Mazatlán vs San Miguel de Allende
Cost of living comparison for expats considering Mazatlán or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
Mazatlán is 3% cheaper than San Miguel de Allende
Monthly savings
$43
Mexico
Mazatlán
$1,594
$27,895
Cheaper option
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
$1,637
$28,648
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
Mazatlán
Mazatlán delivers extraordinary value at 40-50% below Puerto Vallarta. Wild-caught shrimp costs $5/pound at Mercado Pino Suárez. The rental market rewards Spanish searchers—English-language platforms carry 15-30% premiums. Seasonal dynamics matter: high season (November-April) commands 20-40% premiums, February peaks during Carnaval. Annual leases save 30-40% versus six-month snowbird arrangements. AC is the major variable expense—exceeding the DAC threshold removes government subsidies and can triple electricity bills for 12+ months.
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.
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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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