What's it like living in Mexico as an American?

Mexico has a very laid-back culture, and Mexicans are genuinely friendly. Many people report making positive lifestyle changes like walking more, eating healthier, socializing more, and learning to slow down since moving to Mexico. If you're interested in living the expat life, settling in Mexico is a great way to go.

Is Mexico a good place for an American to live?

Mexico is a popular choice for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The country offers a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, world-class food, excellent weather, and high quality of life.

What are the disadvantages of living in Mexico?

Can an American live full time in Mexico?

The most common visa for visitors is the visitante or the visitor's visa. Tourists receive this document upon arrival, allowing you to stay in Mexico for up to six months of the year. For those moving to Mexico full-time, you'll need to apply for a temporary or permanent visa.

Can an American move to Mexico and live?

In order to permanently relocate to Mexico, Americans will need to apply for a temporary residency visa which allows them to live in Mexico for up to four years. In order to qualify for this visa, you will need to demonstrate an income of approximately $2,100 a month.

The DARK TRUTH about why AMERICANS LEAVE MEXICO

Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Mexico?

How U.S. taxes work for Americans living in Mexico. Expat tax rules state that if you're a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you have to file a U.S. tax return each year, even if you live and work in Mexico. The United States tax system is based on citizenship, not place of residency.

What is Mexico's minimum wage?

On December 1, 2022, the National Minimum Wage Commission (“CONASAMI” for its acronym in Spanish) agreed to increase Mexico's general minimum wage to $207.44 Mexican pesos per day, and to $312.41 Mexican pesos per day in the Free Economic Zone of the Northern Border, effective January 1, 2023.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Mexico?

Average Cost of Living Across Mexico: $600 – $2,000

My baseline (and total) costs to live in Mexico came in under $745 every month. I've also lived in Oaxaca too, and it's even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month). Housing is your biggest expense, and even Western-style places are affordable.

What is the safest place in Mexico to live?

Where do most US citizens live in Mexico?

Lake Chapala: Mexico's Largest Expat Hotspot

Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world.

Is it risky to buy a house in Mexico?

It is safe to buy property in Mexico! Foreigners can buy and sell property with ease, there are only a few special rules you need to follow when buying property, and strictly from an investment point of view, Mexican real estate has a great deal of upside potential.

Can you live in Mexico on $1000 a month?

One can live in Mexico on $1,000 a month or even less quite easily. In fact, locals live on much tighter budgets. As a foreigner, you will see that pretty much everything costs less than in your home country. Rent, food, transportation and healthcare in Mexico are much cheaper than in the US, Canada or Western Europe.

Can I retire in Mexico on $1,500 a month?

1) Mexico is cheap

You'll also save on utilities, public transportation, and medical care, which are much less expensive. Many retirees find they can live quite comfortably on $1,500 or less a month with all expenses included. For more details, please check out our Mexico Cost of Living guide.

Is it safer to live in Mexico than the US?

What you don't get from most reports in the US is statistical evidence that Americans are less likely to face violence on average in Mexico than at home, particularly when you zero in on Mexico's most popular travel destinations.

What country are most Americans moving to?

Mexico is the top destination for Americans moving abroad, followed by the U.K., Canada and Australia. So far in 2022, ~75% more Americans have moved to Mexico than Canada. Portugal has seen the biggest percentage increase in Americans moving in (+122% from 2019-2021)

Where can an American live safely in Mexico?

The most popular and safest places to live in Mexico include Cancun and Tulum on the Caribbean coast, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán on the Pacific side, and Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende in the interior. We don't recommend border towns such as Tijuana or Laredo as retirement destinations.

Can a US citizen own a house in Mexico?

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It's perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

Can u drink the water in Mexico?

As a precaution you should not drink tap water in Mexico even if it's purified at the source. Most resorts and hotels provide bottled water or large jugs of purified water for you to refill your bottle.

What is a good monthly income in Mexico?

Generally, the average salary ranges from 8,410 MXN (lowest salary) to 1,48,000 MXN (highest national average) per month. Additionally, Mexico's salaries also differ from one city to another. The average salary in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey is about 44,600 MXN, while it's around 38,900 MXN in Cancun.

How long is a work day in Mexico?

Mexico's workday is divided into three (3) shifts. Here's how they break down: The Day shift: The work day for the Mexican worker is eight hours and that eight-hour shift fits into a flexible 14-hour work day beginning at 6:00 am and ending at 8:00 pm.

Are groceries cheaper in Mexico?

You can expect your grocery bill to be from 35%-50% less in Mexico. Part of the reason for lower costs in Mexico is cheaper labor and distribution costs. Mexico controls the price on some staple foods such as beans, eggs, tortillas, and milk as well as items like aspirin.