and amazing nightlife scene.
It’s almost impossible to get by with less than $1,200 USD per month unless you are an extremely frugal person and plan on living in an older apartment on the outskirts of town—or unless you’re staying for a short time and don’t mind sharing a home with other expats through Airbnb.
If you plan on buying property here, ensure that your budget is at least $150,000 USD for something decent (though much more is recommended). Since many people who choose Tulum as their retirement location do so because they want to own their own property outright, this should be worth considering when deciding whether or not the cost of living here will fit into your long-term financial plans.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in Mexico?
A very comfortable retirement in Tulum will cost you roughly $1,500 per month, assuming you’re retired and don’t have a pension. You’ll also need around $40,000mxn for initial set-up costs, including a lawyer and moving expenses.
What Are the Healthcare Costs When Retiring in the Riviera Maya?
You’ve read the Tulum guide, you’ve thought about where in the Riviera Maya you’d like to retire, and now you’re wondering: if I live here, can I get good healthcare?
The short answer is yes. Healthcare in Mexico is generally less expensive than in the US (where a doctor visit can run as high as $200), and it’s possible to get adequate care at a fraction of that price. With that said—and without getting into an argument about universal healthcare—it’s important to consider two things when deciding whether Mexico will work for your needs.
One: Are there any existing conditions or medications that would be difficult to manage or obtain? Two: Are there specialized services (such as cancer treatment) that may not be available? If so, make sure to talk with professionals who are experienced in living abroad before making such a big decision.
Outside of these major considerations, day-to-day healthcare is accessible and (generally speaking) reliable throughout Mexico. Tulum has an adequate level of doctors, hospitals and clinics which provide much lower costs than you’d expect in North America. You don’t have to travel all the way to Cancun every time you need care—a nuisance for anyone who wants easy access to medical care but also doesn’t want the bustle of a larger city.
What Is the Monthly Cost of Living in Tulum, Mexico?
Let’s take a look at the cost of living (per person) in Tulum, Mexico. This is an average, so your actual costs may vary depending on your own preferences and needs.
- Electricity: $26 USD
- Water: $8 USD
- Gas: $11 USD
- Telephone: $15 USD
- Internet: $57 USD
The cost of living in Mexico is still a fraction of what you’d pay in the US. For instance, a typical monthly grocery bill will be just over $200 per month. Here’s a breakdown of other costs you can expect when moving to Tulum.
Retirement in Tulum is a grand adventure. It’s not going to be easy, but it will certainly be interesting. You can either go with the flow and make the best of things or you can try to do everything you can to make retirement comfortable.
If you’re not sure what kind of retirement lifestyle you want, then I would say Tulum is a great place for someone who is interested in learning about the culture of Mexico, its history and its traditions without needing much support from anyone else. While there aren’t many people here over 50 years old, the ones who do live here usually have a purpose in their lives other than trying to find work that pays well because they are planning on retiring here and making their own way in Mexico.
Culturally speaking, it’s also nice if you don’t mind living alone because most people over 60 don’t have any family or friends close by that they need to tend to so they can spend more time doing what they love—traveling around Mexico and exploring new places that only they know about.
Entertainment and Leisure in Tulum, Mexico
- Cinemas and movies. Cinemas in Tulum are not as advanced as what you may be used to elsewhere. However, they do have a decent selection of international and domestic films (usually dubbed into Spanish). On the plus side, tickets are very affordable at just $4.
- Restaurants and bars. The dining scene in Tulum is quite diverse, with many different types of cuisine available (French, Italian, Mexican, etc.). You can also expect to find lots of traditional Middle Eastern eateries throughout town. However, it’s important to note that prices are not cheap when compared to other parts of Mexico! Expect to pay around $6 per person for a meal out here – although you could easily spend more if you choose a restaurant frequented by tourists or expats. Beer costs about $1 each at most restaurants and bars, although some places will charge more for imported beers or liquor drinks.*
Tulum Real Estate
Tulum real estate is more affordable than in other parts of Mexico. For example, the average price per square meter currently ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 in Tulum, whereas it can be as much as $4,000 or more for the same area in Playa del Carmen.
This is primarily because Tulum has not been a destination for international investors in the past. While still being a desirable destination for young people that are looking to adventure and explore its beaches and cenotes, Tulum’s high-end development has not yet begun on the scale experienced by other destinations around Mexico. In fact, it’s one of the only places that remain untouched by globalization.
While this may worry some investors looking to purchase a home or condo for retirement or an investment property in Tulum, there are still many options for those who want buy a property here. However, it’s important to note that due to its proximity to Cancun International Airport (74 miles away), homes and condos range anywhere from $120K USD up into millions of dollars depending on how close they are located near the beach and amenities such as golf courses and private pools.
Summary
The cost of living in Tulum is lower than you’d expect. Even though the cost of owning a home and utility bills are higher, there are plenty of ways to make up for this by choosing less expensive options for things like internet service, food, and entertainment.
It’s easy to find a retirement community or assisted living facility with reasonable prices if you don’t want to buy your own house.
If you do decide to buy a home in Mexico, it’s best to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you through the process and make sure everything goes smoothly. You’ll also need good insurance coverage from an insurance company that has a history of paying claims when necessary.
