Retirement in Cabo: How to Live Debt-Free and Stress-Free
As the Broker of Oceanside Real Estate, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern over the years: for many hardworking Americans and Canadians, retirement often feels like a distant dream, one that keeps slipping further away. I’m inspired to share this story, one that mirrors the experiences of my own parents and in-laws, as well as many of our friends. Like many people who are in their 60s, they had done everything “right” but still find themselves writing mortgage checks every month, weighed down by property taxes, insurance, and endless bills.
Then, they made one life-changing decision: they sold their California homes. With the equity they unlocked, they were able to buy beautiful homes in Cabo, free and clear, with no mortgage, tiny property taxes, and a lifestyle they once thought impossible.
Buying Cabo Homes Free & Clear
With the proceeds from their California sales, they were able to buy beautiful homes in Cabo outright — often in that sweet spot starting around $300,000 USD.
- No mortgage.
- Low annual property taxes (just 0.1% of the purchase price).
- Affordable day-to-day costs (maintenance, utilities, groceries).
For the first time in decades, they weren’t budgeting for retirement — they were living it.
The Cabo Lifestyle: Why It Works
Cabo isn’t just a vacation destination anymore — it’s a place where retirees thrive.
🌴 Year-round sunshine – No more gray, rainy winters or scorching triple-digit summers. Cabo’s climate is one of the most comfortable in the world.
🎣 Fishing & golf for days – Whether it’s chasing marlin or teeing off on ocean-view fairways, there’s always something to do.
🍷 Food, wine & culture – Cabo’s culinary scene has exploded, with everything from fresh seafood taco stands to five-star dining and wine bars.
💻 Close to home – California (and most of the U.S. West Coast) is just a 2–4 hour flight away. Family visits are easy, and trips back for holidays or appointments are no hassle.
🩺 Surprisingly great healthcare – Modern clinics, English-speaking doctors, and care that’s not only high-quality but affordable — our parents were amazed.
From Stressed… to Free
We’ve watched both sets of our parents transform. The weight of bills, the stress of “what if,” the worry about whether they’d really be able to retire — it’s gone.
Now, they wake up to ocean breezes. They travel when they want. They host friends and family. They’re living the retirement they spent a lifetime working for.
And They’re Not Alone
This isn’t just their story — it’s a growing trend.
More and more Californians — and Americans in general — are cashing out of high-priced markets, unlocking their equity, and buying a home in Cabo free and clear.
It’s not just about escaping high costs. It’s about buying freedom. Security. Joy.
Ready to See What Cabo Can Do for You?
If you’ve been staring at your mortgage statement wondering, “How will I ever retire like this?” — you’re not alone.
Cabo might just be your answer. Whether it’s a sleek condo overlooking the marina or a spacious villa near the golf course, Los Cabos offers something rare: the chance to own your home outright and reclaim your future.
Your next chapter doesn’t have to include a mortgage. It can include sunsets, fresh seafood, and trips wherever you want, because you’ll finally have the time and the means.
Let’s talk about how you can make that happen.
Testimonials
After many unforgettable visits, we felt led to make Cabo San Lucas our retirement home. Drawn by the ocean, the beach, and a strong sense of community, we sold our California home of nearly 30 years and used the equity to purchase a beautiful home in Cabo, completely debt-free. One of the greatest blessings has been how much more affordable life is here — our monthly expenses are only a fraction of what they were in the U.S. Following God’s lead and retiring in Cabo has been the best decision we’ve made — for our lifestyle, our marriage, our peace of mind, and our joy.
Theresa & Randy Emerson —
Sacramento California
We never thought that after nearly paying off our California mortgage, the high taxes, insurance, and constant upkeep made it impossible to live comfortably on our retirement income and Social Security. We made a bold decision, sold our home, bought our retirement property in Cabo with cash, and everything changed. With no mortgage and much lower monthly expenses, we can finally enjoy retirement without financial stress. My husband got the opportunity to Marshall at a golf resort with the benefit of free golf. We can afford to travel to many world destinations because living here is so affordable. We feel like we have bought back financial freedom and been given the chance to enjoy life with our permanent move to Cabo San Lucas.
Kathy & Marcel Cherpin —
Fontana California
