For affordable coastal living in Mexico, Mazatlán just can’t be beat. That’s why it consistently ranks as a top haven in our Overseas Retirement Index.
With beautiful beaches, a buzzing Spanish-colonial town core, and plenty of things to see and do, Mazatlán offers an authentic yet expat-friendly lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of other beach towns.
Veteran overseas property investor Lee Harrison says, “Mazatlán offers the best beachfront lifestyle you’ll find in Mexico—maybe the best you’ll find anywhere.”
With interest in Mazatlán’s property market surging among domestic and international buyers, here are 12 reasons why this Pacific Coast gem should be on your radar in 2025.
1. Stunning Beaches And Oceanfront Living
Mazatlán boasts 13 miles of golden beaches with clean, swimmable waters. The beach is lined by the famous Malecón—one of the longest boardwalks in the world.
Mazatlán offers different styles of beaches, from calm waters to crashing waves. You can do all kinds of water sports here—deep-sea fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more.
Beyond the shore, outdoor lovers can hike, bike, birdwatch, and horseback ride in the Sierra Madre foothills.
2. A Colonial Treasure By The Sea
Mazatlán has a sprawling Spanish-colonial town core on the waterfront. It’s a lively neighborhood full of cafés, bars, restaurants, theaters, art galleries, shops, live music, and more… the best place to go for a night on the town.
It’s incredibly atmospheric with its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, churches, and plazas. The Centro Histórico sets Mazatlán apart from other coastal resorts.
3. Affordable Cost Of Living
Mazatlán is less expensive than Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and other resorts—for real estate and daily expenses.
A reasonable budget for an expat couple is $2,000 to $2,400 per month. Moving here is an opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life at a lower cost for U.S. and Canadian expats.
4. It’s A Real City...
Unlike overdeveloped resort towns, Mazatlán is a thriving city of about 500,000 people. It retains a strong local culture while offering modern amenities, ensuring long-term value for property investors.
5. Thriving Real Estate Market
Mazatlán is heating up, yet prices remain lower than more famous coastal cities. Investors are drawn by the affordable prices, beachfront property options, and growing tourism.
There are attractive opportunities for vacation rentals, second homes, and long-term appreciation. Investors can choose from modern condos, historic properties in the Old Town, and luxury beachfront homes.
Lee has been tracking property prices in Mazatlán for years. From 2019 to 2024 alone, the price per square meter increased by almost 52%, signaling strong demand and appreciation potential.
Stay tuned for information about a brand-new investment opportunity in Mazatlán, coming soon…
6. Perfect Year-Round Climate
Mazatlán is warm year-round, with an average high of about 85°F (30°C) and an average low of about 67°F (19°C). For snowbirds and fans of hot, sunny weather who don’t like the rain, this city is ideal.
7. Friendly Expat Community
Mazatlán can be a soft landing for Americans and Canadians looking to move abroad…
It has a big expat community made up of good folks who are respectful of the local people and culture. Most locals speak English, and you’ll find familiar retailers like Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart, etc.
8. Excellent Healthcare And Infrastructure
Mazatlán has high-quality, affordable healthcare at private hospitals like Sharp and Marina Mazatlán. Alternatively, expats can return to the States or Canada to receive care in their home country because Mazatlán is close enough and easy to get to.
Infrastructure is well-developed, with solid and dependable internet, electricity, and public transportation services. Recent investments of $817 million and over 45 new projects, including a number of new luxury resorts and Mexico’s largest aquarium, are further boosting Mazatlán’s tourism industry.
9. Strong Rental Market
With nearly 4 million visitors in 2022, Mazatlán’s short-term rental market is thriving. Rental properties in prime areas like the Malecón, the Centro Histórico, and the Golden Zone can be highly profitable investments.
10. Easy Access From The States And Canada
Mazatlán is an easy flight from up north. There’s an international airport with direct flights to several U.S. and Canadian cities…
But you don’t have to get on a plane to get here. You can easily pack up and drive to Mazatlán in your own car. It’s smooth sailing along Highway 15D.
11. Safety And Security
Safety is a common concern in Mexico, but Mazatlán is ranked as one of the safest beach cities. The government prioritizes safety in tourist-heavy areas, making it a low-risk choice for expats and investors.
12. Residency Is Straightforward
Mexico offers simple residency options, with temporary residency requiring about $4,295 per month in income or $71,375 in savings. Permanent residency is available with $7,075 per month in income or $284,089 in savings. (Note that qualifying amounts vary from consulate to consulate.)
Alternatively, you can stay in Mexico for six months on a tourist visa, and for some expats, that’s plenty.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert