Cost of furniture in Mexico

Although I realize going with a furnished place is probably the way to go, I would just like to know how does the cost of furniture in the Guadalajara area compare to the US? For example, you can purchase a futon at Sears for about $350. How does the VAT impact the cost of Mexico furnishings by comparison?

Thanks

VAT is 16%.

Thanks David.
But would the total cost with currency exchange, etc. be more or less expensive than in the US?

It goes without saying that furniture is a very broad category and it would all depend on what you are looking for! No different than NOB where there are many different styles and quality levels. You might get more specific answers if you defined just what you were referring to.

jschl453 wrote:Thanks David.
But would the total cost with currency exchange, etc. be more or less expensive than in the US?

Your question specifically referred to the impact of VAT (which is actually IVA). Beyond that your question is not answerable. To wit; you can have furniture custom made here for very low prices if you like "rustico." If you want the same things you'd get NOB they'll most likely be more costly. So, you have options. We bought a home that was "furnished" and within a year replaced about 80%. The basic rule is: if you like it then bring it. Keep in mind that many NOB styles don't work in some homes here.

Somewhat helpful.

Thanks!

I think the bottom line is if you want NOB furniture than it is cheaper NOB. If your OK with Mexican style furniture (rattan and/or leather style and/or custom wood) then it is cheaper to buy it in Mexico.

This is a really tough question to answer because, as David points out, you don't specify a style of furniture. I just asked a similar question on TOB under "furniture shopping" and received some very good pointers to stores in Guad.
But it takes time and effort to find what you're looking for so IMHO a furnished place or partially furnished place is the way to go. Ya gotta sit on something, ya gotta eat at something and ya gotta sleep on something until you get what you want.
The hunt is fun if you make it so...and IMHO furniture is purchased for a spot and a purpose in a home...toting it from place to place and trying to make it work is expensive and frustrating.
BTW, we've been here a month...purchased an incredible behemoth of a desk at a consignment store and a bookcase at Arden's for half price and have moved the existing furniture around in all rooms. All things are doable.

Consider everything to US standards to be more expensive .... but nothing will equal the cost of having a moving company bring things down. Bring a trailer or van full of stuff you really like. Forget the rest of it

Leave as much as you can behind

Thanks everyone. This has been helpful. Hope to meet all of you this summer.

I realize shipping has become expensive. However US products are very expensive. Example: KitchenAid stand mixer US cost around $300 dollars (many color choices). The same model here, at Costco, was a little over $600 and only in the color grey. Mexican brand, good quality, was about $750. Quality is hard to find and pricey. Good quality hand tools are also costly.

I guess it really depends on what you plan to do once you get here and what your needs and desires are.