Sayulita vs Mexico City
Cost of living comparison for expats considering Sayulita or Mexico City, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
Sayulita is 22% cheaper than Mexico City
Monthly savings
$418
Mexico
Sayulita
$1,485
$25,988
Cheaper option
Mexico
Mexico City
$1,903
$33,303
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
Sayulita
Sayulita operates on two parallel rental tracks: Spanish-language listings through Facebook groups like 'Rentas Sayulita' run 20-50% cheaper than English-language sites targeting expats. Seasonal pricing creates dramatic 50-100% swings between high season (November-April) and low season. Housing costs have surged 50-100% since 2020. Internet reliability is the town's most frustrating infrastructure challenge for remote workers—actual speeds average only 11 Mbps despite advertised rates. Tap water is unsafe; budget $5-10/week for bottled. Golf carts are the vehicle of choice over cars due to cobblestone streets. Uber does NOT work in Sayulita (Nayarit state regulations)—use taxis or collectivo buses instead.
Mexico City
CDMX offers incredible value for a world-class metropolis. The range is enormous—you can spend like you're in NYC or live comfortably on $1,200-1,500/month. Neighborhood choice matters more here than anywhere else in Mexico. The 'gringo premium' is real but manageable: English-language rental platforms run 10-30% higher than Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 or Segundamano. The temperate climate at 7,350ft means minimal utility costs—no AC or heating needed. Tap water is NOT drinkable; budget $15-20/month for garrafones. The metro at 5 pesos ($0.29) per ride is one of the world's great transportation bargains.
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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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