You Bought a Home in La Paz… Now What Ongoing Costs Should You Expect?
The first time I did groceries in La Paz again, after living two years in Vancouver, Canada, I walked out of Chedraui with full bags and a smile. Avocados, mangos, cheese, meat, fresh fruit… all for under $1,200 pesos.
That day, I rediscovered something I may have once taken for granted: living here is more affordable than most people think.
Of course, buying a home is just the beginning. There are also day-to-day costs to consider. I’m not talking about major investments, but rather the kinds of expenses that, if you know them ahead of time, help you enjoy your new home without surprises.
Here are the ones I believe are most important:
Property Tax (Predial)
This is the annual property tax paid by homeowners.
Compared to the U.S. or Canada, the amount is surprisingly low.
It’s paid once a year (with discounts if you pay in January or February), and varies depending on the size, location, and assessed value of the property. For many residential homes, it can be under $4,000 pesos per year.
Basic Utilities
When moving into your new home, you'll need to register (or update) services such as:
Electricity (CFE)
Water (SAPA)
Trash collection (included with water)
Gas (tank-based or stationary systems)
Internet / TV (fiber or satellite options)
I personally use fiber internet from Telmex, which works well for my daily needs.
One of my clients, on the other hand, chose Starlink because of their more remote location — and they’re thrilled with the speed and how easy it was to activate.
💡 Pro tip: Set aside an afternoon to get these things set up. It’s not hard, but each office has its own rhythm and wait times.
Annual Trust Fee (for Foreign Buyers)
If you purchased through a bank trust (fideicomiso), you’ll pay a yearly fee for its administration, typically between $500 and $800 USD, depending on the bank.
This covers the legal upkeep of the trust and your ownership rights.
It's paid directly to the fiduciary bank via transfer or online platform and usually includes legal updates and title validation.
Maintenance & Upgrades
Living near the sea is a privilege, but it does come with upkeep:
Roof maintenance, exterior paint, water filtration systems, landscaping…
If your property is in a gated community or condominium, you'll likely have a monthly or quarterly HOA or maintenance fee.
👀 Helpful tip: If you bought a pre-construction home, make sure to review all the upgrade options available early in the process. It’s often more cost-effective to request upgrades before your property is delivered.
What About Home Insurance?
While not mandatory or as common as in the U.S. or Canada, more and more owners are opting for property insurance that covers hurricanes, theft, or fire.
In Baja California Sur, we do experience strong rains and tropical storms occasionally, but there's still not a widespread culture of disaster protection.
Personally, I don’t currently have property insurance, but I’m open to getting one in the future.
If you’re retired or relocating from abroad, it might bring peace of mind to know the option exists.
So, What Ongoing Costs Should You Keep in Mind?
After your purchase, plan for these recurring costs:
Annual property tax (predial)
Bank trust maintenance fee (if applicable)
Monthly or bimonthly utilities
Maintenance or HOA fees (if applicable)
Preventative maintenance or repairs
Optional property insurance
💬 What I Always Tell My Clients:
“You don’t just buy a house.
You live in it, care for it, and enjoy it.
And when you know what comes after the closing, you get to enjoy every part of the journey.”
Want a simple post-purchase cost checklist?
If you’d like a quick reference chart with the most common homeownership expenses in La Paz, send me a message, I’d be happy to share it.
My goal is that you enjoy your home in La Paz, not stress over things I can help you prepare for.
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