Mexico

Cost of Living in 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.

Monthly Total

$1,485

$25,988

Housing (1BR Mid-range)

$690

Daily Spend (ex. rent)

$27

Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 12/2/2025.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Housing (Rent)

1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood

$690

$12,075

Utilities

Electric, water, gas, and internet

$127

$2,223

Groceries

Groceries from supermarkets

$245

$4,288

Dining Out

Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month

$108

$1,890

Transportation

Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month

$0

$0

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Entertainment, occasional cleaning service

$183

$3,203

Healthcare

Basic private health insurance

$90

$1,575

Phone & Subscriptions

Phone plan and streaming subscriptions

$42

$735

Monthly Total

$1,485

$25,988

Living in Sayulita

Sayulita offers a seductive beach lifestyle with year-round surf, a tight-knit expat community, and walkable charm—but paradise comes with trade-offs. Housing costs have surged 50-100% since 2020, infrastructure struggles to keep pace with development, and the town's sewage challenges remain only partially resolved. A couple can live comfortably on $3,000-4,000 USD monthly, though budget-conscious expats find ways at $1,500-2,000.

Housing Reality

Neighborhoods

Day-to-Day Costs

Infrastructure Challenges

Healthcare

Transportation

Who Thrives

Destination Guide

Complete Guide to Living in Sayulita

Bohemian Pueblo Mágico surf town with year-round waves and tight-knit expat community—but paradise comes with trade-offs

Surfers (especially beginners)Digital Nomads with flexible schedulesYoga & Wellness EnthusiastsYoung Professionals & Families
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Sayulita?▼
A couple can live comfortably on $3,000-4,000 USD monthly. Budget breakdown: Two-bedroom apartment $1,200-1,800, utilities $100-150, food $500-700 mixed cooking/dining, transportation under $150, healthcare/insurance $150-200. Lean budget possible at $1,500-2,000 with studio, home cooking, and walking everywhere. Singles can manage on $1,500-2,300 moderate lifestyle.
Is Sayulita expensive compared to other Mexico destinations?▼
Yes—housing costs have surged 50-100% since 2020. Sayulita now carries California-influenced pricing, making it one of Mexico's pricier beach destinations. It's comparable to Tulum and more expensive than Puerto Escondido, Mazatlán, or Huatulco. The key savings hack: search in Spanish via Facebook groups like 'Rentas Sayulita' for 20-50% lower rents than English-language platforms.
Can I work remotely from Sayulita?▼
Yes, but with significant caveats. Internet averages only 11 Mbps despite advertised speeds. Telmex provides primary service; fiber optic is limited. When Telmex fails, mobile data often fails too (same company). Digital nomads requiring reliable connectivity for scheduled video calls report significant frustration. Those with flexible schedules or asynchronous work fare much better. Power outages require surge protectors for all electronics.
Is Sayulita safe?▼
Very safe by Mexican standards. Nayarit is Mexico's fourth safest state with 379 incidents per 100,000 vs national average of 1,601. US State Department Level 2 rating—same as Cancun and Mexico City. Long-term expats consistently describe it as 'the safest place I've lived.' Main concerns: petty theft from unattended beach belongings, ATM skimming (use bank-attached machines in Bucerias), and rip currents at the north beach.
What about the water quality and sewage issues?▼
This is Sayulita's most contentious issue. A wastewater treatment plant and emissor pipe were completed in 2019 with repairs in 2024. Official testing shows acceptable levels, but the pipe has broken multiple times and norovirus outbreaks have been documented during high season. The town remains under 'permanent sanitary surveillance.' Some residents surf daily without issue; others report illness. Research carefully.
Do I need a car in Sayulita?▼
No—car ownership is more hindrance than help. The town is exceptionally walkable with everything essential within 5-10 minutes for Centro residents. Golf carts are the vehicle of choice for those in hilly areas like Gringo Hill or Nanzal ($55-65/day rental). Taxis cluster at the main plaza (80-100 pesos within town). Collectivo buses run along Highway 200. Important: Uber does NOT work in Sayulita due to Nayarit state regulations.
What is the expat community like in Sayulita?▼
Skews younger than traditional retirement destinations—predominantly millennials (21-40), digital nomads, and young families, with a significant retiree contingent. Year-round population ~5,000, swelling to 30,000 in high season. Canadians comprise the largest group, followed by Americans (especially Californians), then Europeans and South Americans. Very LGBTQ+ welcoming with annual Pride celebration. Community integration happens through Pro Sayulita, turtle conservation, and active Facebook groups.
When is the best time to move to Sayulita?▼
November-April delivers ideal weather—dry, 16-30°C (61-86°F), low humidity—but highest prices and most crowds. May and October offer shoulder-season value with reasonable weather. June-September provides lowest prices and emptiest town but isn't recommended for first-time visitors due to humidity (70-84%), frequent afternoon storms, and reduced services as many businesses close.

Compare Sayulita to Other Cities

See how Sayulita stacks up against other popular expat destinations in Mexico.

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