Shopping is varied and generally inexpensive. The large centers have modern shopping malls, and every settlement has many street vendors offering a wide variety of hand crafts and food. Here is some cost of living data provided by the American-Canadian Club of Guadalajara. These prices apply there, but may be applicable in most other areas of Mexico as well. All prices are in U.S. dollars and the prices were gathered in January 1996.
Prices are per pound unless otherwise stated.
It is difficult to maintain a cost of living database because the costs keep changing and prices vary between seasons, areas and stores. Generally, it is cheaper to live in Mexico for most lifestyles. Fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, meat, bakery items, buses, insurance, health care, personal services, car repairs, and property taxes are all cheaper, and in some cases much cheaper in Mexico. Cosmetics, toiletries, imported foods, some clothing, and gasoline are generally more expensive. People who live in Mexico usually find a few restaurants where they can eat very inexpensively.