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If you’ve been dreaming about living near the beach in Mexico but feel overwhelmed by crowded resort cities and rising costs, Lo de Marcos might surprise you. This small beach town in Riviera Nayarit offers a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and a more affordable alternative to places like Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita or Bucerias– without giving up the things that matter most.
I want to be upfront with you though. Lo de Marcos is not perfect. No place is. But for the right person, it can be a really good fit.
In this post, you’ll learn about the cost of living in Lo de Marcos, what the vibe is like, what kind of infrastructure you can expect when living here and more.
See the latest video, or if you prefer to read this information see below.
Where Is Lo de Marcos and Why People Are Moving Here
Lo de Marcos is located in Riviera Nayarit, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. You still get access to the Puerto Vallarta airport, modern healthcare, and major shopping, but you don’t have to live in the middle of the chaos.
That’s a big reason Canadians and Americans are increasingly looking here. You can enjoy beach living without the cruise ship crowds, aggressive sales tactics, or sky-high rents that have become common in Puerto Vallarta.
This is the kind of town where people know each other. You’ll see the same faces at the market, at the beach, and walking through town. Life feels simpler here, and for many people, that’s the whole point.
Additional Reading: 10 Top Beaches to Live in Mexico
What Daily Life in Lo de Marcos Is Really Like
Living in Lo de Marcos means adjusting your expectations… in a good way. This is not a highly developed beach city. There are no big malls, no Costco, and no large hospitals in town. And honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Your days tend to slow down. You wake up, grab coffee locally, maybe walk to the beach, run errands on foot, and plan your day around the heat and the weather. If you’re coming from Canada or the northern U.S., this can feel like a big shift at first.
One thing people often underestimate is the humidity, especially in the summer.
Riviera Nayarit is hot and humid, and yes, you’ll sweat. A lot. Most rental homes do have air conditioning, usually in the bedroom and sometimes in the main living area. When you’re house hunting, you’ll want to pay attention to where the AC units are so you can stay comfortable during the hottest parts of the day.
This climate isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something you should experience firsthand before committing long-term.
Cost of Living in Lo de Marcos
One of the biggest reasons people start looking seriously at Lo de Marcos is the cost of living. Compared to larger beach cities, you can still live well here without stretching your budget thin.
Rent is usually where you’ll see the biggest difference compared to places like Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias, Playa del Carmen or some other popular beach towns.
In Lo de Marcos, it’s still possible to find long-term 2 bedroom furnished apartments starting around the $700 to $1,000 USD range per month. Especially if you’re willing to live a few blocks from the beach or rent during the low season. Beachfront and newer properties will cost more, but overall rents tend to be noticeably lower than in more developed resort areas.
Your day-to-day expenses are also fairly manageable. Groceries from local markets and small stores are affordable, especially if you’re flexible and shop like a local. Eating out is less expensive than in major tourist hubs, and many people find they dine out more often simply because it fits the budget.
Utilities are generally reasonable, but electricity can spike in the hotter months if you rely heavily on air conditioning. This surprises a lot of people at first, so it’s something you’ll want to factor into your monthly planning. Internet and cell service are reliable enough for most people, including remote workers, but you should always confirm speeds before signing a long-term lease.
Overall, Lo de Marcos works best financially for people who are comfortable with a simpler lifestyle. A couple can easily live here on $2,000-$2,500 USD/Month all in. But do keep in mind that even though you can easily live in Mexico on less than $2,500/Month you do first have to determine if you qualify for a residency visa.
Healthcare, Shopping, and Why a Car Matters
Because Lo de Marcos is a small town, you won’t find large hospitals, specialized medical clinics, or big box stores here. For anything beyond basic needs, you’ll need to travel to Bucerias or Puerto Vallarta.
This is why I strongly recommend having your own car if you live here. While buses and taxis exist, having a vehicle gives you flexibility. Especially for medical appointments, larger grocery runs, or shopping trips.
If you’re used to having everything five minutes away, this can feel inconvenient at first. But many people decide the trade-off is worth it for the peace, quiet, and lower cost of living.
Additional Reading: Healthcare in Mexico for Expats
Rainy Season and the Reality of Small Town Living
Another thing you really need to understand before moving is the rainy season, which runs roughly from June through October. During this time, rain can be heavy and persistent. Streets can flood, humidity spikes, and simple errands can take longer.
Lo de Marcos also slows down during the low season. Some restaurants close temporarily, fewer events happen, and the town can feel very quiet. If you thrive on constant activity, nightlife, and cultural events, this might not be your place.
But if quiet evenings, fewer crowds, and a slower rhythm sound appealing, you may actually love this part of the year.
This is why I always say Mexico isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay. The goal is finding a place that fits your lifestyle. Not forcing yourself into a location just because it looks good online.
Lo de Marcos vs. Puerto Vallarta: A Clear Comparison
Puerto Vallarta is lively, energetic, and full of amenities. It also comes with traffic, crowds, and rising prices. Lo de Marcos is quieter, more local, and often less expensive. Especially when it comes to rent.
You won’t have the same restaurant variety or nightlife options here, but you’ll gain peace, space, and a stronger connection to the local community. Many people who feel overwhelmed in Puerto Vallarta end up much happier in towns like Lo de Marcos.
It’s not about better or worse. It’s about the right fit.
Why You Should Visit Before You Move
Reading blogs and watching videos is a great start, but it’s not enough. You really need to walk the town, feel the humidity, see how quiet it gets, and understand daily life before making a move.
That’s exactly why we offer Mexico Relocation Tours in Lo de Marcos and over 50 other cities across Mexico. These tours are led by locals who show you what living there is truly like. With no real estate agenda and no awkward sales presentations.
To book a tour, you’ll first need to purchase our Complete Mexico Relocation Guide, which walks you step by step through visas, healthcare, housing, and settling into life in Mexico. You also get access to our vetted directory across Mexico. Including relocation tour guides, immigration facilitators, realtors, movers, and more- All contacts we’ve personally vetted.
We’ve helped thousands of people move to Mexico the right way, and I truly believe this kind of hands-on research saves you time, money, and stress.
If Lo de Marcos is on your shortlist, your next step shouldn’t be guessing. It should be seeing it for yourself. We do have a variety of local contacts that can help you get a residency visa, help you find a rental and give you a private relocation tour.
Final Thoughts on Living in Lo de Marcos
Lo de Marcos might not be for everyone. But for the right person, it can be exactly what they’re looking for. A quiet beach town, a slower pace of life, and a more affordable alternative to Puerto Vallarta.
If you’re serious about moving to Mexico for a better life on less, do your research the right way. Get the guide. Visit the town. Talk to locals. And make your decision with confidence. Saludos! Mariana
