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La Roma Neighorhood in Mexico City

Living in Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 08, 2024

Summary: People often describe life in Mexico as vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Expats love the warm climate, friendly people, and the affordability of living in Mexico. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Mexico has a population of approximately 129 million people, and the largest cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Tijuana. The cons of living in Mexico include the high crime rate in some areas, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the language barrier. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, and the infrastructure is not always up to par with other countries.

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What do I need to know about living in Mexico?

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

"I would say, "Brother, you will not find a more excellent choice for a place to retire here in Mexico". Sure, there are more exciting places with nightclubs, wild bars with loud music and perhaps an ocean to frolic in, but with that comes a lot of undesireable "junk". The weekdays here are very quiet and relaxing, while the weekends are fun filled due to tourists and special functions designed by the Presidencia municipal. The elevation here is about 6,000 feet, which means we do not get hot. Most days are in the 75-80 degree range, though it can get a little chilly at night during the winter. I enjoy a second floor two bedroom apartment right across from the main town plaza. I keep the balcony doors open at all times and revere in the almost constant breeze that keeps my place cool, night & day. Rent? Under $300 US per month. Try and beat that in the US," remarked one expat who made the move to Tequisquiapan.

"Learn basic phrases in Spanish, be patient and kind. Remember Mexico is a foreign country and nothing like the United States. If you are an arts and crafts person and are retired or have your own income, I think you would like it here," explained one expat living in Patzcuaro, Mexico.

"Get out, see the town. Clearly, learning Spanish makes getting out a lot easier, so learn Spanish (again, people here are pretty patient, so it's a great community to try perfecting one's broken Spanish). The downtown has a lot to offer, between the Alameda, Plaza de Armas, and various free/cheap museums. The Serape Museum is my favorite, and, as creepy as it sounds, the Bird Museum is pretty interesting (and in the summer, well worth spending 10 pesos for an hour or so in the air-conditioning). If your company is moving you, they'll probably suggest that you live in the way north side of the city--this is a nice area of town and may be advantageous as it seems that most expats live there. However, do consider the Republica neighborhood, downtown, and the south side of town. They're all great places to live, within walking distance of points of interest, and often a lot cheaper than the northern neighborhoods," said one expat in Saltillo.

"Be aware, be safe. Learn the language and adapt. Don't expect the same efficient service you get in the US. Enjoy it," said one expat who made the move to Mexico City.

"Read www.yucatanliving.com and www.meridainsider.com for information on living here," explained one expat living in Yucatan, Mexico.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

La Roma Neighorhood in Mexico City

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