Looking for sandy beaches, ocean breezes, and a slower pace of life? Like many others—retirees, digital nomads, remote workers, including CEOs, young families—I fell in love with the idea of warm weather, vibrant culture, and waking up every day somewhere that feels like vacation.
And honestly? So much of that dream came true. Cabo really is beautiful. But living here has also come with a few surprises.
1. In Moving to Cabo, The Weather is Gorgeous—But It’s Not Always Easy.
Sunshine nearly every day? You can experience that in Cabo! Cabo’s weather was one of the factors I wanted to relocate to. I mean, 360 days of sunshine? The slogan in Cabo is “No Bad Days”. Coming from a place where winters feel endless, that sounded like heaven. Sunny mornings, beach days in December, dinner outside under the stars… it’s the dream.
From June through September, it’s hot. We’re talking 82-84°F (around 28-30°C). I quickly learned that air conditioning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s survival. If you’re looking at places to live, do yourself a favor: check for ceiling fans, cross breezes, and functioning AC.
And then there’s hurricane season. It runs from June to November, and while Cabo usually gets lucky and avoids a direct hit, storms do roll through. Heavy rain, quick power outages, and the occasional flooded street aren’t uncommon. These days, I always tell people to look for homes with hurricane shutters, solid drainage, and maybe even a backup generator. It’s one of those things you don’t think about—until you really, really wish you had.
2. Life Moves Slower Here—And That’s Not a Bad Thing.
Coming from a big city, I was used to everything running on a schedule. In Cabo, time stretches. Appointments aren’t always punctual. Businesses may close for siestas or extended lunch hour. The plumber might show up two hours late… or not at all.
But over time, I realized that the concept of time is very fluid. Life here isn’t about racing through to-do lists. It’s about slowing down, soaking up the moment, and letting go of that big-city urgency.
3. In Moving to Cabo, Bills and Bureaucracy Work Differently.
Buying or renting in Cabo comes with a whole new learning curve. For starters, property taxes (called predial) are paid once a year, not monthly like in the U.S. or Canada. Pay early—in January or February—and you get a discount. Miss the deadline, and yep, there’s a penalty.
Utility services can be hit or miss, especially during summer storms. One minute your power’s on, the next you’re lighting candles. Water pressure can drop without warning. It helps to invest in a water tank “cisterna”, surge protectors, or even a small solar backup system. These small upgrades make a big difference when the unexpected hits.
Budget for these surprises. They’re not constant, but when they happen, you’ll want to be ready.
4. Knowing Even Basic Spanish Opens Doors.
Yes, English is spoken in most touristy areas. But the further you dive into daily life, the more Spanish you’ll want to know when moving to Cabo.
Want to chat with your plumber, order tacos off the beaten path, or get through a doctor’s appointment? A little Spanish goes a long way. Locals truly appreciate when you make the effort—and they’ll often meet you halfway with patience and kindness.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be fluent. Even phrases like:
Dónde está el baño? (Where’s the bathroom?)
Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
Estoy aprendiendo español. (I’m learning Spanish.)
…can go far. I used Duolingo at first, then joined a local language exchange group, and that helped me feel way more confident in conversations.
5. The Community Will Surprise You—in the Best Way.
This might be my favorite part. I expected palm trees and margaritas. I didn’t anticipate feeling so attached so fast when moving to Cabo.
From my first week in Cabo, people welcomed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before—locals and expats alike. Whether it was a neighbor bringing over homemade tamales or a group inviting me to a beach clean-up, I never felt like a stranger for long.
There’s a strong sense of community here. Farmer’s markets, yoga classes, charity events, outdoor movie nights—you name it. And the more you show up, the more you’ll feel like you belong.
Be curious. Ask questions. Celebrate holidays like Día de los Muertos. Your world will grow in the most fantastic way.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Pack
Here are some bonus things I wish I’d done (or did, and was thankful for!) before moving tro Cabo, Mexico:
- Make copies of all important documents. IDs, passports, health records—both digital and paper versions.
- Understand the healthcare setup. Private hospitals are excellent here, but having expat health insurance gives you extra peace of mind.
- Rent before buying. Try living in different neighborhoods. Ask locals for advice. From realtors to your barista, people are full of wisdom that doesn’t show up in Google searches.
Cabo Can Be More Than a Getaway
Moving to Cabo isn’t just a change of place—it’s a lovely lifestyle shift. Yes, you’ll have to navigate new routines, unexpected hiccups, and cultural adjustments. But you’ll also gain something priceless: a richer, slower, more colorful way of living.
Cabo isn’t perfect. But it’s real. It’s warm, it’s alive, and if you open your heart to it, it just might become the home you didn’t know you were missing.
So, if you’re on the fence about moving, jump. Just do it with your eyes open and your sandals packed.
Need help in choosing the perfect property for your budget? I can help you do that. Book a free consultation with me, and discover what’s uniquely in store for you!