Is Sayulita the Right Beach Town for You?

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves rolling onto a palm-lined shore, grabbing a smoothie from a family-run stand, then slipping off your sandals to stroll the cobblestone streets in bare feet.

That’s a normal morning in Sayulita.

This post walks you through what living in Sayulita is really like, so you can decide if it matches the life you’re dreaming about. When you’re done reading, be sure to watch our full Sayulita video for even more sights and stories.

The vibe in one sentence

Sayulita is a small, colorful surf town that mixes laid-back beach culture with a friendly international crowd.

Weather and seasons

You’ll deal with two clear seasons:

• High season (November – April) brings dry skies, warm days in the 80s °F, cooler evenings, and plenty of visitors. Prices and crowds rise right along with the surf.
• Low season (May – October) is hotter (often low- to mid-90s °F) and very humid. Afternoon showers cool things down, rents drop, and the streets feel quieter.

Hurricanes rarely make a direct hit, but summer storms can be impressive. A small rain jacket and a sturdy umbrella will serve you well.

Getting around

• Walking works because the town is tiny, yet those cobblestones are uneven. Bring comfy shoes.
• Golf carts are popular for short hops, but they can’t leave town limits.
• Taxis charge about US $6 inside Sayulita; always agree on a fare before longer trips to Bucerías or Puerto Vallarta.
• Local buses cost US $1–3 and run to most Riviera Nayarit towns.
• Uber/Didi show up now and then, but you can’t count on them, so keep the taxi numbers handy.

Everyday life

Shopping & errands
The main supermarket, Super Mercado Ollin, carries basics plus some imported treats. Corner tiendas stock fruit, tortillas, and household goods. For a big stock-up day you’ll head 30 minutes to Bucerías, where La Comer, Chedraui, and Soriana look like any North American grocery store.

Eating out
Taco stands, beach shacks, and trendy vegan cafés all coexist. Fresh-caught red snapper and shrimp show up on nearly every menu. If you like to cook, morning fish vendors sell their catch right off the truck.

Community
English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and many local businesses, but greeting people in Spanish opens doors fast. Surf schools, yoga studios, beach clean-ups, and animal-rescue groups make it easy to plug in.

Cost of living in a nutshell

(Examples in USD)

• Rent
  • Small loft with an ocean peek: $1,000 – $1,200 / month
  • Two-bedroom near the plaza: $1,500 – $2,500 / month
  • Hilltop villa with a view & pool: $2,500 + / month
  • You may find cheaper rentals than this during the low season and/or further away from any beaches or the main city.
• Utilities (every two-month billing cycle)
  • Electricity: $40 – $175 (solar panels help)
  • Water service: $15 – $25
  • Propane refill: $20 – $30
• Internet
  • Telmex, Izzi, TotalPlay, or Starlink: $25 – $75 / month depending on speed
• Groceries & dining
  • Fresh produce for two at the market: $20 – $30 / week
  • Street-taco dinner: $3 – $5
  • Sit-down seafood plate: $12 – $18
• Transportation
  • In-town taxi: $6
  • Regional bus: $1 – $3
• Healthcare
  • Basic clinic visit: $30 – $50
  • 24/7 emergency checkup at St. Luke’s: ≈ $75

With all of this in mind, we think it is very possible for a couple to live a very comfortable life in Sayulita on $2,500-$3k USD a month.

Healthcare peace of mind

For everyday sniffles, the local clinic and pharmacies do the trick. Serious issues can be handled by the local St. Luke’s hospital in Sayulita.

Or if you would rather shop around, you can also head 30 minutes north to CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital in Bucerías or south to the larger private hospitals in Puerto Vallarta. Many expats buy private insurance that covers emergencies and medical transport. Which is smart if you plan to settle here full-time.

Pros you’ll love

1. Beach lifestyle, every single day – Surf before breakfast, sunset swim after work.
2. Walkable scale – No car needed for daily errands.
3. Built-in community – Easy to meet both locals and expats at open-mic nights, beach clean-ups, and surf lessons.
4. Creative energy – Street art, live music, and craft markets keep things lively.

Things that may bug you

1. High-season prices & crowds – Plan well ahead for long-term rentals from November to April.
2. Heat & humidity in summer – Air-conditioning bumps up that CFE bill.
3. Cobblestones – Charming, yes, but tough for strollers, wheelchairs, and high heels.
4. Beaches might be dirty from time to time– Due to its quick growth in a short period of time, the sewage systems might not be the best in the country. So after a heavy rain, the beaches might have dirty water.

Ready to see it for yourself?

If the video sparks your wanderlust, join one of our private Sayulita Relocation Tours. You’ll tour the town, what areas you should consider living in, get to know how to get around, and get honest answers to your questions about living in Sayulita.

To book a tour you first have to…

Grab our Complete Mexico Relocation Guide for step-by-step instructions on visas, healthcare, banking, and more. Which also includes our directory of vetted and recommended contacts across Mexico like our private relocation tour guides. When you buy the guide, you get instant access to the online course and the directory of contacts across Mexico.

If you’re here to make the move for good, we’re here to make your transition smooth and exciting!