Cabo San Lucas vs San Miguel de Allende
Cost of living comparison for expats considering Cabo San Lucas or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
San Miguel de Allende is 23% cheaper than Cabo San Lucas
Monthly savings
$500
Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
$2,137
$37,398
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
$1,637
$28,648
Cheaper option
Category Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
Utilities
Groceries
Dining Out
Transportation
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Healthcare
Phone & Subscriptions
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment, basic health insurance.
City Insights
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas operates on two pricing tracks: tourist-facing Airbnb rates average $9,448/month, while Spanish-language listings and Facebook groups reveal the same units for $1,000-1,500 with 6-12 month leases—a 75% discount for those willing to do the legwork. The water crisis is real: some neighborhoods go 15-20 days without municipal supply, requiring cisterna storage and pipa (water truck) deliveries at $15-750 per fill. Summer electricity can shock newcomers—heavy AC usage triggers DAC (high consumption) tier rates that essentially double your bill. The geographic isolation of Baja means groceries cost 30-50% more than mainland Mexico. Healthcare is excellent (Hospital H+ rated 'up to American standards') but Saint Luke's Hospital has US State Department warnings for predatory billing.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel operates on two parallel tracks: English-language rental sites charge 30-50% premium over Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 and Segundamano. The Tuesday tianguis market is essential for local prices. Healthcare offers 60-80% savings vs US prices. The walkable centro means many skip car ownership entirely. Water is unsafe due to arsenic/fluoride—budget $15-20/month for garrafones or reverse osmosis.
Customize This Comparison
These estimates use a typical expat profile. Adjust housing, dining, and lifestyle preferences to match your actual situation.
Personalize Your Estimate