Is it cheaper if I drive across the border into Mexico to do my grociery shopping?

Question

I live in San Diego, CA where everything you buy is very expensive including groceries. If I drive into Tijuana, Mexico to do my shopping, would I save any money? Are groceries any cheaper there? I know the food quality is a lot less there so is it better to just spend the extra money and do my shopping here in the good ol' USA?

Answer 1

I believe groceries cost about the same in Mexico as in the U.S., except for fruits and veggies which are cheaper...but you would not be allowed to take them into the U.S.  I am an American living in Mexico, and bread, milk, canned goods, cereal,...many products are the same price as in the states....in the big grocery stores and Walmart.  And you would probably have to pay duty on anything orver $50.00 worth

Answer 2

I wouldn't suggest buying foods in Mexico, as they are processed in dirtier conditions (although, the FDA does suck at ordaining America's food).

Also, you may have to pay toll fees, pay upwards of $4-$5/gal. for gasoline, then get searched at the border.

You'd also have to stop and change US currency into Pesos.

Answer 3

sure.

but depends on what you shop for, and where you're shopping.

if you're shopping for food, no.

if you're shopping for random knick knacks, yep.

if you're shopping for home supplies, like mops, pinosol, etc. then yea.

Answer 4

It isn't cheaper. I live close to the border and used to go across once a week to get groceries, no more. There are some things I miss from Trader Joes, but I can get along without them. Figure gas and tolls and you have already lost money. And get stressed by the border crossing. The best food bargains in the US are stores in San Ysidro, CA, if we must go, we shop at those stores.Plus there is a duty free for liquor, cheaper than Mexico.

Answer 5

Tijuana is becoming more expensive. It is pretty relative to American prices. I think you'd break even driving around mexico for poorer quality.

I suppose it also depends on your diet and what you buy.

I guess it would be fun to try it out for yourself & find out.

And someone said you'd have to exchange your $ into pasos (which you'd get more for your money) but you don't have to do. everywhere in baja excepts american dollar bills.

that person doesnt know what they're talking about.