Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico

What are the pros and cons of living in Mexico?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mexico responded:

"The high humidity produces the famed "city of flowers" of which the state capital Xalapa, 4 miles away, boasts but also leads to a runny nose. I have found work-arounds and would not trade the beauty of the natural world for anything. It's hard to see children begging. Street repair is ignored. Traffic is heavy at high-use times. Adjusting has been remarkably easy," said another expat in Coatepec.

"We own a small house on the Caribbean beach in far southern Mexico. The locals have been extremely welcoming and kind - never a problem and we have never felt any animosity. We live "off the grid", i.e., solar power, rainwater collection (although we do purchase purified drinking water, delivered every week for $1.25 for 5 gallons! Our only "utility" bill is for propane for cooking and hot water. That cost is approximately $25.00 per month. We have no mail service (no junk mail!!) and our internet is slow but adequate. Our area is extremely dependent on tourist traffic, so the local economy during the pandemic is very bad. All the expats here have contributed heavily to the local families: one church supported entirely by expat contributions, has delivered frozen chickens and dry goods to our village for approximately 100 families for 80 consecutive weeks! We employ locals regularly, even for work we might otherwise complete ourselves. We offer rides to locals to the larger cities for healthcare and other shopping. In April 2020, the local council established a barricade at the entrance to town, manned 24/7, to keep out non-residents. consequently, we had only 3 known cases of Covid-19. We cannot conceive living anywhere else," remarked another expat in Xcalak.

"We own a home on the beach in a very small Mayan fishing village. We live 'off the grid' and our internet service is satisfactory. Local shopping is very limited, and for major shopping and healthcare we travel to a city near us. Crime against expats is very low,mostly property crime-never violence. Local government is small and not efficient, but is not a serious issue," explained one expat living in Xcalak.

"Everyplace has good parts and bad parts. Life is life! I love the weather, the people, the culture, the food, the natural beauty. I love Acapulco I don't like the violence/ corruption," said another expat in living in Acapulco, Mexico.

"La Mision is at the gateway to Baja Wine Country and within a very short walk of a beautiful beach. It has a farm market, a coffee shop and several cafes and bars. There are many expats living in the area and the town has a very friendly vibe," added another expat in La Mision.

"Beautiful scenery, close to cool mountain destinations and the beach, small town feel with enough conveniece to make a trip to a larger city only a two or three times a year necessity. Friendly people. Most services except Internet mostly reliable. Water in short supply so many people have dry dusty yards if you don't have your own well as I do. Medical, dental, vision, and fire services all conveniently located. Daily farmers' market on main street. Many and varied artesan shops with natural foods from local suppliers, crafts, and local-style clothing. Busses and collectivos not always time perfect but plentiful and very affordable (watch the collectivo drivers don't try to gouge those they perceive to be ignorant tourists). I've lived in Panama and could say a lot about that country as well, but I am currently in Mexico," explained one expat living in Huatulco.

Expat Health Insurance in Mexico

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE