Retiring in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Overview
Laid-back surf-town alternative to Mexico's bigger beach resorts.
Home Price
Homes in Puerto Escondido typically range from $254k to $428k.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index. Estimates only — verify current pricing before making decisions.
Cost of Living
Puerto Escondido's cost of living index is 46.3 compared to a U.S. national average of 100 (adjusted to a common basis so it can be compared directly with U.S. destinations).
Climate
Average summer highs around 87°F and winter daytime temperatures around 88°F, with high humidity and a “Tropical” seasonal pattern.
Geography & Landscape
Healthcare
Healthcare access and quality index: 72.3/100 (Numbeo Health Care Index — a crowdsourced perception score, not a clinical outcomes measure).
Safety & Stability
Puerto Escondido scores a safety index of 41.0/100 and a political stability score of 4.1/10, based on sourced crime and stability data.
Airport Access
About 150 minutes to the nearest major airport we could confirm.
Lifestyle & Activities
Outdoor activities:
- Boating / kayaking
- Fishing
- Tennis / racquet sports
- Gardening
- Nature / bird watching
Culture & lifestyle:
- Food culture
- Shopping
Things to Consider
- Fewer healthcare options than Puerto Vallarta or Mérida
- More remote, longer drives for services
Visa & Residency Notes
Temporary Resident (economic solvency): ~$4,400/mo (≈680x UMA, varies by consulate). Confidence: Secondary (per WhereNext, checked 2026-06-25, source: Consulado General de México). Approximation, not a guaranteed bar — varies by consulate. Permanent Residency needs far more (~$7,400/mo).
Visa terms vary by nationality and change often — verify current requirements with the destination’s official immigration authority before making decisions.
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