There’s a reason so many people visit Cabo and decide they never want to leave. Whether you're craving year-round sunshine, a slower pace, or a vibrant coastal community with real-world conveniences, moving to Cabo offers a lifestyle many only dream of. But making the leap means understanding more than just the postcard views. It requires thoughtful planning, local insight, and the right people to guide you through the process.
Why More People Are Choosing Cabo San Lucas
In recent years, Cabo San Lucas has evolved from a tourist hotspot into a full-fledged relocation destination. And it’s not just retirees making the move—remote professionals, young families, and investors are arriving in growing numbers.
Why? Because Cabo strikes a unique balance: it offers the laid-back rhythm of beach life without sacrificing modern essentials like high-speed internet, private healthcare, and direct flights to the U.S. and Canada. At the heart of it all is the Cabo lifestyle—sunny mornings, ocean breezes, and an outdoor-oriented way of life that promotes wellness, connection, and ease.
Why? Because Cabo strikes a unique balance: it offers the laid-back rhythm of beach life without sacrificing modern essentials like high-speed internet, private healthcare, and direct flights to the U.S. and Canada. At the heart of it all is the Cabo lifestyle—sunny mornings, ocean breezes, and an outdoor-oriented way of life that promotes wellness, connection, and ease.
Understanding the Cost of Living
Compared to many U.S. coastal cities, Cabo offers a lower cost of living with a high standard of comfort. Dining out, home maintenance, and medical care are generally more affordable. Groceries and utilities may be slightly more expensive due to the area’s remote geography, but overall, daily life in Cabo can be more cost-effective, especially if you're earning income in U.S. dollars.
Many expats find that moving to Cabo San Lucas allows them to stretch their retirement savings or enjoy a higher quality of life on the same income. Property taxes are also significantly lower than in the U.S., and there is no annual capital gains tax for residents on the sale of a primary residence, under certain conditions.
Many expats find that moving to Cabo San Lucas allows them to stretch their retirement savings or enjoy a higher quality of life on the same income. Property taxes are also significantly lower than in the U.S., and there is no annual capital gains tax for residents on the sale of a primary residence, under certain conditions.
What the Real Estate Market Looks Like
Cabo’s real estate market is diverse, competitive, and steadily appreciating. Properties range from multi-million-dollar homes in gated communities like Pedregal and Palmilla to more modest beachfront condos and hillside retreats with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Popular areas for new residents include El Tezal, Cabo Bello, and downtown Cabo for those who want walkable access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Foreigners can own property in Mexico through a secure legal structure called a fideicomiso (bank trust) or by setting up a Mexican corporation for investment properties. Partnering with a local real estate professional like Joe Taylor, who understands these nuances, is crucial for a smooth transaction. For anyone moving to Cabo San Lucas, understanding property zones, HOA regulations, and tax responsibilities upfront is essential.
Foreigners can own property in Mexico through a secure legal structure called a fideicomiso (bank trust) or by setting up a Mexican corporation for investment properties. Partnering with a local real estate professional like Joe Taylor, who understands these nuances, is crucial for a smooth transaction. For anyone moving to Cabo San Lucas, understanding property zones, HOA regulations, and tax responsibilities upfront is essential.
Healthcare and Everyday Services
Healthcare is one of the most common concerns for those considering a move abroad, and Cabo delivers on this front. The city has several private hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality care at a fraction of U.S. prices. English-speaking doctors are common, and many medical professionals have trained internationally. Health insurance plans for expats are available and often include access to private facilities.
Beyond healthcare, Cabo offers a well-developed infrastructure that supports daily life. From high-speed internet for remote work to full-service grocery stores, home improvement centers, and banking options, everyday needs are easy to manage. The city also has reliable utilities and a growing network of service providers, making the transition to life in Cabo as seamless as possible.
Beyond healthcare, Cabo offers a well-developed infrastructure that supports daily life. From high-speed internet for remote work to full-service grocery stores, home improvement centers, and banking options, everyday needs are easy to manage. The city also has reliable utilities and a growing network of service providers, making the transition to life in Cabo as seamless as possible.
Lifestyle and Community
The Cabo lifestyle is centered on outdoor living and a strong sense of community. Beach walks, sunsets on the marina, yoga classes, and outdoor markets are part of the daily rhythm. For active residents, there’s no shortage of activities—surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, golfing, and sailing are all within easy reach.
The expat community in Cabo is large, welcoming, and well-connected. Social clubs, language classes, charity events, and networking groups make it easy for newcomers to meet people and feel at home. Many expats note that moving to Cabo San Lucas gave them a new home and a richer, more connected lifestyle.
The expat community in Cabo is large, welcoming, and well-connected. Social clubs, language classes, charity events, and networking groups make it easy for newcomers to meet people and feel at home. Many expats note that moving to Cabo San Lucas gave them a new home and a richer, more connected lifestyle.
Education and Family Living
For families relocating to Cabo, the area offers several international and bilingual private schools that follow U.S. or international curricula. Schools like Colegio El Camino, Delmar International School, and Colegio Amaranto are popular choices, offering small class sizes and a focus on academic excellence.
Recreational activities for kids are abundant, with options like swim clubs, tennis, horseback riding, and ocean sports. With a relaxed pace of life and family-friendly neighborhoods, Cabo is increasingly attracting younger families looking for a better balance between work, school, and quality of life.
Recreational activities for kids are abundant, with options like swim clubs, tennis, horseback riding, and ocean sports. With a relaxed pace of life and family-friendly neighborhoods, Cabo is increasingly attracting younger families looking for a better balance between work, school, and quality of life.
What to Know About Visas and Residency
U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay in Mexico as tourists for up to 180 days. However, those planning on moving to Cabo San Lucas long-term will want to apply for temporary or permanent residency. Temporary residency is typically valid for one year (renewable up to four years) and allows you to live in Mexico full-time, open a bank account, and buy a vehicle.
Permanent residency offers indefinite stay with most of the same benefits and is often granted after four years of temporary residency, or immediately for retirees meeting income requirements. Working with a local immigration specialist is highly recommended, as they can streamline the paperwork and help you meet all qualifications.
Permanent residency offers indefinite stay with most of the same benefits and is often granted after four years of temporary residency, or immediately for retirees meeting income requirements. Working with a local immigration specialist is highly recommended, as they can streamline the paperwork and help you meet all qualifications.
Moving Logistics and Tips
Relocating to Cabo requires a bit of planning, but it’s entirely manageable with the right guidance. Most people fly into Los Cabos International Airport, which offers direct flights to major U.S. and Canadian cities. Shipping household goods is possible, though many expats choose to furnish their homes locally.
If you’re bringing a car, be sure to research vehicle import rules and registration processes. Many residents opt to buy a vehicle locally, especially if they don't plan to drive across the border. It’s also wise to rent before buying, giving yourself time to explore different areas and get a feel for the lifestyle before committing to a long-term home.
If you’re bringing a car, be sure to research vehicle import rules and registration processes. Many residents opt to buy a vehicle locally, especially if they don't plan to drive across the border. It’s also wise to rent before buying, giving yourself time to explore different areas and get a feel for the lifestyle before committing to a long-term home.
Thinking About Moving to Cabo San Lucas? Start with Joe Taylor
Relocating to a new country is a major decision, but it can also be one of the most rewarding with the right support. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, a retirement haven, or a fresh start in paradise, moving to Cabo San Lucas offers the lifestyle, investment potential, and community to make it happen. For expert real estate guidance, neighborhood insights, and trusted local support, connect with Joe Taylor—your go-to resource for making your move seamless and successful. Reach out today to find your dream home in paradise!
