Living in Los Cabos: How Much Does Gas Cost

Living in Los Cabos: How Much Does Gas Cost

I keep being asked “How much is gas in Cabo?”. Frankly I don’t care. But here’s your answer.

First, let’s address that answer which is totally unlike me. I’m not that callous. But the deal with gas is that it’s a government monopoly and the price is the price. You can’t cross town and go to a cheaper provider: whatever PEMEX says the price is in your area is what you are going to pay. So it is what it is. I know that 200 pesos used to get me ¾ tank and now is more like 2/3, but that’s just something I have to live with. So I, nor anyone I know, pay any attention except in January when PEMEX posts the new rates.

That said, many people looking to retire or vacation here in Cabo want to know the price of gas. So here goes. While I was putting gas into the Blue Cruiser today (December 16, 2010) I jotted down the pertinent info to calculate it for the interested parties.

So, OK, I paid 8.45 pesos per liter. There are 3.79 liters per gallon. So then I paid 32 pesos per gallon. I should add that was for Magna, which is the normal octane rather than the premium.

So, how much does that mean to you in dollars? Now that’s the key. The “tipo de cambio” or exchange rate at the gas station today was 12:1. So, if you bought one gallon of regular gas today using US dollars at the PEMEX you’d pay the equivalent of $2.66 per gallon. BUT!!!

The exchange rate other places in town was more like 12.5. So, if you bought pesos at the bank, and then used those pesos to buy gas, you’d pay about $2.56 US per gallon.

I should add that this is always full serve. If you tried, you couldn’t pump your own. The attendant will offer to check your oil and water, if you refuse they will at very least clean your windshield. You should give them a five peso or so tip.

So that’s the scoop on gas prices. I haven’t been north in nearly a year but it seems to me that gas is a bargain here compared to the States or Canada. You only have to worry about whether you’re getting every drop you’re paying for. And there are ways to make sure. But that’s another blog……..

Carol Billups is Broker/Owner of REALTY EXECUTIVES Los Cabos. A Certified Home Marketing Specialist, she has enjoyed working with both buyers and sellers for over nine years and still thinks hers is the best job on earth. She is also the real estate columnist for Los Cabos Magazine and the real estate co-ordinator for the Los Cabos Now program on CaboMil FM (www.cabomil.com.mx). You can read more of her articles on http://www.reloscabos.com. You can reach her from the U.S. or Canada at 1-760-481-7694, or in Cabo at 044-624-147-7541.

© 2010 Carol S. Billups