Mexico remains one of the most attractive countries in Latin America for people who want a lower cost of living without giving up good food, modern services, reliable internet, diverse cities, and an easygoing lifestyle.

But there is one important catch: there is no single “cost of living in Mexico.”

A single person renting a modest apartment in a smaller Mexican city can spend far less than a couple living in a popular expat neighborhood in Mexico City. A family with children, private healthcare, frequent restaurant meals, and a car can easily spend several times more.

For 2026, a realistic monthly budget can range from roughly MXN 18,000–25,000 ($1,000–$1,400) for a budget-conscious single person to MXN 60,000+ ($3,400+) for a comfortable family lifestyle, depending heavily on location and lifestyle.

This guide breaks down the main monthly expenses in Mexico in Mexican pesos (MXN) and U.S. dollars (USD), including housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, and everyday spending.

2026 price note: Prices vary significantly between cities and neighborhoods. The figures below are practical planning ranges rather than fixed national prices. Mexico’s official inflation data also shows that prices continue to move, although inflation has moderated during 2026. INEGI reported annual inflation of 3.55% in the first half of June, while July inflation later fell to its lowest level in more than six years.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mexico in 2026?

For a comfortable lifestyle, without assuming luxury accommodation or an extravagant social life, these are useful starting points:

Lifestyle	Monthly MXN	Approx. USD
Single person — budget	MXN 18,000–25,000	$1,000–$1,400
Single person — comfortable	MXN 28,000–40,000	$1,550–$2,250
Couple — budget/comfortable	MXN 35,000–50,000	$1,950–$2,800
Couple — comfortable	MXN 45,000–65,000	$2,500–$3,650
Family of four — moderate	MXN 55,000–75,000	$3,100–$4,200
Family of four — comfortable	MXN 70,000–100,000+	$3,900–$5,600+

These totals assume long-term living rather than a short vacation. Hotel stays, Airbnb-style accommodation, international flights, extensive private schooling, luxury cars, and frequent travel can push the budget substantially higher.

For USD conversions, this article uses a rounded planning rate of approximately MXN 18 per US$1. Exchange rates fluctuate, so anyone building a precise budget should use the current rate rather than treating the conversion as fixed.

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Mexico Monthly Cost of Living Calculator

The easiest way to estimate your personal budget is to think about your expenses in categories rather than relying on one national average.

A typical monthly budget includes:

• Rent
• Groceries
• Electricity and other utilities
• Internet and mobile phone
• Transportation
• Restaurants and entertainment
• Healthcare
• Household and personal expenses
• Travel and miscellaneous spending

For example, a single person living in a mid-priced city might have a budget like this:

Expense	Monthly MXN	Approx. USD
Rent	MXN 10,000	$555
Groceries	MXN 4,500	$250
Utilities	MXN 2,000	$110
Internet + phone	MXN 800	$45
Transportation	MXN 1,500	$85
Restaurants & entertainment	MXN 3,000	$165
Healthcare/misc.	MXN 2,000	$110
Total	MXN 23,800	~$1,320

That is a useful example of how someone can live relatively comfortably without living an especially luxurious lifestyle.

The biggest variable is usually housing.

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1. Housing Costs in Mexico

Rent is normally the single biggest part of a monthly budget.

The difference between neighborhoods can be enormous. A centrally located furnished apartment aimed at international residents may cost several times more than a basic local apartment outside the most popular areas.

Current cost-of-living data illustrates this city-to-city variation. Numbeo’s July 2026 Mexico data places San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta among the more expensive cities in its Mexican comparison, while cities such as Aguascalientes have substantially lower overall cost indices.

Typical monthly rent

Accommodation	Monthly MXN	Approx. USD
Basic room/shared accommodation	MXN 4,000–8,000	$220–$445
Basic 1-bedroom apartment	MXN 7,000–13,000	$390–$725
Comfortable 1-bedroom apartment	MXN 10,000–20,000	$555–$1,110
2-bedroom apartment	MXN 14,000–28,000	$780–$1,555
3-bedroom family home/apartment	MXN 20,000–40,000+	$1,110–$2,225+

These are broad national ranges.

In popular expat and tourist areas, furnished apartments can cost considerably more. In less internationalized neighborhoods and smaller cities, substantially cheaper options may still be available.

Furnished vs. unfurnished

Furnished apartments are convenient for digital nomads and new arrivals, but convenience comes at a price.

If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for only a few months, paying more for a furnished apartment can make sense.

If you’re staying for a year or longer, an unfurnished or locally rented property may offer much better value.

The neighborhood matters more than the city name

Two apartments in the same city can have completely different prices.

This is especially noticeable in places with large international communities. Popular neighborhoods can have higher rents, more expensive restaurants, and more imported products.

So instead of asking:

“How much does it cost to live in Mexico City?”

a better question is:

“How much does it cost to live in the neighborhood I actually want?”

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2. Grocery Costs in Mexico

Food is one of the areas where Mexico can still be very affordable, particularly if you shop at local markets and buy Mexican-produced food.

A monthly grocery budget might look like:

Household	Monthly groceries	Approx. USD
Single person	MXN 3,000–5,000	$165–$280
Couple	MXN 5,000–8,000	$280–$445
Family of four	MXN 8,000–14,000	$445–$780

A local-style diet can be significantly cheaper than a diet built around imported products.

Typical inexpensive staples include:

• Tortillas
• Rice
• Beans
• Eggs
• Seasonal fruit
• Local vegetables
• Chicken
• Local dairy products
• Mexican cheeses
• Bread and baked goods

Imported foods can change the equation quickly.

If your shopping basket includes imported European products, specialty health foods, premium coffee, imported wine, or products from the U.S., your grocery bill can become much higher.

Local markets vs. supermarkets

Shopping at local markets can offer excellent value, especially for fresh produce.

Supermarkets are convenient and often better for packaged products, household supplies, and imported goods.

A combination of the two is usually the most practical approach.

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3. Eating Out in Mexico

Eating at local restaurants can be one of the best-value parts of living in Mexico.

A simple local meal can cost considerably less than a meal in a tourist-oriented or upscale international restaurant.

As a general planning range:

Type of meal	Typical price
Street tacos / simple local food	MXN 50–150
Casual local restaurant	MXN 120–250
Mid-range restaurant	MXN 250–500 per person
Upscale restaurant	MXN 500+ per person

The biggest distinction is often where you eat, not simply what you eat.

Someone who eats tacos, mercados, fondas, and local restaurants can keep food spending relatively low.

Someone who regularly chooses trendy restaurants in Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Tulum, San Miguel de Allende, or other international hotspots can spend much closer to U.S. or European restaurant prices.

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4. Utilities in Mexico

Utilities are generally manageable, but electricity deserves special attention.

Your monthly bills can include:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet
• Mobile phone
• Sometimes building or maintenance fees

A reasonable starting range for a single person or couple is:

Utility	Monthly estimate
Electricity	MXN 400–2,500+
Water	MXN 100–500
Gas	MXN 300–1,000
Internet	MXN 400–800
Mobile phone	MXN 150–500

That gives a rough combined range of MXN 1,350–5,300+ ($75–$295+) per month, depending heavily on electricity use.

Why electricity can become expensive

Air conditioning is the major variable in many parts of Mexico.

In hot regions such as Mérida, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and other coastal destinations, running air conditioning regularly can have a noticeable impact on your monthly electricity bill.

A home that looks cheap on paper may therefore become considerably more expensive if you need air conditioning throughout the day.

When comparing apartments, ask about:

• Air conditioning
• Electricity bills
• Gas
• Water
• Internet
• Whether maintenance fees are included

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5. Internet and Mobile Phone Costs

Internet is relatively inexpensive compared with many Western countries.

A typical home internet plan may cost around:

MXN 400–800 per month ($20–$45).

Mobile phone costs depend on how much data you use, but a basic prepaid or monthly plan can often be kept within:

MXN 150–500 per month ($8–$28).

For digital nomads, internet quality should be evaluated at the specific property, rather than simply assuming that the city has good connectivity.

Always test the connection if possible before signing a long-term lease.

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6. Transportation Costs

Transportation is another area where your lifestyle makes a major difference.

Mexico has extensive public transportation networks, and many people can live without owning a car.

Typical options include:

• Metro
• City buses
• Taxis
• Ride-hailing services
• Colectivos
• Intercity buses
• Walking
• Cycling
• Private cars

A person who lives centrally and uses public transportation may spend only:

MXN 800–2,000 ($45–$110) per month.

Regular Uber or taxi use can increase this substantially.

What about owning a car?

A car adds costs beyond fuel.

You need to consider:

• Fuel
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Parking
• Registration
• Repairs
• Depreciation

For that reason, owning a car should not be included automatically in a Mexico cost-of-living calculation.

If you live in a walkable neighborhood with good public transportation, avoiding a car can save a meaningful amount every month.

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7. Healthcare Costs in Mexico

Healthcare is an important part of any long-term Mexico budget.

Costs vary enormously depending on whether you use:

• Public healthcare
• Local private clinics
• Private hospitals
• International insurance
• Out-of-pocket care

Routine private medical care can be considerably less expensive than comparable care in the United States, but international residents should not assume that all medical expenses will be inexpensive.

For a realistic personal budget, consider setting aside:

MXN 1,000–4,000+ per month ($55–$225+)

for routine healthcare, medications, insurance contributions, or medical expenses, depending on your circumstances.

Private health insurance can add significantly more.

For retirees, families, or people with specific medical needs, healthcare should be calculated separately rather than simply adding a small generic allowance to the monthly budget.

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8. Entertainment and Lifestyle

Entertainment costs depend almost entirely on how you spend your free time.

A local-oriented lifestyle can be inexpensive.

Regular nightlife, international restaurants, beach clubs, concerts, gyms, coworking spaces and weekend trips can quickly increase spending.

A reasonable entertainment budget might be:

Lifestyle	Monthly estimate
Budget	MXN 1,000–2,500
Moderate	MXN 2,500–5,000
Social/active	MXN 5,000–10,000+

This is one reason two people earning the same income can have completely different experiences with the cost of living in Mexico.

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Cost of Living in Mexico for a Single Person

A single person has the greatest flexibility.

If you choose a smaller city, rent a modest apartment, cook regularly, use public transportation, and eat locally, you can keep expenses relatively low.

Budget lifestyle

MXN 18,000–25,000 / $1,000–$1,400 per month

This could cover:

• Modest apartment
• Local groceries
• Public transportation
• Basic utilities
• Occasional restaurants
• Basic entertainment

Comfortable lifestyle

MXN 28,000–40,000 / $1,550–$2,250 per month

This gives you more room for:

• Better housing
• More restaurant meals
• Ride-hailing
• Entertainment
• Gym/coworking
• Better groceries
• More discretionary spending

Higher-end lifestyle

MXN 45,000+ / $2,500+ per month

At this level, your biggest expense becomes housing and lifestyle choices rather than basic necessities.

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Cost of Living in Mexico for a Couple

Two people benefit from shared housing and utilities, so the cost per person can be lower than for two separate single-person households.

A couple living comfortably can reasonably plan for:

MXN 45,000–65,000 ($2,500–$3,650) per month.

A possible budget:

Expense	Monthly MXN
Rent	MXN 15,000
Groceries	MXN 7,000
Utilities + internet	MXN 3,000
Transportation	MXN 2,500
Restaurants	MXN 5,000
Entertainment	MXN 3,500
Healthcare/misc.	MXN 4,000
Total	MXN 40,000

That would provide a reasonably comfortable lifestyle in many Mexican cities, although the same budget can feel considerably tighter in expensive neighborhoods or tourist-heavy destinations.

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Cost of Living in Mexico for a Family

Families need to account for more than simply multiplying the cost of one person.

The major additional expenses can include:

• Larger housing
• More groceries
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Childcare
• Schooling
• Activities
• Clothing
• Household expenses

A family of four living moderately comfortably might plan for:

MXN 55,000–75,000 ($3,100–$4,200) per month.

A more comfortable family lifestyle can easily reach:

MXN 70,000–100,000+ ($3,900–$5,600+).

Schooling can change everything

For families with children, education is potentially one of the biggest additional costs.

Public schooling and private/international schooling produce completely different budgets.

If children attend an expensive international school, education can become one of the largest expenses in the entire household budget.

Therefore, families should calculate:

housing + food + transportation + healthcare + education

rather than relying on a generic “family cost of living” figure.

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Mexico Cost of Living by City

Mexico’s cities can have dramatically different price levels.

Current 2026 cost-of-living data shows meaningful differences between locations. Numbeo’s July 2026 comparison, for example, places San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta and Monterrey toward the higher end of its Mexican city list, while Guadalajara, Mérida and Aguascalientes appear lower in the comparison.

Here is how the major destinations generally compare.

Mexico City

Mexico City offers enormous variety.

You can live relatively affordably, but popular central neighborhoods can be expensive.

Best for:

• Career opportunities
• Restaurants
• Culture
• Museums
• Nightlife
• International communities
• Public transportation

Budget expectation: roughly MXN 25,000–45,000+ ($1,400–$2,500+) for a comfortable single lifestyle, depending heavily on neighborhood and rent.

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Guadalajara

Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s major metropolitan areas and can offer a strong balance between urban amenities and cost.

Popular neighborhoods such as Americana and Providencia can be significantly more expensive than outer areas.

Best for:

• Technology
• Startups
• Food
• Urban lifestyle
• Digital professionals

A single person can potentially live comfortably around MXN 25,000–40,000 ($1,400–$2,250), depending on housing and lifestyle.

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Mérida

Mérida is popular with retirees, expats and people looking for a slower lifestyle.

It can offer good value compared with some of Mexico’s most expensive international destinations, although desirable neighborhoods and renovated homes can command premium rents.

Best for:

• Warm weather
• Colonial architecture
• Slower pace
• Expat communities
• Access to Yucatán

A comfortable single-person budget might be around MXN 23,000–38,000 ($1,300–$2,100).

The main issue to watch is air conditioning. Hot weather can increase electricity costs considerably.

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Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta combines a beautiful coastal setting with a large international community.

The trade-off is price.

Current Numbeo data places Puerto Vallarta among Mexico’s higher-cost cities, particularly when housing and restaurants are considered.

Best for:

• Beach lifestyle
• International community
• Restaurants
• Outdoor activities
• Digital nomads and retirees

A comfortable single person may want to budget approximately MXN 30,000–50,000+ ($1,650–$2,800+).

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Cancún

Cancún is famous internationally, but living there long-term is not necessarily as cheap as visitors might expect.

Tourism influences prices, particularly in desirable areas.

Best for:

• Beaches
• International connections
• Tourism
• Caribbean lifestyle

A reasonable comfortable budget for one person may be around MXN 28,000–45,000+ ($1,550–$2,500+).

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San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has become one of Mexico’s most internationally recognized expat and retirement destinations.

It is also one of the places where the idea that “Mexico is cheap” can become misleading.

Numbeo’s July 2026 data places San Miguel de Allende at the top of its Mexican city comparison for overall cost of living and rental-related costs.

Best for:

• Retirees
• Art and culture
• Colonial architecture
• Expat community
• Walkable central lifestyle

Expect to pay a premium for desirable housing and international-style amenities.

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Monterrey

Monterrey is a major business and industrial center.

It is not generally the first choice for someone looking for a cheap retirement destination, but it can make sense for professionals and people whose priorities include employment and modern infrastructure.

Best for:

• Business
• Employment
• Industry
• Modern urban amenities

Housing and lifestyle costs can be higher than in many smaller Mexican cities.

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Which Mexican Cities Are Cheapest?

If your priority is minimizing monthly expenses, don’t automatically choose the most famous expat destination.

Smaller and less internationally oriented cities can offer much better value.

For example, Aguascalientes currently appears substantially lower in Numbeo’s 2026 city comparison than San Miguel de Allende or Puerto Vallarta.

Other cities worth investigating include:

• Aguascalientes
• Puebla
• León
• Oaxaca
• Morelia
• Querétaro
• Smaller cities outside major tourist zones

The important distinction is that cheaper does not necessarily mean worse.

You may simply be trading some international amenities and English-language services for lower housing and everyday costs.

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Is Mexico Still Cheap in 2026?

Yes—but the answer depends on what you compare it with and how you live.

Mexico is not uniformly cheap.

Local food, public transportation, domestic services and many everyday expenses can still provide excellent value.

At the same time:

• Prime real estate can be expensive.
• Imported products can cost much more.
• Popular tourist destinations command higher prices.
• International schools can be expensive.
• Premium restaurants can approach U.S. or European prices.
• Furnished short-term rentals can be costly.

Mexico’s inflation environment has also changed over time. INEGI’s 2026 data shows continued price movement across housing, food, restaurants and other services, even as headline inflation has recently moderated.

So the better question is not:

“Is Mexico cheap?”

It is:

“Can I build the lifestyle I want in Mexico for less than I would pay at home?”

For many people, the answer is still yes.

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Cost of Living in Mexico for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads often have a different spending pattern from local residents.

They may spend more on:

• Furnished apartments
• Short-term rentals
• Coworking spaces
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Ride-hailing
• Travel
• International flights

A digital nomad living comfortably might therefore budget around:

MXN 30,000–50,000 ($1,650–$2,800) per month.

A more budget-conscious nomad could spend less, especially by choosing a smaller city and signing a longer rental agreement.

The biggest digital nomad mistake

The most common budgeting mistake is comparing the cost of a local long-term lifestyle with the cost of a short-term international lifestyle.

A person renting a furnished apartment for one month, eating out daily, using Uber everywhere and visiting coworking spaces is not living on the same budget as someone who has lived in Mexico for two years, rents locally, cooks at home and uses public transportation.

Both budgets are valid.

They are simply different lifestyles.

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Cost of Living in Mexico for Expats

Expats can fall anywhere on the spending spectrum.

Someone who adopts many local habits may find Mexico very affordable.

Someone who recreates their home-country lifestyle may find Mexico surprisingly expensive.

For example:

More affordable expat lifestyle

• Local neighborhood
• Long-term rental
• Local markets
• Mexican restaurants
• Public transportation
• Limited imported products

Potential budget: MXN 25,000–40,000/month

Comfortable expat lifestyle

• Desirable neighborhood
• Good apartment
• Mix of local and international food
• Regular ride-hailing
• Private healthcare
• Restaurants and entertainment

Potential budget: MXN 40,000–65,000/month

Premium expat lifestyle

• Large furnished property
• Prime neighborhood
• Frequent restaurants
• Private vehicle
• Private healthcare
• International products
• Regular travel

Potential budget: MXN 70,000+/month

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Hidden Costs to Include in Your Mexico Budget

The advertised monthly cost of an apartment or city does not tell the whole story.

Before moving, consider these additional expenses:

Deposits and moving costs

Renting a property may require deposits, advance payments, agency fees, or other upfront expenses.

Furnishing

An unfurnished apartment can be cheaper each month but require a significant initial investment.

Air conditioning

This is particularly important in hot climates.

Private healthcare

Routine healthcare may be affordable, but insurance and major medical treatment need their own budget.

Visas and immigration

If you’re staying long-term, factor in immigration-related fees and professional assistance if required.

Banking and international transfers

Currency conversion and transfer fees can become recurring expenses.

Travel home

Expats and digital nomads frequently underestimate the cost of flights home and regional travel.

Imported products

If you regularly buy products from your home country, expect your grocery budget to rise.

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How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Mexico?

For a single person, $1,500–$2,000 per month can provide a comfortable lifestyle in many Mexican cities.

For a couple, $2,500–$3,500 per month is a useful target for a comfortable lifestyle.

For a family of four, $3,500–$5,500+ per month gives considerably more breathing room, although education and housing can push this much higher.

The location is critical.

A $2,000 monthly budget may feel comfortable in one city and restrictive in another.

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Mexico Monthly Budget: Quick Reference

Lifestyle	MXN/month	USD/month
Single — very budget-conscious	18,000	~$1,000
Single — comfortable	30,000	~$1,670
Single — comfortable/high-end	40,000	~$2,220
Couple — budget	35,000	~$1,950
Couple — comfortable	50,000	~$2,780
Couple — high-end	65,000	~$3,610
Family of four — moderate	60,000	~$3,330
Family of four — comfortable	80,000	~$4,440
Family of four — high-end	100,000+	~$5,560+

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Mexico Cost of Living Calculator (2026)

💱 Live Currency Converter USD to MXN

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Final Verdict: Is Mexico Affordable in 2026?

Mexico can still be an affordable place to live in 2026, but your city, neighborhood and lifestyle matter more than the country-wide average.

If you live like a local, choose your housing carefully, shop at local markets and avoid unnecessary car ownership, Mexico can offer an excellent quality-to-cost ratio.

If you choose premium furnished accommodation in a popular expat neighborhood, eat at international restaurants every day, use taxis constantly and buy imported products, your monthly expenses can quickly approach those of more expensive countries.

The most important expense is usually rent.

The second major factor is how international your lifestyle is.

And the third is where in Mexico you choose to live.

For that reason, rather than planning around one national “cost of living” number, build your budget around your actual household:

Single → Couple → Family → City → Housing → Lifestyle.

That gives you a much more realistic picture of what Mexico will actually cost you in 2026.

🎥 Video Insights: Real Expat Realities & Affordable Rentals

Want a firsthand look at living costs and daily life in Mexico? These two video guides break down long-term expat experiences and reveal affordable coastal housing options:

4 Years in Mexico: The Honest Truth About Expat Life

A long-term resident shares the unvarnished reality, honest pros & cons, and hidden adjustments of moving to Mexico.

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Budget Housing Spotlight: $600/Month Rentals in San Carlos & Guaymas

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