There are still somePueblo Magicoswhere you can find very cheap rent in Mexico. With a few sacrifices in terms of lifestyle, you could cut your living expenses down to $500 per month and live relatively comfortably if you are on a tight budget. I havent been in SP in a while, but in 2013/2014 the summer rains would occaisionally even take out the power in San Pancho, but not nearby Sayulita. You mentioned you stay in Barcelona, how did you manage to live there longer than 90 days? .fullwidth-signup{ The cheapest way to travel between cities is by taking a bus. If you figure out the monthly costs for basic needs for a couple with 2 children it adds up to approximately $6295.00 pesos a month. My wife and I are planning on becoming snow birds next winter. Are there a lot of foreigners there? People with enough money to live wellwho maximized opportunities in the U.S. to earn a living, or work online and make a much stronger currency (USD, pounds, euro) have opportunities that simply dont exist for locals. Best places to live in Mexico. How do you generate an income while you are living in different countries? While cost of living varies by location, a typical couple can expect to spend roughly $2,500 a month to live comfortably in Mexico. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { I ate out at least one meal a day, went to the local movie theater and rented DVDs every weekend, and generally had a relaxing, quiet lifestyle. With apartments going for 2-3x what they were before the pandemic. Living in Mexico is ideal for budget-conscious expats, retirees, and digital nomads. Capt/Drm (2021), Im planning to move to Mexico. To start we own our home and therefore have no direct expenses for housing. As a mom, we spend probably $1,200 USD a month. And $50 for fitness? Thanks so much for all the great info! One of the best things about living in Mexico is the variety of cities and towns to choose from. Hard to say Bill, this is certainly not my area of expertise. Ive been thinking of retiring in San Pancho. However, expat money is helping to support the local economy as well, so not all bad in my opinion. I dont drink or go out to eat so this is rather basic. These all come recommended, and if you plan to move to the area they are a good base. Zihuatanejo 7. Dental $50.00 The ADO bus is pretty much the only bus service in Mexico that has an online booking option, so if you want to book a budget 2nd or 3rd class bus you need to go to the bus station where they will tell you the schedule in-person, and you pay in cash. .signup-row:after { Ok, please forgive me for my thoughts regarding what you should do. Whew, glad we got that out of the way. Keep reading for a complete guide on the 13 best street foods + the best street food tour in Oaxaca! Read More Top 10 Things to Do in OaxacaContinue. It's natural, some local markets will have cheaper fruits and vegetables while other markets will have cheaper meats. Baja is beautiful! Good questions. If you have the time, we recommend visiting the country first to get a sense of where you'd like to live. Generally speaking, rent in South Africa should ran between $300 - $700 USD, allowing for a very low cost of living. In the supermarket a middle shelf bottle of Mezcal will cost you around $15.00 and a six pack of beer will cost you $5.00. I live in a very expensive part of California just in case you thought I was describing a ghetto! 7. Here are some tips for staying within your $100 per month food budget while traveling in Mexico. Ajijic is a 500-year-old village, located on the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake. Hello, Why would you need Vet services every month? I've also lived in Oaxaca too, and it's even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month). Its a very small town and the expat community is super supportive. Guidebooks are definitely useful and provide very good information. For me, the people are the most amazing experience. My complete travel guide to Akumal, where you can swim with the wild sea turtles and eat lunch in a treehouse! Want to try the BEST street food in Oaxaca? We shop at Walmart or Leys. I have medical insurance and drug coverage for 80per cent. Keep reading for anextreme budgetguide to living and traveling in Mexico on just 500 US dollars a month. She is a retired journalist and CNBC contributor. Great article! Very affordable. Medellin, Colombia. Smaller properties can be purchased from around US$100,000; and property rentals start from around 6,000 Mexican pesos (US$300) per month; home in the more popular areas with foreign residents rent from 10,000 (US$500) pesos a month. and Im there summers and stay several blocks back from the beach. I am looking at Alamos, Mexico because its a small town, and Huffington Post says its a nice place to ex-pat. Lots of restaurants, shops, a language school, etc. You could rent a two- or three-bedroom colonial house here for as little as $500 or $600 per month. For a general budget, you might want to factor in $50USD/35 per month. But all the baseline costs areall included in my totals, and really unlike the Thailand post, this total includes toiletries and any expenses inside Mexico that cropped upI never withdrew more than USD $750 from the ATM each month. Early in the morning is Robins favorite time of day. Thank you! (I am Canadian) . And, lastly $100 per month for home maintenance yet you own your own home? Chapala has changed so much that we are looking around at other possibilities. As a U.S. citizen, I receive a six month visa on arrival automatically, and this can be reset simply by crossing a border and coming back indefinitely. There are some very conservative areas of Mexico though, so I would not extend whatever you find out to apply across the board. The perfect side hustle for a little extra cash while out and about roaming around Mexico. I cant find a Mexican Market which is near enough to walk to. We are always open to hosting new people who are interested in renting in Mahahual for short or long periods. Ive lived in Tulum for over 5 months and I want to share EVERYTHING you need to know to have the perfect trip. Even on Cozumel, Mexicos largest cruise port and a major tourist destination, there are plenty of places for a couple to enjoy a meal for $10 or less. It comes down to social inequality for Mexicans and the sheer amount of money available to those who work in the U.S. and send money home. I have learned some things that are very helpful. I know for sure that some friends worked at the mid-range and high-end restaurants in SP or Sayulita. Which they are doing in early 2023 and theyve found a lake house to rent for $300 a month. Interesting question, and not one where I will have a lot of firm ideas here as its a bit outside of my wheelhouse. When it comes to Mexico, Im definitely on board with Costa Rica being more expensivebut you *can* drink the water which is nice. Although Robins not retired, its nice to have left the high-powered corporate world back in upstate New York and only work two to four hours a day. width: 100%; I was there for vacation the past couple weekscheck out Yucatan Beach Friends on Facebook.. Shannon, I came upon your site thinking if I needed long term care as I get older, I might want to do it in Mexico and often dreamed about living abroad, though not too far from the U.S. but much cheaper. Id appreciate if you could you break it down ? The biggest hurdle to it is that you have to prove you have the funds (or a retirement check) to cover your stay for the entire year. I have a small two bedroom apartment and have to walk up the steps to the third floor. Im hoping we can make the move before retirement age, so we have more years to enjoy our time there. Hi Tom! It's possible to rent a place for $400 a monthor spend $1,500 a month or more to rent a large colonial house with a pool, patios, and gardens. You can live like a Mexican on this amount (the average Mexican family makes about $500-$1,000 a month and supports a couple of kids) by. :). Plan. Some expats also start their own tour companies find a house with a small stable, run horse treks and such for tourists in an area with pretty locations but not a lot of English-language tourism yet. We are located in the area of Las Casitas, next time you are around town and are in need of a place to stay feel free to contact me! Both of those were included in my rent. Regarding prices, some places in Mexico that have grown popular with ex-pats, tourists, and remote workers now have a hyper-inflated cost of living. For my full review policy click here. Thank you for that. There may be some crime anywhere you go, but I find it much more limited than news reports announce one tiny crime in Mexico involving a tourist is broadcast everywhere when crimes back home get little notice so many are misinformed. I have been a horseperson all my life and if we end up moving, having horses nearby, access to riding facilities or have the ability to keep them is extremely important. The U.S. federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hourand its double that in some statesmeaning if workers can send even a portion of their daily earnings home to family in Mexico, it represents a huge sum. PS. I'm 60 and want to retire on between $800 and $1,200 a month, ideally near the ocean in Mexico where should I go? The monthly rent for a long stay in a double room is $900. I can not even use the bicycle. Having spent more than a year in both countries, the both have different pros. Its all relative. I give them credit for their amazing skills. Monthly Stays Near Me Ive also lived in Oaxaca too, and its even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month). I keep hearing that you need a Tourist card or visa which can be subject to the whim of the consulate interviewer. Thanks in advance! I just hang out, watch tv, walk on the boardwalk and now and again have a coffee at an italian restaurant. . Robin said they have four main criteria when selecting a place to live: Removed from the concrete jungles of cities and near nature is where Robin is at her happiest. I dont know a lot about Pachuca since I havent been, but I think its a small town with a very local feel (meaning speaking decent Spanish is ideal). Because if Im paying $200 HOA fees monthly, my condo better have a gym. I did not see you mention the fact that SP has a full Hospital. I pay 600/mo. As the months passed, I was so surprised by how affordable living there was that I shared a cost of living post mostly for the readers in the A Little Adrift community who had written me over the years wondering how they could afford to live or retire abroad. Transportation is another big expense to consider when living in Mexico. I had a friend who luckily was able to pick me up my first day, but after that I frequently made the trek into Puerta Vallarta via bus. La Paz 3. Entertainment $1,293.33 Plus, its quiet. You can get a $10 meal or drop $400 at some fancy restaurant. I absolutely think going for a reconnaissance trip is ideal! While you can technically do it by living in a tent or a car/van, it's not a very secure way of life but rather is just 'surviving.' What used to be their monthly insurance bill is now the annual bill. Hi Evy, thats a tough one as I havent lived in any of those places, nor do I have friends who have. I guess now I am a new solo traveler.!! Best of luck. Huatulco has several beautiful bays and is a very pleasant resort thats never overcrowded. Transport. Certainly there are many real estate agencies, even in tiny towns, and certainly in some of the more affluent expat communities. Condo Ins interior $29.17 San Pancho has a truly great vibe if you like small towns. xxx, Your blog is very helpful. Tom. A mere 10 minutes doesnt seem like much, but in the scorching heat I was happy to have use of a bicycle from the family compound. Mexico has many coffee growing regions, so most coffee is pretty good here. What are your thoughts on Baja California, Cabo, Ensenada and Rosarito? I, unlike you, I am a retired, Im 57 and I still live in Italy. I am now retired and living in Buena Vista, Baja California Sur almost full time. .signup-column { Hi Diane! Or is it included in your rent? 6. :). padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; You could start out living in an expat hub like San Miguel de Allende, where there is a massive community of retirees and expats, you could even take language lessons (they have a lot of options), and then use that to get familiarized and attuned to Mexico, then look at some of the smaller towns. Other: For work and living, it really will be so much easier on the ground. We also rely on iOverlander for locating places, goods and services in Baja. . Places like Darjeeling have fantastictea and food, and then live music throughout the week. Certainly, smaller towns are cheaper, because they dont have a lot to spend your money on and restaurants are more questionable. Their monthly budget is 66,625 pesos a month, or about US$2,987. Cleaning Lady. Mornings and evenings can be pleasant . In fact, try this on for size: The Mexican government raised the 2023 minimum wage to 207 pesos (about $10.82) per day. well, I am a retired man, 65 this year. How are beaches in Sayulita for swiimming? I loved reading about your experiences in San Pancho. Merida is as safe as Thailand, and has a small expat scene, enough to enjoy but you can also immerse. Or if you look into towns that run horseback riding tours and experiences for tourists, then you would also be finding the cities in Mexico that have horses, stables, and touristy areas where you would perhaps find both work and a chance to be near horses. Summary of cost of living in Mexico Family of four estimated monthly costs: Mex$ 48,477 Single person estimated monthly costs: Mex$ 23,381 Cost of living in Mexico is cheaper than in 71% of countries in Latin America (12 out of 17) Cost of living in Mexico is cheaper than in 71% of countries in the World (55 out of 78) Change the currency: :), Bookmarking this for the future! Located in the mountains surrounding Lake Avndaro, a couple of hours west of Mexico City, Robin said she was pleasantly surprised to fall in love with the town. It can be very cool in Dec/Jan, but it does get humid and warm by July! This video shares the costs, style of living, quality of life, and other details about living as an expat in Mexico, with a tour of my studio in a trendy beach town north of Puerto Vallarta: This entire post outlines the baseline costsmy fixed monthly expenses for one person living in a beach town on the west coast of Mexico. My husband is Mexican, and I am not but I do speak fluent Spanish. Less work, less stress, no bosses, more time to spend together and see Mexico. Ive honestly discussed the question of safety and danger in travel. I can be a little primitive, but its nice to have conveniences around as well. Prop Tax $12.50 I know that local real estate agents have a few more roles in the community, in that they also negotiate rentals and such. Believe it or not, it is possible to live on $500 a month in Mexico. We have two air conditioners which are essential. Your personal experiences are so valuable. Rent motels by the week for a week stay. . But the Mexican lifestyle can be a great experience. Meet our real estate partner in Manzanillo, Candy King Real Estate Then there will also be quirky situations and opportunities that are harder to find but certainly exist. Please suggest with the knowledge you have learned between the pros and cons in Thailand versus Mexico? Very interesting, we just got back from PV, thank you for the info Shannon, Bob. I have to say, the issues in surrounding Guerrero have made it a no-go for me. just wondering how you did the move and any obstacles, i was thinking of puerto vallarta area. If youre planning a trip to Mexico and looking for more information, consider reading some of my other posts: Photos of Tulum to inspire your wanderlust. Our perceptions and reality of the world are often skewed; that is true of Mexico. The moves come as Wall Street closed out a losing . If I could meet expats on my way it would be great ! Before settling on living in Spain, I lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand for five months and loved it enough to move back the following year. The high quality and amazing affordability of healthcare in Mexico mean that their health expenses are a fraction of what they would have been had they stayed in the U.S. Robin shared the chiropractor here is fantastic and hes only $30. Actually, all of the healthcare is so cheap that she summed it up like this I can get acupuncture, specialized laser treatment for inflammation, physical therapy, and a long rehabilitating massage, all for $200.. Ive been thinking about PV. This is the food heart of Mexico, there are many indigenous cultures in and around the city, and the only real drawback is the political nature of the citythere are a lot of strikes and protests from the teachers unions and other groups. overflow: hidden; No, Ive never really used AC while living thereI have never rent a place with heat and air (I am a native Floridian so have fared OK and winter high season in some places is downright cold I wished for a heater when it was low 40s in Oaxaca for ages). I ask this, because of this report, I wondered why so many Central Americans are risking life, limb to come here while Americans are thinking of living there? We love it here but the lack of gay marriage recognition is a major pain for Visa arrangements. Hi Mauricio. I would love to move to another country but without a work Visa it would be challenging to work. It could be 2 different places in the same country. My costs are moderate and honest. And if you keep ties to the U.S., you will spend far less on flights and visits home every year, which can add up a lot when its more than a grand round trip every time to you go from the U.S. to Asia. Thanks! Thanks for this post! /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ Colectivos are the main way locals travel around Mexico. Also, one must consider inflation; something that is no less a concern in Mexico than in the US or Canada. Get a bank account that will reimburse foreign ATM fees and a credit card that does the same. Im all about the small towns, and I also dont party much so maybe San Pancho is next for me? San Pancho: Tiny, one main road, a handful of options for restaurants. While I was in Merida I got a dental cleaning out of pocket at a very nice clinic, and it was only around $50. Honestly and this costs me 4000 CDN per month. And the flights to Mexico are far cheaper for North Americans. I lived in Chapala, Jalisco for 2 years and my wife and I are looking at moving back this winter. Other than the kitchen, it had everything else you would expect in a studiofull-size bed, counter with stools (where I worked from), closet, and a bathroom (a tour is shown in the video above). The most expensive places to stay in Mexico are usually by the beach, so go inland to save money. Most hostels in Mexico are around $10 per night. HOA dues $200.00 What part of town do you suggest? Im not looking for fancy, just a good relaxing atmosphere. In a nicer area, expect to pay around USD$680-$830 per month. Out-of-home dining: 8,000 pesos Groceries and sundries: 9,000 pesos Transportation: 1,000 pesos Utilities: 2,500 pesos Personal services: 1,600 pesos Sports and leisure: 4,000 pesos Childcare: 0 Clothing: 1,000 pesos Rent: 29,000 pesos Insurance: 10,525 pesos Credit card: 0 Beyond that, fresh, healthy food is very affordable in Ecuador. I am lost on the Web (too many web sites) . I share a washer. Add to that some game nights at Victoria and Steves for Jungle Speed (had never heard of this game but it was fun and hilarious to play in a group), beach bonfires, and conversation I felt like GoldilocksSan Pancho was just right. I know that if you are bringing your own horses to Mexico then you will face a barrage of paperwork and vaccines before they can enter it would likely cost a bit of money and be a headache, but would be fully doable. I think the town that I stayed in would be ideal for you. This is a list of 130 countries where you can live for under 500 United States dollars per month. Now, downsizing to an apartment or small house and living a simpler life she said they are a lot happier. What's the cost of living like there? Looking to relocate ( long term rental ) Chelem, Churbana area of Yucatan. Budget, however, is the driving impetus for a lot of expats moving to Mexico. My other thought is that Costa Rica would surely make for an excellent first-time experience. I do suggest and Airbnb and really anywhere in town is going to be walkable, though if you are close to the highway its quite a hike. Tulum 10. Keep reading for tips on how to save money on your transportation bill in Mexico. More of a nightlife than San Pancho (a later nightlife I should say). 2. someone must be ripping him off. I do think prices have gone up a bit since then, mostly the global cost of food. Tourist spots in Mexico have been feeling a bit crowded lately ever since the pandemic began in 2020 more and more foreigners have been relocating to Mexico for its gorgeous beaches,fantastic food, and perceived cheap prices. That way they have time to really explore different areas of Mexico. Hi Jack! According to Numbeo.com, the typical price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $510 per month in April 2020, while a condominium with three bedrooms costs just over $1,000. We have internet, telephone etc. I tend to rent furnished apartments, and I think its less often included in houses and non-furnished places. Loft in Mrida Espacio Ukiyo, Unique design to live the presentRental unit in Mrida Beautiful suite KS $567 month 4.86 (114) Home in Mrida Buganvilla House a private and relaxing space $838 month 4.75 (64) Explore all Monthly Rentals on Airbnb Comforts of home Fully furnished rentals include a kitchen and the amenities you need to live . Thanks. Oaxaca or Hautulco Santa maria if I typed that right. Puerto Escondido 9. With a budget of $150 per month for housing, your options will be limited. A taco from a street food cart, even in ultra-expensive towns like Tulum, is only $1 each so you can get a full meal for only $3. If youre staying in a larger city or hopping around visiting different places, youre going to be spending money on transportation.