Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Sinaloa. Several centuries after the city was founded by Spaniards and settlers, a group of German immigrants arrived and turned the area into a booming, successful port that is still thriving today. The German influence in Mazatlan at present is not that prevalent, the most recognized German contribution is probably the very popular Pacifico beer which is still brewed today in the Cerveceria del Pacifico.
Mazatlan has a little of everything: historical attractions and monuments spread all over the city, beautiful beaches and islands. a scenic malecón, an aquarium with over 200 species of fish, a 19th century opera house which has been renovated and turned into a theatre, world-class fishing and delicious street food which the locals know is the way to go.
Infrastructure
Mazatlan has an international airport and also ferry service from La Paz. Although it is commonly known as a beach resort town, it’s prosperous port supports an industrious city that could survive independently of the tourism industry. The port is soon to undergo an upgrade to modernize and expand it to further accommodate the needs of the region.
Pacifico beer is not the only important export, Mazatlan has the largest shrimp fleet on the pacific coast of Mexico.
The north of the city is called the Zona Dorada, or Gold Zone, and is where most of the tourist action takes place. The southern part is the city center, the downtown. The two areas are connected by a scenic esplanade called Avenida del Mar.
There are a few large superstores you may recognize from home but certain products like electronics and name brand clothing will be more expensive. Generally though, cost of living is considered to be low.
Climate
The climate in Mazatlan is tropical with a wet season and a dry season. The rainy months are April to October with August being the wettest. The hurricane season does affect this city but the Baja Peninsula protects the area somewhat. The best time to visit would be in October and November where the weather is turning towards pleasant summer temperatures with cool coastal breezes but the prices are not yet at their peak. The months with the best weather, a.k.a. tourist season, are December to March. You can also expect crowds from Cruise Ships that dock in the area in these months.
Budget
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Monthly Budget For A Couple Living In Mazatlán, Mexico
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | 3,800 | For luxury building with about 80 units, gym, pool, game room, etc. |
| Property Taxes | – | Not included here, as too variable |
| Transportation | 2,400 | This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 10-minute taxi ride is about 40). |
| Gas | 240 | Per tank; used only for cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | 1,042 | Limited use of air conditioner. |
| Water | 127 | |
| Cell Phone | 600 | Unlimited SMS and calls, local and international (States and Canada), 5,000 Mb. |
| Telephone | – | Bundled with internet and cable cost. unlimited local and international calls (States and Canada) to landlines and cell phones. |
| Internet | – | Bundled with telephone and cable; 50 Mbps. |
| Cable TV | 600 | Standard plan with 128 channels. |
| Household Help | 4,000 | Monthly wage for maid service five days a week. |
| Entertainment | 8,200 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week (270 per meal), drinks twice a week (100 per drink), and movie theater once a month (35 per ticket). |
| Groceries | 3,100 | Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market. |
| Gym Membership | 600 | |
| Medical Appointment | 420 | |
| TOTAL | 25,129 |
Apartment or House Rental Budget (for a couple)
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 10,000 | In desirable area three blocks from the best beach; unfurnished, four bedroom-bedroom, comfortable apartment. |
| Transportation | 2,400 | This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 10-minute taxi ride is about 40). |
| Gas | 240 | Per tank; used only for cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | 1,042 | Limited use of air conditioner. |
| Water | 127 | |
| Garbage Collection | – | |
| Cell Phone | 600 | Unlimited SMS and calls, local and international (States and Canada), 5,000 Mb. |
| Telephone | – | Bundled with internet and cable cost. unlimited local and international calls (States and Canada) to landlines and cell phones. |
| Internet | – | Bundled with telephone and cable; 50 Mbps. |
| Cable TV | 600 | Standard plan with 128 channels |
| Household Help | 4,000 | Monthly wage for maid service five days a week. |
| Entertainment | 8,200 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week (270 per meal), drinks twice a week (100 per drink), and movie theater once a month (35 per ticket). |
| Groceries | 3,100 | Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market. |
| Gym Membership | 600 | |
| Medical Appointment | 420 | |
| TOTAL | 31,329 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 6,000 | In desirable area, two-bedroom, unfurnished, comfortable apartment. |
| Transportation | 2,400 | This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 10-minute taxi ride is about 40). |
| Gas | 240 | Per tank; used only for cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | 1,042 | Limited use of air conditioner. |
| Water | 127 | |
| Garbage Collection | – | |
| Telephone | – | Bundled with internet and cable cost. unlimited local and international calls (States and Canada) to landlines and cell phones. |
| Internet | – | Bundled with telephone and cable; 30 Mbps. |
| Cable TV | 500 | Standard plan with 128 channels |
| Entertainment | 5,160 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week (210 per meal), drinks twice a week (85 per drink), and movie theater once a month (35 per ticket). |
| Groceries | 2,900 | Shopping once a week at the market. |
| TOTAL | 18,169 |
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