Mexico

Cost of Living in Tulum

Tulum operates without Uber due to taxi union control—negotiate fares before entering (Centro 50-100 pesos, beach 200-500 pesos). Electricity follows tiered CFE rates—exceeding 800 kWh bimonthly triggers DAC rates that quadruple your bill. High season (December-April) sees 20-30% rent premiums. Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 run 15-30% cheaper than English platforms. The 60% of Tulum lacking sewage infrastructure means tap water is unsafe—budget for garrafones. Power outages are regular; beach zone runs entirely on diesel generators.

Monthly Total

$2,313

$40,478

Housing (1BR Mid-range)

$1,380

Daily Spend (ex. rent)

$31

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

$1,380

$24,150

Utilities

Electric, water, gas, and internet

$154

$2,695

Groceries

Groceries from supermarkets

$280

$4,900

Dining Out

Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month

$120

$2,100

Transportation

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

$0

$0

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Entertainment, occasional cleaning service

$204

$3,570

Healthcare

Basic private health insurance

$125

$2,188

Phone & Subscriptions

Phone plan and streaming subscriptions

$50

$875

Monthly Total

$2,313

$40,478

Living in Tulum

Tulum has transformed from a sleepy beach town to one of Mexico's most desirable—and expensive—destinations. Expect to spend $2,500-4,000 USD monthly for a comfortable lifestyle, with significant infrastructure trade-offs alongside the stunning natural beauty. The Yucatan Peninsula's most iconic beach destination now features direct international flights to its own airport (TQO) and Maya Train connectivity, but also contends with environmental challenges, gentrification concerns, and costs that rival major American cities.

Housing Reality

Day-to-Day Costs

Infrastructure Realities

The Trade-offs

Budget Tiers

Destination Guide

Complete Guide to Living in Tulum

Stunning natural beauty with significant trade-offs—$2,500-4,000 monthly for infrastructure that rivals major cities in cost but not reliability

Remote Workers with Flexible SchedulesWellness EnthusiastsAdventure SeekersSemi-Retired with $3,000+ Passive Income
Read Full Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Tulum?▼
Budget lifestyle: $1,300-2,500/month (rental in Centro or Region 15 $500-800, cooking mostly $230-345, utilities no AC $94, bike/colectivos $50-100). Comfortable lifestyle: $2,500-4,000/month (La Veleta or lower Aldea Zama $1,000-1,500, mixed cooking/dining $460-685, coworking $235). Luxury lifestyle: $5,000-10,000+/month (Aldea Zama or beach zone $2,000-4,000+, regular dining out/beach clubs $1,145-2,000+, rental car).
Is Tulum more expensive than other Mexican beach destinations?▼
Yes—Tulum is one of Mexico's most expensive destinations. It costs 30-50% more than Playa del Carmen for comparable housing, 2-3x more than Cancun resort zone alternatives, and rivals prices in Cabo San Lucas. The 'gringo premium' is particularly pronounced here. Beach clubs, restaurants in the hotel zone, and English-language rental listings carry significant markups. Budget travelers often find neighboring Playa del Carmen offers better value with similar beach access.
Why doesn't Uber work in Tulum?▼
Despite being technically legal in Quintana Roo, Uber does not operate in Tulum due to the powerful taxi union ('Tiburones del Caribe') which has blocked ride-sharing through aggressive opposition including harassment and assault of drivers attempting to operate. You must negotiate taxi fares before entering—within Centro 50-100 pesos ($2.85-5.70), Centro to beach 200-500 pesos ($11.40-28.50), Tulum to Cancun Airport $100-200 USD. Bicycles are essential transportation for many residents.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Tulum?▼
No. Tap water is NOT safe for drinking. More concerning: 60% of Tulum's urban zone lacks functional sewage systems, with only 20% of wastewater reaching treatment plants—the remaining 80% flows directly into the aquifer and underground river systems. According to Mexico's Ministry of Environment, 80% of the Yucatan Peninsula's 6,000 cenotes are polluted. Use delivered garrafones (20-liter jugs) at 35-50 pesos each—budget $8.60-17/month.
What are the hidden costs of living in Tulum?▼
The DAC electricity trap is significant—heavy A/C use exceeding 800 kWh bimonthly triggers rates that quadruple your bill. Seasonal rental premiums (20-30% higher December-April) catch newcomers off-guard. The 'gringo premium' at English-language platforms adds 15-30%. Beach club minimums can eat into budgets fast (350-2,600+ pesos per visit). Lack of Uber means taxi costs add up. Internet reliability issues push many to coworking spaces ($235/month). Sargassum cleanup fees at some buildings. And the temptation to overspend on the wellness/yoga/beach club lifestyle that defines Tulum.
Can I work remotely from Tulum?▼
Yes, but with significant caveats. Home internet can be unreliable—many digital nomads rely on coworking spaces: Digital Jungle in La Veleta ($15-18/day), Los Amigos Cowork ($14 daily, $73 weekly, $235 monthly with reliable 50 Mbps), or Selina. Power outages occur regularly throughout the year. Mexico has no specific digital nomad visa—remote work on tourist status is a legal gray area. Spending 183+ days in Mexico triggers potential Mexican tax residency on worldwide income, though U.S.-Mexico tax treaty may provide exemptions.
What about the sargassum seaweed problem?▼
Sargassum presents Tulum's most visible environmental challenge. Peak season runs May-November, with 2025 particularly severe—1,900 tons collected by June 2025 versus 1,300 tons for all of 2024. The brown seaweed covers beaches in thick layers and releases a rotten-egg smell upon decomposition. Hotels deploy boom barriers and cleanup crews, but conditions vary unpredictably day to day. The economic toll shows in occupancy rates: 49% in 2025 vs 66.7% in 2024. Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy historically experience cleaner conditions.

Compare Tulum to Other Cities

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

vs San Miguel de Allendevs Mexico Cityvs Méridavs Oaxaca Cityvs Puerto Vallarta
Customize Your Comparison