Can anyone give me a general comparison of what would be the cost of living in Mulege? i.e. income needed for comfortable/average living , not decadent, but not poverty level either. Also, any contacts for setting up retirement living would be much appreciated (Information on arranging banking transfers, real estate, community groups, etc...) Thanks.
Hi Adam, I think that I can offer some good and current info on what you are looking for. I wrote a website devoted to just those kinds of concerns. While my website mentions Loreto and La Paz, the info relates equally to Mulege as Mulege as only 73 miles from Loreto.
In Mulege, among other free standing homes, there homes on the banks of the fresh water river (that runs into the bay of Mulege) that are frequently offered "for sale". Actually, many of these homes are really in a rental community. I would be cautious as often these places will be offered for "sale". But what you are really buying is a dwelling permanently built on a rental lot or a mobil home on a rental lot and you are not actually buying the land itself. You are actually only buying a leasehold interest in the rental lot. Now, in my opinion, when you pay the so-called "purchase price" for one of these places with a permanent dwelling on the "leasehold" lot, you really don't even own the dwelling, so what you are really paying for is the right to "rent" the dwelling, period.
Mulege is a great little yet colorful town. I would love to own something there. As a vacationer only, my issue is the distance from the airport in Loreto insofar as the inconvenience and additional travel cost to get from Loreto to Mulege. But, if you are going to live there full time, Mulege would be a dreamy place.
I suggest renting. Start with a short term rental and after hanging out with the locals you will find something better to rent or buy. Lots of places are for sale / rent. They just aren't advertised.
Other than this the area is filled with sharks and guys with black gloves!hahahah
As has been mentioned, be careful. If you "buy" a place in one of the parks, even if you pay cash for the improvement, you will still pay rent, often hefty. I lived in Mulege for about 20 years and it is a wonderful place. The "Gringo" invasion when it was "discovered" ran prices of everything way up. I think you will find a small difference between costs of goods there vs the US. Aint cheap. Rent a place or drag a small trailer, before you invest.
Rent a place, in town, Loma Azul, or some place like Villa Maria Isabel...cheap rentals until you can scope out the housing market...Mulegé is a good place...
We own a home in the Oassis, Mulege BCS. We lease the land from Leon who is one of the most honest people I know. Just ask around town and you can easily find out who not to do business with. Life can be good as long as you are smart.
Leon, is without question one of the BEST people in business in Mulege. The question was tho, about the cost of living there. What are your annual fees at the Oasis now? How much do your utlities run? Are you paying the taxes on your improvements?, what are they? These are the kinds of things, I think, that were being asked about......
VERY INTERESTING ALL THE REPLYS. I HAVE OWENED A HOME ON THE BEACH AND HAVE BEEN GOING TO MULEGE SINCE THE STREETS WERE DIRT. I HAVE 2 TRAILERS FOR RENT AND TAKING ANOTHER DOWN IN AUG . WE HAVE A 20FT AND WILL HAVE 2 29FT TRAILERS .PLUS WE HAVE 2 SPOTS FOR DRIVE IN. FULL WATER HOOKUPS AND ELEC . ALSO WE WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST ON THE NEW SEWER . THE LINES ARE GOING IN RIGHT NOW . I HAVE BOTH TRAILERS COVERED AND THIS IS SOMETHING MANY OF THE PLACES DONT HAVE . PLUS WE ARE COVERING 2 MORE SPOTS . IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I WILL SEND YOU PICTURES . THE ADVISE TO RENT FIRST IS THE BEST . I JUST GOT BACK AND WILL BE BACK DOWN IN AUG . PRICE ON EGGS ARE RUNNING 17 TO 19 CENTS EACH . IF YOU SHOP RIGHT YOU WILL FIND WHAT YOU NEED FOR A FAIR PRICE . YOU CAN GET A GOOD MEAL IN THE MORNING FOR AROUND $4.50 AND I HAVE MANY EVENING MEALS FOR UNDER 10 BUCKS . WE HAVE FULL KITCHENS WITH ALL THE POTS AND PANS . WE ARE ALSO OUT OF THE FLOOD ZONE AND IN A WALLED IN HIGH GROUND PLACE . I AVERAGE 8MONTH A YEAR AND I ENJOY THE THE QUIET AND THE WATER . SO IF WE CAN HELP LET US KNOW .
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
Hola all. I just read this post about a 'Ratley' who may be someone I remember from many years ago. Did this gentleman have a cliff top home near the settlement at Posada Conception in the mid 70's?
I recall it had an osprey nest on it's chimney and also a nice view of Conception Bay.
If so, then Hello!
If not, then we wish you success on your quest. In my opinion, the prices up in Mulege are now just as expensive as in Cabo for most common goods and materials. One cannot tell what another's particular total cost of living will be, but I would hazard a guess that $75 per day would suffice to cover most all costas.
There are many community groups to join..including Rotary Club. Lots of interaction and projects between locals and foreign residents.
I would certainly advise to rent before buying. At least for one season. Research thoroughly the term 'bank trust' and it's ramifications. A lease is a good way to go, but is only good for about 10 years max.
Banking transfers are safe and simple. Wiring, ATM's, and a personal account in pesos at a local bank are all available and very useful.
You are on the right track to test the waters first. The Baja lifestyle is not for everyone and is changing yearly.
As an add-on to the preceding post I would say that you may legally include an option to renew your lease once the ten-year period is over (and you may renew any number of times) and you can agree to keep the benefit of any improvements. Welcome to Mulege!
Originally posted by Mijo: Hola all. I just read this post about a 'Ratley' who may be someone I remember from many years ago. Did this gentleman have a cliff top home near the settlement at Posada Conception in the mid 70's?
Yes, that was my Grandmothers house CASA PIEDRA, but I understand my dad sold it years ago. Dr Ratley is my father.
Some of the advice you've gotten is good (renting first) and some is bad (most/all houses you have to rent/lease the land)and an income of $1200 a month is adequate is a joke! You'll need at least twice that.
As stated in another e-mail, all the homes in the Oasis park are leased land. Most of the homes in the Oasis park are owned by the homeowners via a fideiconiso. There are many homes available to rent at a wide variety of prices. Why not rent a house, be comfortable and enjoy and learn about Mulege.
BTW. In the interest of full disclosure, I've lived here for 12 years and have a real estate business (Pelican Reef Real Estate Center). Some of the advice people have been giving you is wrong so use care in whom you seek advice. There is a lot of misinformation out there, even from those who should know.
I check in on this forum every now and then, and lived in Mulege for over 20 years (La Fortuna). While most of the comments in this thread are true, they still dont get down to the real specifics defining the cost to live in Mulege. Eamples: What is the CURRENT lease rate per month at the Oasis (example). How much is the average utility cost, electric, water phones. Do the OWNERS pay taxes on their leasehold improvements? These are the kinds of things I would want to know, before considering a move. I know that costs of restaurant meals, food and gas have risen sharply over the past years. IT AINT CHEAP anymore.......get the specifics...AND as far as anything being consistent re lease renewals etc? It IS Mexico after all.......
We have a small house in the leons park.Lease is about 200.00 a month .Phone is 17.00, electric is 30.00 to 50.00 and propane runs about 30.00 per month. My wife and I take 5000.00 down every year and stay 5 to 6 months.We have breakfast and lunch at home but eat out most every night. we use quads to get around so we use very little gas.I spend maybe 100.00 a month on boat gas. We usually get back home with around 300.00 bucks. We pay someone 150 peso,s a month to water once a week when we are not there.The rent we pay from the 5000.00 while we are there and we pay six months in advance when we leave with a check. Mexican car insurance runs about 350.00 a year for full coverage and a 1000.00 deductible.I have a visa card and can get cash from the bank atm anytime. If we spent full time living there we would probley average less then 1200.00 per month. And I host cocktail hour at least 3 times per week.All the rum and coke you can drink......
Very good info . As I stated in a earlier post this is a good cost estimate and you are the 4th person I have had this info from .I must say the other people that have said this live just fine and are very happy withing this range of living.
