Mexico
Cost of Living in Tulum
Tulum operates without Uber due to taxi union control—negotiate fares before entering. Electricity follows tiered CFE rates—exceeding 800 kWh bimonthly triggers DAC rates that quadruple your bill.
Monthly Total
$3,117
$54,548
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,725
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$46
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/19/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,725
$30,188
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$235
$4,113
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$315
$5,513
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$180
$3,150
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$240
$4,200
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$237
$4,148
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$120
$2,100
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$65
$1,138
Monthly Total
$3,117
$54,548
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Living in Tulum
Tulum is 50-75% more expensive than other Mexican destinations, approaching US prices. Infrastructure challenges (unreliable power, limited internet) don't match the costs. Beach zone is most expensive; Tulum town offers some savings. Generator costs add to beach zone living.
Complete Guide to Living in Tulum
Instagram-famous boho-chic paradise where wellness meets ancient Mayan ruins
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Tulum?▼
Why doesn't Uber work in Tulum?▼
Compare Tulum to Other Cities
See how Tulum stacks up against other popular expat destinations in Mexico.
Customize Your Comparison