So, you’ve thought about taking the plunge and living in Mexico and visiting the many places that it has to offer. You may have heard about people that are living there and love it — maybe even some of your friends! It obviously does offer a lot!
Mexico is an attractive destination for retirees and ex-pats, and it has to be. Because it has beautiful weather, great food, mountains, beaches, wonderful nature, historical landmarks, and a pretty low cost of living. And that’s because the country is often named one of the best places to live as an expat.
While the idea of living in Mexico might sound glamorous and fun in the first place, but is it really the same as what you want? And, what is living in Mexico really like for expats? I know there are so many questions popping up in your mind about what makes Mexico the best for expats, whether it is a worthwhile living place for American expats, along with the tax system, where to live, and how to get the most out of life in Mexico.
Surprisingly enough, your all doubts are going to be covered in this detailed post, as I’m going to clear every single thing exactly about what living in Mexico really looks like. Read on to check out both what i love and what i don’t of living in Mexico as an Expat, along with the average cost of living, accommodations, average salaries, visas, healthcare, and insurance.
I’ll also discuss the safety and security of this country the two most prominent concerns. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and clear all the doubts about whether or not Mexico is the best place to live as an expat.
The Benefits of Living in Mexico as an Expat
To clarify, If you think of buying real estate in Mexico, then must know the most significant benefits that come along with living there. In turn, here are some of the good things to keep in mind when you’re considering the expat life.
1. The Locals Are the Best
Mexico is undoubtedly an excellent destination to live as an expat if you want to be in a place where people are welcoming and happy to have you in their nation. You will come across folks who are not only polite but also hospitable and eager to become friends. You won’t receive tourist treatment. You’ll receive the same treatment as locals.
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2. Lower Cost of Living
On average, the cost of living in Mexico is 66%, and rent is 74% lower than living in America and Canada. Relocating to Mexico can be a smart choice if you want your retirement funds to go further. If you intend to rent a house in Mexico, you may be shocked to learn that the procedure doesn’t require official contracts. This is a circumstance where your word is your bond.
Instead of renting, many choose to own real estate in Mexico because they want to invest their money in an asset that will become part of their estate. It’s important for you to be aware that living in Mexico may not be as cheap as some may have told you.
You should research the genuine prices of the location in which you will be living before you begin creating your budget. An enormous number of Canadians and Americans relocate to Mexico every year, either alone or with their families and children in tow.
According to stats and the persons I met who are living as an expat in Mexico, the average cost of living for a family of around four is $1850 (31275MXN), while if you are a solo expat, then you can easily manage your monthly expenditures in $500 (8,452MXN), but these numbers are without rent.
So, in my perspective, $2000 is more than enough to live a healthy life in Mexico. Even you could save a bunch of bucks, if you really spent it with care. And this looks incredibly amazing, especially if you compare it with living and paying rent in the United States, Canada, or any other country in Europe.
3. The Climate Is Amazing
If you don’t enjoy having four seasons where you live and want to experience a constant climate, then living in Mexico is the way to go. In most of the country, there are two types of weather; wet and dry (dry is best to explore the Ruins mexico has to offer). Whether you want humidity and heat or cool mountain air — you can find it in Mexico.
4. The Food — Of Course
One of the biggest benefits of living in Mexico is delicious Mexican food. Before you move to Mexico, make sure you’ve experienced authentic Mexican food. Don’t move to Mexico thinking you’re going to get the American version of Mexican food — because it’s so much better. Once you’ve experienced true Mexican food, you won’t want to go back.
5. Safety
If you’ve been told that Mexico is dangerous for Americans and dangerous in general — that’s not necessarily true. While every place has its challenges, you shouldn’t feel any less safe than many other areas in the world.
Potential Challenges of Life in Mexico
We’ve mentioned the many benefits of living in Mexico above — but what about the challenges? As with everything, there are going to be challenges, and you have to figure out if they outweigh the benefits you’ll experience.
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1. Potentially Lax Security & Police
In some areas, you might experience more laid-back security and police. While they will slap a fine on parties that are going to loud and late into the night with their noise — that’s about all you’re going to get.
2. Classisms
In some cases, you might see classism in action, but that isn’t always the case. The best course of action is to be a positive force for change and be kind to those doing service jobs for you.
3. Water May or May Not Be Available
Make sure you stock up on clean drinking water because when the water goes out — it might be a while before it’s back on. If your water does go out, you can call and order water, and they can bring it to you if you don’t want to go to the store and get it yourself.
4. Spotty Internet
If you depend on the internet, you might have some challenges in Mexico. The internet can be intermittent. If you do have a problem with your internet, it is likely to take a while to get someone out to take a look at it, so don’t expect to watch Netflix for a few days.
Stock up on DVDs of movies you can stand to watch a few more times if you’re worried about losing the internet for entertainment.
5. Delivery Dates Are a Suggestion
If you work with a company and they say they’re going to deliver something to your residence on Monday, they may actually get there on Wednesday. Delivery dates are more of an estimate vs. a concrete date.
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Best Places for Expats in Mexico
Mexico is a diverse country, and the best city for you will depend on what you’re looking for. If you want urban living with job opportunities, Mexico City is an excellent choice, although the traffic and noise can be overwhelming at first.
For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, San Miguel de Allende attracts many retirees with its colonial atmosphere and international community.
If you dream of living near the sea, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta are popular expat destinations, with good infrastructure and a mix of locals and expats.
Do You Need global health insurance to live in Mexico?
Yes, as an expat living and working in Mexico, securing global health insurance is crucial. Let’s be real, healthcare standards in Mexico might not match those of the US or EU. This makes comprehensive international health insurance a non-negotiable need for every expat.
It’s not just about routine check-ups, but, more importantly, treatments for serious illnesses. Remember, access to private healthcare can be a lifesaver. It’s about ensuring you get the best medical care, no matter where you are.
Beyond that, Mexico has a public health insurance program called IMSS and INSAB, too that covers most medical services for residents and workers. However, it has some drawbacks, such as long waiting times, limited facilities, and language barriers, and especially they only cover basic and not advanced health treatments. That’s why, I would recommend private health insurance, either international or local, that gives you more flexibility, quality, and coverage.
How Can You Find Accommodation In Mexico As An Expat?
Usually in Mexico, Apartments and condominiums (condos) are very popular among expats. You could find a furnished, quaint apartment for around USD $800 per month. Initially, when you are searching for a rental apartment, I would recommend a short-term rental agreement, as it’s a savvy move, I’ll tell you how.
This allows you to understand the neighborhood and local amenities before making a long-term commitment. Before any agreement, do a thorough research.
You must sign a lease or contract with the landlord as soon as you find a place you like. Make sure a lawyer reviews it to prevent legal infractions or unstated costs. In addition, a deposit is required, which is often equal to one or two months’ worth of rent.
What is a good expat salary in Mexico?
This, in fact, varies from person to person, and what kind of job you are doing. But if I talk about the average salery you can expect a decent salary here. As per 2023 data, according to Salary Explorer, the average salary in Mexico is around $1970/month. Yet, this is the average number, if you are a skilled, certified, and well-educated person, then this can easily go over $2300.
Taxes for ex-pats in Mexico?
For instance, different resident statuses have different income tax rates. In the event that you are a resident, your payment may range from 2 to 35%. The tax rate is slightly higher, ranging from 15% to 30%, if you are not a resident or if you are in the country on a work visa.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) is another item to think about. This rate is a normal 16% in Mexico; it’s vital to remember this amount because it has an immediate impact on your daily spending.
Let’s now discuss property taxes and real estate. Bought a property? You’ll need to fork over 2% in acquisition tax when you receive the deed, along with 5 to 8% in closing costs. Once you call it home, anticipate a quarterly property tax of about 0.1% of the property’s value. And if you’re renting out your property? The rental income you generate will be taxed at a rate of 25%.
In short, tax responsibilities are crucial for expats in Mexico, so make sure you’re well-informed to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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Top Expat Tips For Living In Mexico
If you’re planning to become an expat in Mexico, these practical tips can make your transition smoother:
- Document Ready: Before you jet off, ensure all your essential documents and visas are sorted. Oh, and do keep copies – better safe than sorry!
- Speak the Language: Trust me, Spanish lessons will pay off. Not only will it help you to blend in, but it’ll also enrich your cultural experience.
- Securing a Home: Have up to three months’ rent ready to secure a rental property. It can be competitive out there, so be prepared!
- School Applications: If you’re bringing along your kids, apply early for school places. The best ones can fill up quickly!
To Mexico or Not to Mexico? – Honest Answer!
You can see that living abroad isn’t always sunshine and flowers now that you have a better understanding of what it’s truly like. I advise studying Spanish, adjusting to the slower pace of life, and embracing the regional customs and traditions. Services like the internet may occasionally give you trouble, but keep in mind that this is all part of the experience. Mexico is a place that, in my opinion, is well worth considering for your future residence.
Last Updated on June 30, 2025
