Moving to Mexico

Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to Mexico for its low cost of living, warm climate, and vibrant culture. Mexico also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it an attractive destination for those looking to explore a new country. People looking for a place to live in Mexico can search online for rental properties, or contact a real estate agent for assistance. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Mexico are Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. These cities offer a variety of amenities, activities, and attractions, making them ideal for those looking to experience the best of Mexico.

What do I need to know before moving to Mexico?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Mexico, they said:

"There are many expats living in Northern Baja. Playas Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada areas. Some bought their property, some rent while they are looking for the right place. If people are new to the area, I usually mention that renting for the 1st year is best. This of course is to make sure that living in this area would be a good idea. Most end up with positive views on this and either buy or rent," said one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

"I would add only that those readers from the US need to realize that in Mexico what are very loosely called "realtors" are completely unlicensed and unregulated. It seems that everyone and their uncle is a realtor. Thus it is important to remain skeptical of anything a Mexican "realtor" alleges. As a result be sure to engage a real Mexican attorney (who are licensed and who will have a "Cedula"). Ask for a copy of their cedula number, as all true professionals in Mexico are indeed licensed. Not "realtors"," explained one expat living in Mexico.

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How do I find a place to live in Mexico?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Neighborhood --- I had visited at a hotel at the bottom of the peninsula in front of the port so I knew that the Las Brisas area was safe, moderated by nearly daily breezes in summer. To my everlasting joy, I discovered that there are no scorpions in Las Brisas, a pest we had dealt with at Lake Chapala. As to a specific home here, all we needed was a 2B2B and there is a hotel with rentals for long term, including electricity in the rent. It has worked out very well," remarked one expat in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"When we still lived in PV, my Mexican husband contacted a real estate place that handled rentals. He flew there to see it and we moved there. Two years later we found a bigger/better place, closer to the border, on the recommendation from a buddy at his work," said one expat in Tijuana.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Mexico?

"Now I live in a condo in the Virgin Islands, but during the Mexico time I was not in an expat area. I only met an English speaker about once every 2 months," commented one expat who made the move to Poza Rica.

"I am in a 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment. it's perfect for me as a single retiree in a quiet neighborhood. This is typical for those willing to pay a little bit more for a tranquil community," remarked one expat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

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What is the average cost of housing in Mexico?

If you are thinking about moving to Mexico, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Much lower than in Washington state. Taxes are minimal but utilities (electricity) is rather expensive... Based on the former occupant's usage, we opted to install solar. This was a significant amount but with a 3-4 year pay back...We are able to have a maid, gardener and pool guy which we certainly couldn't afford up north... Eating out is inexpensive and about 1/2 of what it would cost NOB. The average cost of housing depends a lot on the area one chooses. The closer to Ajijic center the more expensive. Houses with views (which we have) command a higher price tag... We were looking in the $3-400,000 range and there is a good supply at these prices," replied a member in Ajijic .

"Much lower. We pay our property taxes and water yearly. Our taxes are $699 MX and water is $1000 MX per year. Electricity is expensive in Mexico but still less than the US and is paid every other month. We have our propane tank filled on the off month and runs about $1600 MX for 2 months. Phone and internet is $600 MX per month and that is with unlimited long distanse. We have satelite which comes out of Canada. They have grocery stores that carry US products but it is imported and therefore expensive. Produce, eggs, meat, chicken and fish is amazing and reasonable. You can pay as much as you want or as little as you have for a house and find something to fit your needs," commented one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Mexico?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Mexico, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We bought a house. It was not easy, but with a good realtor and notario not impossible. Living near the coastline, we had to purchase a fideicomiso (bank trust) and that was expensive," remarked one expat in Mazatlan, Mexico.

"I continue to housesit in the same home I have for the past 10 years. There are many housesitting opportunities here for people considering moving to Lake Chapala," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

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What should I pack when moving to Mexico?

We asked people living in Mexico to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Brought -- More high quality king sized bedding, more US DVD series, more crafting supplies Left at home -- More of my children's belongings, bicycles, hiking boots," remarked one expat who made the move to Torreon.

"I wish I had brought more electronics, books, and computer software. All are easily double or triple the price in the US. This includes computers and pc accessories, cell phones, stereos, tv's, books, and magazines, etc. I also wish I would have brought a dehumidifier- they are impossible to find here but absolutely essential. Quality cosmetics, beauty products, and health products are not available here and what is, is limited or made with locals in mind- for example, products for dark hair and skin tones or health shakes made from a local cactus. Linens here are often not as soft and comfortable as we are used to in the states and Egyptian cotton is impossible to come by. Comfortable furniture- beds, sofas, and chairs are usually hard as rocks here with rough fabrics. What I could have left are most of my designer clothing and high heels- cobblestone streets ruin shoes and humidity eats fine fabrics. It's not uncommon to go to your closet and pull out a shirt with mildew on it after even a week. If you're not too attached, there's no need to bring decor items- the art scene here is great and plenty of international decor shopping and boutiques," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Mexico?

We asked people in Mexico if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Not per se. But its a very conservative place, and I'm an old bohemian writer from NYC, so I sort of stand out wherever i go," said one expat in San Pedro Garza Garcia.

"Undoubtedly, but I have selective memory, and most Mexicans have been very kind and tolerant of me butchering their language. I did get "drawers" and "balls" mixed up when I was trying to explain changes to the kitchen. Cajones vs cojones. Yes, those kind of balls," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

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Why do people move to Mexico?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Mexico, they responded:

"This is a very popular expat community for a number of reasons. The first and foremost...the sun and the beaches! We have white sand and turquoise water. It is an amazing sight. Of course another reason is the cost of living is much less than in the US, Canada, or Europe. We are only about an 1.5 plan ride from Miami, so many expats like the fact that it is easy to get back if necessary," said one expat living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"Playa Del Carmen, is just about an 1 and half hour plane ride from Miami. The community is filled with expats and each year that passes, the assimilation process gets easier and easier. This is due to the high US investment in the area. We now have Home Depot, Starbucks, Old Navy, Forever 21, Sephora. So many of the products and services that expats are accustomed to using can now be found in town. This was not the case 11 years ago when we moved there. ," offered one expat living in Playa Del Carmen.

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How are healthcare services Mexico?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Mexico, they replied:

"Unfortunately, we do not have great options for people with serious issues - like cancer. But diabetes and high blood pressure, although serious, can be cared for here. Our issue in Huatulco is we do not have a private hospital, so we rely mostly on the Red Cross and the Marine Hospital.," wrote one expat living in Huatulco.

"Although I have met people having care for serious conditions, my experience has only been dental. People I know who had the same procedure done just across the border in San Diego had side effects I did not experience with my Mexican dentist," commented one expat living in Tijuana.

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What are medical services in Mexico like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Mexico, they replied:

"The doctors are caring and professional. The relationship is much more in depth than in US," stated one expat who made the move to San Miguel de Allende.

"As cash customers of healthcare services in both the US and Mexico, we have found that private system medical costs all across Mexico are 1/20 of what it used to cost us back in California. We have also found the quality of care to be better," remarked one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

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Moving to Mexico

What do I need to know before moving to Mexico?

How do I find a place to live in Mexico?

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Mexico?

What is the average cost of housing in Mexico?

Should I buy or rent a home in Mexico?

What should I pack when moving to Mexico?

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Mexico?

Why do people move to Mexico?

How are healthcare services Mexico?

What are medical services in Mexico like?

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