My fiance is from a remote town in Chiapas and doesnt have much knowledge to offer. Expats occupy a position of extreme privilege, particularly retirees able to use the culmination of a lifetime of working in a more expensive and better paid economy. When I was living in Merida I went to the local farmers market often to buy produce like pineapples, tomatoes, limes, tortillas, bananas, beans, corn, avocado, etc. Whew, glad we got that out of the way. Even though its very inexpensive compared to in the States, if youre on anextremebudget you probably shouldnt eat street food every day, even if its cheap, because it does add up. La Paz 3. Your email address will not be published. My costs are moderate and honest. Fuel and department store goods are expensive due to high taxes. Answer (1 of 16): The base answer is that in absolute terms the answer is yes (with that amount there are places you could retire in the US), but the operative part of this question "Is it enough for you to live there" is an impossible to answer question. Welcome to my Tulum Travel Guide. Puerto Vallarta 2. Aloha and thank you for the excellent read. All three would have similar costs of living. Robin and Marty on a hilltop at Valle de Bravo. I need to break down our budget again, it has been awhile. Hermosillo 18. That was one of the main reasons I considered retiring there. During this time, I have been able to assess the cost of living. 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. Shannon, love your writings. Is it possible to live in Mexico on just $500 a month? The info is much appreciated! Good, bad, funny, weird. Auto Maint $50.00 We found it through one of our friends in town who lives on the same road. Finding Accommodation: I recommend arriving in San Pancho before trying to find a place to stay, otherwise you will only find vacation rentals listed. Certainly there are many real estate agencies, even in tiny towns, and certainly in some of the more affluent expat communities. Touristy but a very clear personality with organic markets, yoga shops, surfers, etc. Nearly 4 percent say they live on a monthly budget of $100,000 pesos or more a month, or about US$5,000 a month or more. CAPA $15.00 Sure, many things might be way cheaper in Mexico, but whats the point if you are frequently robbed, live in fear of being killed/kidnaped/raped. Just like everywhere, real estate costs vary, but the average housing purchase in Mexico in the first quarter of 2021 was just MXN310,750. background-color: #1a3c95; But there are several really great Facebook groups for Mexican expats, and a lot have explored the west coast extensively. These figures include the cost of a house, a maid service, utilities, groceries, entertainment, health insurance and more. You could own a home here for less than $100,000 or an apartment for around $20,000. What part of town do you suggest? And in every place, we have found great rentals for under $500 a month.. My baseline (and total) costs to live in Mexico came in under $745 every month. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged lower by 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) declined . This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. My food budget was pretty generous, so if you cook at home, even adding the cost of cooking meat, I think you could get by on 1,000 pesos each week. My knowledge of Spanish and English is limited. Having spent more than a year in both countries, the both have different pros. Housing is your biggest expense, and even Western-style places are affordable. For my first solo trip (it iwill be only 2 weeks since i am still full time working) , i need a mixture of quiet and safe place to rejuvenate in jungle or a tropical environement for maybe a week and then another week near a quiet beach to relax and visiting the area. You'll be spending about $1,000 per person, per month to live there. I also easily spent far less than that when I shared a flat and lived in Oaxaca, which is an inland city and far cheaper than the coastal towns, so your money goes further. My wife and I live in the Riviera Maya; one of the most expensive places in Mexico, however it bothers me when posts, even for inland Mexico provide bogus numbers that arent providing the entire story. If you stick to a tight budget in the outlying activities, you will go under $500 a month. I have visited there a few times, and I love it, despite some of the negative parts of the city, and state of Guerrero. The weather. Phone $100.00 I enjoy being in a resort setting having lots of nice people around and I know a lot of people in P.V.. Maybe in 6 mos. Years later, I am still on this journeysometimes with my niece in towtraveling slowly, and sharing stories and advice from life on the road. As in most cities, going outside the city center will allow you to spend less. Relevant Links & Resources for Moving to Mexico, Ive honestly discussed the question of safety and danger in travel, Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America, A Little Photoessay Slice of Life Snapshots of Mexico, A Little Confession Yes, Sometimes Travel is Lonely, And dig through thetwo solid Mexico expat forums. Tulum 10. OOP Medical $100.00 and Im there summers and stay several blocks back from the beach. Living in the Mexican capital will cost you higher than the national average, but still much lower than in the U.S. There are outdoor party venues all over the city and you hear them all. Very touristy region in general but convenient and safe. It usually finishes with fireworks. Just to recap,it IS possible to live in Mexico on $500 per month, but it is difficult. Im definitely going to follow you here. Zihuatanejo 7. 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. They are both very popular expat spots. I hope I can visit many of the places you have listed here. Unlocked is a new home tour series. :). These guides include thorough breakdowns of the culture, quality of life, vibe, andimportantlybudget breakdowns so you can better plan which spot in the world best meets your needs. When I was living in Merida I was paying around $800 per month for an apartment, and my friend was paying only $250 per month for hers, and hers was nicer! In Puerto Vallarta the bay is huge, but waves are not as powerful as places open to the open ocean. With average Spanish, you will have no problem finding something in just a few days, especially if its low season (get there before November). I havent paid to listen to music since I last purchased a CD in 1992. Hmm, that is an interesting question. To finish up I asked Robin if she had advice for anyone wanting to explore Mexico by living in different places. I can be a little primitive, but its nice to have conveniences around as well. Playa del Carmen 4. And how are you spending $40 on streaming services? These are very charming cities which are rich in culture, with lots of things to do and see. Quality food is generally pretty inexpensive in Mexico, which makes it a great place for people on a budget! Good questions. Id estimate small town living at $1,000/mo. Early in the morning is Robins favorite time of day. We are not necessary frugal, however we hardly spend as much as many others in our neighborhood. But a vacation is never enough. 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. HA! No more corporate stress of being a Project Manager at a big chemical company or a cold commute. Ive heard it is pro rated mad at some point jumps way high. 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. near the Zona Romantica or maybe the South Shore. I've also lived in Oaxaca too, and it's even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month). HOA at your place is $200 a month? Amazing! This is an article not from some right wing organization but a refugee type of agency. I like active places like Puerto Vallarta where theres modern conveniences and more choices. There is a big difference between living in some of these developing regions as an expat and living with a cushy US social security check coming in. Its a privilege to even have this ability, and I appreciate that Mexico has a lot to offer American expats. Going on relaxing walks with waterfalls, wildlife, and not another soul in sight is perfect for amazing photography. It is rare and exceptionally kind of you to offer your personal adventures. This is important to understand, because many of the most popular expat spots are about that far removed from the extreme cartel violence you might read about. Internet $50.00 Published: March 27, 2021 at 12:27 p.m. For a general budget, you might want to factor in $50USD/35 per month. Safe travels !!!! I have the same questions as Jack B. I dont think I need to repeat them except that if you dont own, do you still have to pay property insurance? Viva la Mexico Im from Houston.. You will surely have an easier time getting settled with dual citizenship. Detailed Cost of Living Guide - Updated Annually. Huatulco 16. The food is definitely more expensive than Asia! We have recently lived in Ethiopia and Ecuador. .fullwidth-signup{ I will share with you how I lived in Cuernavaca, Mexico for less than $500 USD a month. position: relative; Its a better quality of life, and less stress. We definitely want to check out San Pancho but my question is about the weather. What are the gay rights like in Mexico? My daughter (33, ESL teacher) and I (67, retired USA prof) are thinking about residing in Mexico. There are a ton of Facebook groups where you can find roommates in different cities in Mexico, but in less-touristic cities, youre unlikely to be matched with an English speaker. Mexican Open 2023 schedule ATP Men's Singles (500) There is lush rainforest throughout, but also amazing quiet beach towns too. No more micromanaging bosses and if I want to take time off, I can. These are my expenses that I banged up to plan my New Years budget. Joyfully exploring Mexico, the lower cost of living means there is more time to relax. I am lost on the Web (too many web sites) . I share a heap of Mexico resources at the end. I know that some gay travelers have spent time there, like Dani from Globetrotter Girls, and it might be good to seek out their thoughts on it. The super-store grocery shops in Mexico like Chedraui and Walmart carry a lot of imported goods and costs can add up fast! The small towns are economical, but most are very primitive in infrastructure and with limited activities, but you are appreciated more in those places. Hi Mel, sorry this took me weeks to get back to you, but Mexico can have fast speeds, but you pay for it. Airfare $300.00 Its become a sort of home base for the couple and they are currently renting a small tw0-bedroom house for $500 a month. PS. For example, I was living in Tulum and spending $900 per month on a studio apartment, and I had a friend who was 45-minutes inland in Valladolid only spending $150 per month on a 1-bedroom apartment! Frugal couples can easily manage on $700-$800 per month since the cost of housing won't increase with more people. You can stay within your $150 monthly budget in Hostels,but a $5 per night housing budget works better with long-term stays where youre staying put in one place for a month or longer. If would only just listen and do everything I say, your life would be the same. Please suggest with the knowledge you have learned between the pros and cons in Thailand versus Mexico? One of the things I loved best about the town was that the pace of partying was a lot closer to what I prefereveryone chilling, talking, listening to music, and enjoying company. Rending my 1 bedroom condo at US$75 a week. Thanks in advance! Condo ins Bldg $0.83 ZGAS $30.00 If you have no desire for any creature comforts, you can realistically live on $500 USD per month. If you are at all interested in Baja, check it out. Did you factor in health insurance? Mexico is far . Just curious about air conditioningdo you use it? Big churches on a hill, or shots Marty takes with his drone. :). I figure my costs are about 5000 per month. We shop at Walmart or Leys. Thank you! HOA dues $200.00 Spotify? The good news is, in certain parts of Mexico its still possible to live and travel on just $500 a month! Youve got $250 for medical insurance, $50 in medications, $50 dental, $100 for OOP Medical (?) Mexico often gets a slight vote in favor because of the closer language and cultural similarities. I recognize this as a gift to many, done with humility and grace. 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). Earlier this year, I relocated to a two-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot apartment with 10-foot ceilings, just a few minutes from one of my favorite beaches. Or is it included in your rent? You can get a $10 meal or drop $400 at some fancy restaurant. Keep reading for a complete guide on the 13 best street foods + the best street food tour in Oaxaca! What Did Daily Life Look Like in San Pancho, Mexico? I am quite spoiled where I live now with fiber and regular speeds in the 300-500GB range and I know I wont get speeds like that in Mexico but wanting some reasonable idea of what it is like there. 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. In Mexico, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is about $500-$800 per month, depending on the city. Durango 17. 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? Continue. If you know of anyone in your blog or another blog I would appreciate it. The plane flights are affordable, I speak the language, and I enjoy the culture. After prices in USA this was quiet a welcome in change. I helped a friend get it and he wrote up the requirements and process here. The second cheapest way to eat in Mexico is by buyingstreet food. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is a dream for expatriates. There are large communities of expats all throughout Mexico, and in a handful of key towns in Thailand. Hi Shannon, Your site is great and very interesting. We would absolutely have to have it! Thanks so much for all the great info! For me, the people are the most amazing experience. Layout: 1 bed / 1 bath. If you go to San Pancho, you should rent a room at Robertos Bungalows (http://robertosbungalows.com) he is an expat and the rooms are clean and very comfortable in the western style, and just two blocks from the beach. ET If you like to eat out frequently, travel, play golf, scuba dive, and the like, you will obviously spend more money. Living in Playa del Carmen can vary significantly in terms of the cost of living. For food with less than 400us a month you dont eat well. Im all about the small towns, and I also dont party much so maybe San Pancho is next for me? Oaxaca or Hautulco Santa maria if I typed that right. If youre using Sayulita as your base, consider the Aurinko Bungalowsor Casa Piaas a mid-range option and then daytrip over to San Pancho. If youre in a city that does have ride-hailing apps, like Merida, Mexico City, or Oaxaca, you cansave money by always using an app like Didi or Uberto call taxis when you need them. Many books extol living in Mexico for $1000-$1500 a month (20-40% of the cost of living a similar lifestyle in the states). Dental $50.00 The people and cultures shift and change with the terrain and there are some surprisingly safe cities throughout the country if you know where to look (look to the blogosphere!). 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. Mornings and evenings can be pleasant . Sometimes, like when I traveled from Oaxaca to San Jose del Pacifico, its the only way to travel. These all come recommended, and if you plan to move to the area they are a good base. 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