Comparing TJ from three years ago, it's about the same if you ask me, especially in the alley where the SGs still ask for $20 dollar or 200 pesos.
I would say the prices from three year has gone up a little. Before the asking price was about $60 dollars, and most BGs would take $50 dollar. In Tropical the all the girls ask for $70 dollars, HK at night has been $80. I don't ask in AB, but I bet most ask for $70 dollars too? ( correct me if I'm wrong?)The good thing is most BGs will take $60 dollars, and now since the exchange rate is so favorable, many mongers use pesos for even a better deal, like 600 pesos.( in the past usually the cheaper SG mongers used pesos)
Sadly there is more reported cartel violent crime reports in TJ, however that type of crime is never in the "Zona Norte" where the bars are located. There are a few reported muggings taking place in the zona, and has been reported in the local newpapers. The new mugging reports seems to indicate a MO with a female decoy luring an unsuspecting horny mongers to her hotel room or divert the attention of the monger, and then the rateros move in for the mugging that sometimes involves choke holds.
However, the good news is TJ cop shakedowns are way way down, as that use to be the number one concern three years ago.
Because of the recession I also notice more bars are offering 2 for 1 price beers, all day and night, where before they stopped that after "happy hour."
If you ask me, TJ is as safe as ever personally, because just like three years ago I almost never ran into trouble, and the last two years it's been about the same. I go to TJ have a good time, and come home as safe as could be.
___________
Later I'll come back and give my doomsday scenario on how TJ will be three years from now. I'm going to deliberately be negative for the fun of it.
I want to sound like all the mongers who are scared to go to TJ because they read some story in the paper or see something on "Fox news."