La Paz vs Mérida
Cost of living comparison for expats considering La Paz or Mérida, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
Mérida is 11% cheaper than La Paz
Monthly savings
$192
Mexico
La Paz
$1,727
$30,223
Mexico
Mérida
$1,535
$26,863
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
La Paz
La Paz costs 15-25% more than mainland Mexico due to geographic isolation—everything arrives by truck down the peninsula or by ferry from the mainland. Electricity is the wildcard expense: BCS has Mexico's highest rates (6.188 pesos/kWh), and heavy AC use in summer can push you into DAC tier where bills triple. The Baja 'Free Zone' advantage means no import permit needed for foreign-plated vehicles. Spanish-language rental listings on Inmuebles24 run 20-30% cheaper than English equivalents.
Mérida
Mérida offers exceptional value—couples can live comfortably on $2,200-2,800/month with good housing, regular dining, and healthcare. The critical catch: summer heat means electricity for AC can dominate your budget. A single bimonthly AC bill can exceed $260 during April-May heatwaves. Market shopping at Lucas de Gálvez yields 20-40% savings over supermarkets. The 'gringo tax' on English-language rental listings runs 50-200%—search Inmuebles24 in Spanish and walk neighborhoods for 'Se Renta' signs. Costco membership is just $25/year vs $65 in the US. Centro street parking is free. Healthcare delivers 50-80% savings: Star Médica Mérida ranked #1 in Southern Region, hip replacements $3,850 vs $30,000+ US. US State Department rates Yucatan Level 1—equivalent to Japan, Iceland, New Zealand.
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These estimates use a typical expat profile. Adjust housing, dining, and lifestyle preferences to match your actual situation.
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