Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico? For LGBTQ+ travelers and those considering a move, understanding the local economy is key. At gaymexico.net, we help you navigate life in Mexico. While Mexico offers a lower cost of living overall, some items, including electronics, can be surprisingly expensive. This guide will help you shop smarter, save money, and enjoy all that Mexico has to offer. Explore LGBTQ+-friendly destinations with practical advice. Discover how to find good values with gaymexico.net.
Table of Contents
1. Laptop Computers: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
2. Pet Food & Accessories: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
3. Smartphones: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
4. Athletic Sneakers: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
5. Kitchen Appliances: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
6. Bed & Bath Linens: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
7. Wine: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
8. Tennis (or Golf) Equipment: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
9. Price Comparisons in 8 Expensive Product Categories: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
10. Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico? FAQs
1. Laptop Computers: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, laptop computers are generally not cheaper in Mexico. You might find that the same models cost significantly more than in the United States due to high import taxes and reduced competition among retailers.
When shopping for laptops in Mexico, you might notice that the inventory consists of older models from major manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Apple. Even if you find the model you want, the price is often much higher than what you would pay in the U.S. For example, a Lenovo laptop that cost $699 USD in Northern California in late 2022 was priced at $1,012 USD in Mexico, which is a 45% increase.
The high cost of computer equipment in Mexico is primarily due to import taxes on electronics, which can be around 19%. Additionally, there are fewer retail outlets selling these products, giving Mexican retailers more power over pricing. Deflation, which is common worldwide as newer models replace older ones, doesn’t always translate to lower prices in Mexico.
2. Pet Food & Accessories: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, pet food and accessories are generally not cheaper in Mexico. Imported pet food is even considered a luxury item and is subject to additional taxes, making it more expensive.
Dog Eating
According to the Wall Street Journal, imported pet food was classified as a “luxury item” by the Mexican government in 2013. This means that pet food is subject to a 16% luxury tax (IEPS) in addition to the standard value-added tax of 16%. This luxury tax contributes to the high cost of imported pet food at local stores. For instance, a can of Fancy Feast cat food can cost $1.75 USD, and a 12 lb. bag of Blue Buffalo cat kibble can cost around $89 USD on Amazon Mexico.
Pet accessories such as leashes, collars, and harnesses are also more expensive in Mexico compared to the U.S. Importing these items yourself isn’t a solution either, as they are subject to a 19% import tax and a 10% duty.
3. Smartphones: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, smartphones are typically not cheaper in Mexico. The high import taxes on electronics, combined with retailer markups, often result in prices that are significantly higher than in the United States.
If you need to replace your smartphone in Mexico, be prepared for sticker shock. For example, an iPhone SE 2 with 128 GB of memory might cost around $351 USD plus tax in the U.S., but it could cost around $570 USD in Mexico, even after bargaining.
The high prices for mobile phones are due to the 19% tax on imported electronics and the retailer’s profit margin. Many people opt to use an older phone until they can purchase a replacement in the United States to avoid these high costs.
4. Athletic Sneakers: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, athletic sneakers, especially high-quality ones, are not cheaper in Mexico. If you rely on athletic shoes for sports or need supportive footwear for medical conditions, buying them in Mexico can be quite expensive.
Athletic Sneakers
While you can find cheap, counterfeit sneakers at local markets, these are not suitable for serious athletes or individuals with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Replacing a pair of supportive sneakers like Hokas can cost more than $230 USD in Guadalajara.
If you require technical athletic shoes for sports or health reasons, it is best to purchase them during your next trip to the United States, where they are significantly more affordable.
5. Kitchen Appliances: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, kitchen appliances are not generally cheaper in Mexico. Whether you shop online at Amazon or in department stores like Liverpool, you’ll find that these items carry a steep premium due to import taxes and duties.
If you enjoy cooking and use appliances like blenders, broilers, or convection ovens, it’s a good idea to bring these with you when you move to Mexico. Kitchen electrics are subject to a 19% tax plus a 15% duty when imported into Mexico.
The high cost is also due to the fact that modern appliances are not as common in Mexican kitchens, allowing retailers to charge higher prices. Replacing a Breville countertop convection oven, for example, can be surprisingly expensive.
6. Bed & Bath Linens: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, bed and bath linens are not typically cheaper in Mexico. While you can find lower-quality options at a lower price, good quality linens can be surprisingly expensive.
Cat in Sheets
When buying new sheets for a bed in Mexico, you may find that even a decent quality king-size set of cotton sheets can cost around $100 USD, even during sales. While you can buy cheaper, poly-blend sheets or towels at stores like Walmart, the quality may not be satisfactory for many people.
Shopping at local stores like Bed Bath & Beyond or online at Amazon Mexico doesn’t offer much better pricing. This is why some Mexican families will bring bulky bed linens back with them when flying from the United States.
7. Wine: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, wine is not cheaper in Mexico. In fact, it is subject to high taxes, making it more expensive than in many other countries.
The Mexican government considers wine a luxury item, and it is subject to both a 16% VAT tax and a 26.5%+ luxury tax. This means that over 40% of the cost of a bottle of wine in Mexico goes to taxes.
As a result, a bottle of wine in Mexico that costs the equivalent of $15 USD might not be very good quality. To get a comparable quality, you might have to pay significantly more. This can lead wine drinkers to explore alternatives like mocktails or consider living in a country like Spain, where wine is more affordable.
8. Tennis (or Golf) Equipment: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
No, tennis or golf equipment is not cheaper in Mexico. These sports are often associated with the elite, and the equipment and club fees are priced accordingly.
Tennis
Even basic items like tennis balls can cost more than $10 USD per can, and newer racquet models can be more than $250 USD each. Club fees can also be very high, with some clubs charging around $600 USD per month after initiation fees.
If you plan to play a lot of tennis or golf while living in Mexico, it’s best to bring your equipment with you, as purchasing it locally can be quite expensive.
9. Price Comparisons in 8 Expensive Product Categories: Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico?
| Item | U.S. Price (USD) | Mexico Price (USD) | Premium (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop Computer | 699 | 1,012 | 45 |
| Fancy Feast Cat Food | 1.00 | 1.75 | 75 |
| Blue Buffalo Cat Kibble | 50 | 89 | 78 |
| iPhone SE 2 | 351 | 570 | 62 |
| Hoka Sneakers | 130 | 230 | 77 |
| Breville Oven | 250 | 400 | 60 |
| King Size Sheets | 75 | 100 | 33 |
| Bottle of Wine | 10 | 15 | 50 |
| Tennis Balls (Can) | 5 | 10 | 100 |
Conversion rate of 17.24 pesos per USD.
These price comparisons show that the price premiums in Mexico for these items are fairly typical. Discounting in either country can sometimes narrow or widen the spreads.
In conclusion, while the overall cost of living in Mexico may be lower, certain items like electronics, pet food, and wine can be surprisingly expensive. If these items are important to your lifestyle, consider bringing them with you when you relocate or stocking up when you travel outside the country.
For more insights and tips on living and traveling in Mexico, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, visit gaymexico.net. Discover LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, events, and valuable resources.
Address: 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States.
Phone: +1 (213) 380-2177.
Website: gaymexico.net.
10. Are Electronics Cheaper In Mexico? FAQs
-
Are laptops really that much more expensive in Mexico?
Yes, laptops can be significantly more expensive in Mexico, often due to import taxes and reduced competition. The same model might cost 45% more than in the U.S. -
Why is pet food considered a luxury item in Mexico?
In 2013, the Mexican government classified imported pet food as a luxury item, subjecting it to additional taxes, making it more expensive. -
Is it better to buy a smartphone in the U.S. before moving to Mexico?
Yes, it is generally better to buy a smartphone in the U.S. before moving to Mexico, as prices are often much higher due to taxes and retailer markups. -
Are there any workarounds for the high cost of wine in Mexico?
Some people experiment with mocktails or consider living in countries like Spain where wine is more affordable due to lower taxes. -
What can I do to save money on athletic shoes in Mexico?
If you need high-quality athletic shoes, it’s best to buy them during a trip to the U.S., where they are more affordable. -
How do import taxes affect the price of electronics in Mexico?
Import taxes on electronics, typically around 19%, significantly increase the price of these items in Mexico. -
Are there any alternatives to buying expensive bed linens in Mexico?
You can buy cheaper, poly-blend sheets at stores like Walmart, but the quality may not be as good as higher-quality cotton sheets. -
Why are kitchen appliances so expensive in Mexico?
Kitchen appliances are subject to a 19% tax plus a 15% duty when imported into Mexico, and retailers can charge higher prices due to lower market saturation. -
Can I avoid the high cost of tennis equipment in Mexico?
If you play tennis regularly, bring your equipment with you when you move to Mexico to avoid the high prices. -
Does gaymexico.net provide more tips on saving money in Mexico?
Yes, gaymexico.net offers many resources and tips for LGBTQ+ travelers and residents in Mexico, including advice on managing expenses and finding LGBTQ+-friendly services and destinations. Visit gaymexico.net for more information.
