As promised, we’re back on topic with the cost of living in Cabo. Recently I posted the prices of many commodities at the supermarket. For some time now my shopping habits have been dictated not so much by value as time. I need to get in and out as quickly as possible. But if you have the luxury of a little free time you can save yourself quite a bit of cash, get better quality, and have a cultural experience.
Once I start naming names you’ll probably realize you’ve seen those names on little trucks all over Cabo. They are the purveyors for the restaurants and hotels and they don’t mind selling retail. Las Palmas, Lizzaraga, ComNor, Ocean Leader, Valle Hermanos are a few you might recognize. I’ve been shopping Las Palmas and Lizzaraga for years (and years) but my colleague and fellow foodie Ed Langton is introducing me to some others. And since he was able to get their price lists I thought a little comparison might be in order. So, let’s see….
| Item | Supermarket | Wholesale |
| Chicken Breast | $1.74 per pound | $1.52 per pound |
| Ground Beef | $2.68 per pound | $2.27 per pound |
| Ground Pork | $2.44 per pound | $1.92 per pound |
| Pork Loin | $3.67per pound | $2.97 per pound |
| Ribs not baby back | $3.14 per pound | $1.92 per pound |
| Baby Back | Not available | $2.65 per pound |
| Beef Filet Mignon | Not in stock this wk | $8.74 per pound |
| Beef Prime Rib | Not available | $5.06 per pound |
Now just a few words on how this works.
Looks are deceiving. The two I use are Las Palmas (butcher shop) and Lizzaraga (green grocer). Both are HUGE commercial operations that take up most if not all of the block they are on. But both kept on the little ‘tiendita’ or corner store that started their parents out many years ago. They look like what they are: old. And the products in them are the products that will be in demand in a working class neighborhood. Pay no attention to the butcher case at Las Palmas, after you wait your turn tell the nice butcher what you want. If you’re timid about your Spanish make a list, translate it, and simply hand it to him. Remember: you’re ordering in kilos. A pound is approximately half a kilo so make the adjustment. The butcher will get your meat and bring it to the cash register. They do custom cuts so be ready to tell them how thick you want your chops or bacon, etc. Las Palmas is on Felix Ortega street: go up Hildalgo, turn right on Ortega and go about two blocks.
Lizzaraga is on the right side of route 19 (the road to Todos Santos) just past the Bordo (the road that runs from the corridor to route 19). It is sandwiched between the Pemex station and the Chedraui grocery store. If you don’t see what you’re looking for don’t be afraid to ask; they’ll call someone in the commercial department and see if it’s available.
Last, I realize I didn’t have any seafood prices in that last blog. So here’s a couple of teasers from the Ocean Leader price list. Giant shrimp (U-15 size, basically a giant prawn) are $7.69 per pound and fillet of sea bass (cabrilla) is only $2.97 per pound.
Kind of makes you think surf and turf, right?
Carol Billups is Broker/Owner of Cabo Realty Pros. She has enjoyed working with both buyers and sellers for over thirteen years and still thinks hers is the best job on earth. She is also the real estate columnist for Los Cabos Magazine. You can read more of her articles on the website blog www.caborealtypros.com. You can reach her from the U.S. or Canada at 1-760-481-7694, or in Cabo at 044-624-147-7541. You can listen to our 24/7 broadcast on http://www.livecabo.net for a mix of happy music, weather reports and local information.
© 2014 Carol S. Billups
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