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Swapping your daily grind for life on golden sandy beaches sounds nice doesn’t it?
I mean who doesn’t want to be surrounded by lush tropical scenery and the conveniences of modern amenities? If this sounds appealing, perhaps Ixtapa should be on your list of best places to live in Mexico!
It’s a vibrant yet tranquil beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, might just be your ideal destination. And with nice furnished rentals starting at $700/Month, you’ll definitely be curious to know if you could see yourself living here.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes Ixtapa a wonderful place to call home, from housing and lifestyle to practical tips for making the move.
A Modern Paradise with a Luxurious Touch
Originally developed in the 1970s as a high-end tourist destination, Ixtapa offers a unique blend of modern comfort, planned infrastructure, and tropical charm. Just 10 kilometers away from its more traditional sister town, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa caters especially to retirees, digital nomads, and families looking for a peaceful yet luxurious coastal lifestyle.
Great Weather If You Love The Sun
Ixtapa’s tropical climate ensures warm weather all year round, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit.
The dry season (November to May) boasts clear skies ideal for beach days and outdoor adventures, while the wet season (June to October) showers the area briefly, enhancing its lush greenery but also bringing humidity.
Choosing Your Neighborhood
Ixtapa provides a variety of housing options that cater to different tastes and budgets:
- Marina District: Known for luxury condos with stunning marina views, one-bedroom rentals start around $800 to $1,200 per month. Larger condos typically range from $1,300 to $2,000. Buying here generally starts at $180,000, depending on property size and amenities.
- Playa Linda: For those seeking a quieter, nature-filled setting, Playa Linda offers beachside condos at $700 to $1,500 monthly, with home purchases averaging between $150,000 and $250,000.
- Palmar Real Golf Club: Golf lovers and those valuing security will appreciate this gated community, where monthly rents range from $1,200 to $2,000. Homes here typically start around $200,000, with higher-end properties available.
Cost of Living Insights
Life in Ixtapa, though slightly more expensive compared to neighboring towns, remains comfortably affordable for expats seeking a balanced lifestyle:
- Utilities: Electricity costs average between $80 to $150 monthly, depending on air conditioning usage. Cooking gas costs around $15 to $25 per month, while water remains very affordable at just $5 to $10 monthly.
- Internet: Reliable internet services, crucial for remote work, start at approximately $30 per month.
With all this in mind, it would be safe to say that a couple can live very comfortably on less than $2,500/month in Ixtapa!
Convenient Shopping
For everyday needs, local convenience stores (“Mini Supers”) are readily accessible. For larger shopping trips, residents often head to Zihuatanejo, which is just a short drive away and offers supermarkets like Soriana, Chedraui, Bodega Aurrerá, and Sam’s Club.
Reliable Healthcare
Healthcare in Ixtapa is easily accessible, with several private clinics providing routine medical care at affordable rates ($30-$50 per consultation). Pharmacies are widely available and significantly cheaper compared to the U.S. or Canada. Some people do travel to Zihuatanejo for more specialized care.
But here’s a caveat, for very specialized care you will have to travel to Acapulco, Morelia or Mexico City.
Easy Transportation
Traveling to and from Ixtapa is convenient, thanks to the nearby Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, offering direct flights to major cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Within town, affordable taxis and local buses (colectivos) provide easy access to surrounding areas.
Lifestyle and Recreation
Life in Ixtapa is filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and community activities:
- Golf and Fishing: Golf enthusiasts have access to championship courses, while the marina is perfect for fishing trips and yacht viewing.
- Snorkeling and Boating: Nearby Isla Ixtapa offers excellent snorkeling and hidden coves waiting to be explored.
- Cycling: A scenic bike path connects Ixtapa with Zihuatanejo and Playa Linda, ideal for active residents.
Community Engagement
Although smaller than some expat communities, Ixtapa’s expat population is welcoming and vibrant, offering ample opportunities to engage in local charities and social activities, helping you quickly integrate and enjoy your new home.
Considerations Before You Move
While life in Ixtapa offers many advantages, there are some considerations to bear in mind. The town’s design for tourism might lack the traditional Mexican charm you’d find in places like Zihuatanejo. Additionally, the town can become quiet during the off-peak season, and the humidity can be intense during summer months.
Ready to Make the Move?
To help you fully prepare, we’ve created an in-depth video guide on our Mexico Relocation Guide YouTube channel.
Our Ixtapa video, covers everything you need to know about living here, including detailed breakdowns of neighborhoods, lifestyle, costs, and local insights. It’s packed with essential tips on residency requirements, healthcare, budgeting, and how to plan your exploratory trip.
And if you’;re ready to go on a scouting trip in Ixtapa or somewhere else in Mexico, make sure you check out our Mexico Relocation Tours. We have relocation tours in Ixtapa and 50+ other cities across Mexico!
