In Mazatlán, Sinaloa, more than a thousand apartment towers are being built, all with the same goal: to build apartments to satisfy the taste of tourists, even if they are illegal.
It’s a real estate boom that has unleashed a series of problems in the port, considered the fourth most important tourist destination in the Mexican Pacific. In 2023 alone, 5.4 million people visited, according to the Ministry of Tourism in Sinaloa.
These numbers are interpreted as a positive effect, but not everything is. In the last eight years, the number of annual permits for vertical real estate developments for vacation rentals has increased, causing negative effects on the city.
And this isn’t just for Mazatlán residents. One of the largest communities of “repatriates” from the US and Canada resides in that city. Most of them are former workers who live off their retirement and social security checks. Not enough to continue paying the high cost of living in Mazatlan.
“We, the people of Mazatlán, stand united against the gentrification forced upon us by wealthy foreigners and real estate tycoons who are stripping our city of its soul. Our homes, culture, and livelihoods are being displaced by luxury developments and restrictive policies that silence our banda music and erode our heritage. We demand affordable housing, protections for local businesses, and a voice in our city’s future, refusing to let Mazatlán become a playground for the rich while we, the heart of this community, are pushed out.”, writes Canñon Real, on his Facebook account.
The average U.S. citizen receives roughly $1,979 per month from Social Security benefits in 2025. However, this amount can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and whether the recipient is a retired worker, a disabled individual, or a survivor. For retired workers, the average monthly benefit is closer to $2,002.39 as of May 2025.
This is equivalent to about 37,800 pesos at the current exchange rate. This is still a comfortable amount for many retirees seeking a simple and comfortable life. Apartment rent exceeds 15,000 pesos in a convenient area, about 40 percent of what they receive.
Other problems with the massive influx of tourism and foreigners seeking to reside in Mazatlán include sewage discharges into the ocean, constant water and power outages in working-class neighborhoods, poor garbage collection, coastal erosion, increased logging of the low deciduous forest without mitigation, and rising housing costs, resulting in an inaccessible space for those who live in the so-called “Pearl of the Pacific.”
While the exact number of American retirees specifically in Mazatlan is not readily available, it’s estimated that around 10,000 expats live in Mazatlan, with some being “snowbirds” who spend part of the year there. Mexico as a whole is home to a significant number of American retirements, with estimates ranging from 1 to 2 million, according to Togofor-Homes. Mazatlan is a popular destination within Mexico for retreats due to its beaches, vibrant culture, and relatively lower cost of living compared to the US.
To live comfortably in Mazatlan, Mexico, a couple can expect to spend roughly $1,500 to $2,500 USD per month. This budget can cover housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and entertainment. A single person could live comfortably on around $880 USD per month, but a couple would likely need more.
