Living in Bucerias: Cost of Living, Real Estate Updates, and Life in Mexico
- Paul Desmond
- 19 hours ago
- 7 min read
While much of Bucerías slows down during the summer months, this has been one of the busiest seasons we've ever experienced.
Between selling our very first real estate listing, releasing another inspiring Moving to Mexico story, welcoming guests to our vacation rentals throughout the summer, and preparing one of the most exciting homes we've ever had the opportunity to showcase, there's been a lot happening behind the scenes.
It's been an exciting reminder that more and more people are discovering what makes this little corner of Mexico such a special place to call home.
Our First Listing Is Officially Sold!
One of the biggest milestones for BeachLife Properties this summer was the successful sale of Casa Pulpo in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
If you've been following us for a while, you'll probably recognize this beautiful home. We featured it several times on YouTube and across our social media channels as we shared everything that made it unique.
With four spacious bedrooms, four ensuite bathrooms, a private pool, and excellent rental potential, it was a truly special property.
We're thrilled to say that Casa Pulpo sold in less than six months.
For us, this sale represented much more than simply closing a transaction. It was our first official listing and an important milestone for our growing real estate business.
After the sale, the owners shared something that meant a great deal to us. They felt Daniela's attention to detail, combined with the quality of the photos, videos, and storytelling we created through YouTube and our social media platforms, helped attract the right buyer.
Hearing that reinforced something we've believed for years.
Real estate isn't just about putting a home on the MLS.
It's about telling the story of a home, helping buyers imagine themselves living there, and reaching an audience that already knows and trusts you.
That's exactly what we've spent years building through Moving to Mexico.
From Storytelling to Real Estate
Many people first discover us through our YouTube videos.
They spend months—and sometimes years—watching us explore Bucerías, interview people who have made the move to Mexico, and honestly share both the rewards and the challenges of living here.
By the time they're ready to buy a home, they already know who we are, how we work, and what we value.
That trust means everything to us.
We never want someone to feel pressured into buying a property simply because we represent it. If one of our listings isn't the right fit, we'll happily help them find a home that is.
At the end of the day, we care far more about helping someone find the right home than simply making a sale.
We believe that's how real estate should be.
Mark and Janet's Retirement Story Inspired Thousands
Helping people buy homes naturally goes hand in hand with sharing the stories of people who have already taken the leap.
That's why we were so excited to recently release our newest Moving to Mexico feature with Mark and Janet from Calgary.
The response has been incredible.
Their story resonated with so many people who are considering retiring in Mexico or simply dreaming about a different lifestyle.
In the video, they explain why they chose Bucerías, Nayarit and why they now happily call it home.
For them, it wasn't just about warmer weather.
It was about finding a welcoming community, friendly neighbors, beautiful beaches, and a lifestyle that encourages people to slow down and actually enjoy life.
They also love Bucerías' location.
Within a short drive they can explore Puerto Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, Punta de Mita, San Pancho, and many other incredible destinations throughout Riviera Nayarit.
Being only about 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport also makes travelling incredibly easy, whether they're flying back to Canada, exploring another part of Mexico, or connecting through Mexico City to destinations around the world.
During the interview they also share their experiences with:
The cost of living in Mexico
Getting around without a car
Mexican residency
Buying a home in Mexico
Learning Spanish
Healthcare
Building a new community after retirement
And much more
If you've ever wondered what life in Bucerías is really like, we think you'll really enjoy hearing their perspective.
Speaking of the Cost of Living...
One of the topics Mark and Janet discuss in their interview is the cost of living in Mexico—a subject that generates more questions than almost any other.
Because of that, we recently decided to create an entirely separate video focused on one everyday expense that affects everyone: groceries.
For this video, we took viewers along on a typical shopping trip, driving from Bucerías to Costco in Puerto Vallarta before stopping at two very different local grocery stores.
First, we visited La Comer, one of Bucerías' most popular supermarkets, known for its excellent produce, imported products, bakery, and wide selection of everyday essentials.
We also stopped at a local frutería to compare prices and show where many locals shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that groceries in Mexico are dramatically cheaper than they are in Canada or the United States.
The reality is a little more nuanced.
While you'll certainly find great deals on fresh local produce, many grocery store items are actually more expensive than what you might pay north of the border. That's especially true for imported products, specialty foods, and many household items.
The same often applies to electronics, camera gear, and other imported products. If you're planning a move to Mexico and already own equipment you'll need, it can sometimes make sense to bring it with you rather than purchasing it after you arrive.
Of course, there are still a few bargains that never seem to disappoint.
Yes... you can still grab a Costco hot dog and drink for just 30 pesos!
Our goal with videos like these isn't to convince people that Mexico is cheaper or more expensive. It's simply to give an honest look at what everyday life here is actually like, so you can make informed decisions before making the move.
A Snapshot of Grocery Prices in Bucerías
To give viewers a realistic idea of grocery costs, we visited both La Comer in Bucerías and Frutería Parra, a popular local fruit and vegetable market.
Here are a few examples of what we found:
Item | Price (MXN) | USD | CAD |
Dozen eggs | $40 | $2.28 | $3.24 |
1 litre of milk | $33 | $1.88 | $2.67 |
Flour tortillas (30 pack) | $40 | $2.28 | $3.24 |
Oroweat bread | $93 | $5.30 | $7.53 |
Ground beef mix (1 kg) | $199 | $11.34 | $16.12 |
Cheddar cheese (227 g) | $65.50 | $3.73 | $5.31 |
Avocados (1 kg – La Comer) | $115 | $6.56 | $9.32 |
Bananas (1 kg) | $36.90 | $2.10 | $2.99 |
Rice (900 g) | $38 | $2.17 | $3.08 |
Prices at a Local Fruteria
Shopping at a neighborhood produce market can sometimes offer better value, particularly for fruits and vegetables.
Some examples from Frutería Parra included:
Item | Price (MXN) | USD | CAD |
Green apples (1 kg) | $75 | $4.28 | $6.08 |
Pears (1 kg) | $68 | $3.88 | $5.51 |
USA peaches (1 kg) | $110 | $6.27 | $8.91 |
Avocados (1 kg) | $90 | $5.13 | $7.29 |
Tostadas Cortez | $26 | $1.48 | $2.11 |
Our small shopping trip at Frutería Parra came to a total of $225.87 MXN ($12.87 USD / $18.30 CAD).
Thinking About Living in Bucerías?
If Mark and Janet's story has you thinking about making the move yourself, we'd love to help.
We currently have two wonderful homes available for sale in Bucerías.
Casa Morelli
Casa Morelli is a beautifully maintained, turnkey two-bedroom home with its own private saltwater pool. Situated on a spacious double lot, the home offers the convenience of single-level living while blending modern upgrades with traditional Mexican charm.
It features two full bathrooms, two additional half bathrooms, 20 solar panels to help keep electricity costs low, and thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor living spaces perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing in the sunshine.
It's move-in ready and offers the perfect balance of privacy while still being close to everything Bucerías has to offer. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a retirement home in Mexico, or a low-maintenance property with excellent long-term value, Casa Morelli is well worth a look.
Casa 66 – Los Amores II
We're also excited to be representing Casa 66, a spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome located in the highly sought-after Los Amores II community in Bucerías.
Perfectly positioned along one of the community's peaceful garden pathways, the home features front and back patios, a private balcony overlooking lush green spaces, covered parking, and a functional two-story layout that's ideal for full-time living, winter escapes, or rental income.
Residents also enjoy access to two beautiful community pools, a fully equipped gym, and 24/7 gated security—all just an easy eight-minute walk from the beach and close to restaurants, cafés, shopping, and public transportation.
We're currently putting the finishing touches on a full cinematic video tour, so keep an eye out for that coming very soon.
If neither of these homes is exactly what you're looking for, don't worry.
Every buyer has different priorities, budgets, and dreams.
Send Daniela an email with what you're hoping to find, and we'd be happy to share other properties that may be a better fit. Even if we don't have the perfect home listed ourselves, we're always happy to help point you in the right direction.
An Incredible New Listing Is Coming Soon...
We've also been quietly working on a property that we're incredibly excited to reveal.
Without giving away too much just yet, this home combines many of the things people tell us they're searching for when looking at real estate in Riviera Nayarit.
Think sweeping ocean views.
Beautiful Mexican architecture.
Timeless character.
Strong rental income potential.
And a setting that's hard to forget.
We genuinely think this is one of those homes that people are going to remember long after they've seen it.
Keep an eye on our website and YouTube channel over the coming months. We can't wait to share it with you.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey
When Daniela and I started filming videos about life in Mexico, we simply wanted to share our experiences and help others make informed decisions.
We never imagined it would grow into a community of people supporting one another, sharing stories, and helping families find homes in a place they love.
Whether you've been following us for years or you've only recently discovered Moving to Mexico, thank you for being here.
We truly appreciate every comment, every email, every conversation, and every opportunity to help someone begin a new chapter in Mexico.
If you're thinking about retiring in Mexico, buying a home in Bucerías, or simply have questions about making the move, we'd love to hear from you.
In the meantime, be sure to watch Mark and Janet's story, browse our current listings, and keep an eye out for future videos!
We have a feeling you're going to love what's coming next.
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