At a Glance
Cost of Living
low
Safety
moderate
English Level
low
Climate
Varies by region: tropical (coasts), temperate (central highlands), desert (north)
Essentials
Cost of Living
Mexico offers significant cost savings compared to the US and Canada. A comfortable lifestyle is achievable on $1,500-3,000 USD/month depending on location and lifestyle. Beach towns and Mexico City cost more; interior cities like Merida and Guadalajara are very affordable.
Healthcare
Mexico offers quality healthcare at a fraction of US costs. Many doctors trained in the US speak English. Options include public IMSS (for residents), private insurance, or pay-as-you-go. Medical tourism is huge - many Americans cross the border specifically for affordable care.
Housing
Housing in Mexico is very affordable compared to the US. Renting is straightforward, though landlords often prefer longer-term tenants. Buying property is possible for foreigners, with some restrictions in coastal/border zones that require a fideicomiso (bank trust).
Banking
Opening a bank account in Mexico requires residency for most banks, though some like Intercam accept tourists. Many expats use a combination of Mexican accounts and US accounts with international access. Cash is still king in many situations.
Lifestyle
Working Remotely
Mexico is a top destination for digital nomads and remote workers. While there's no official digital nomad visa, the 180-day tourist permit and temporary residency serve most remote workers. Internet is good in cities (50-200+ Mbps). Working for Mexican companies requires proper work authorization.
Transportation
Transportation options vary by city. Mexico City has excellent metro and bus systems. Other cities rely more on cars, Uber, and buses. Driving in Mexico requires patience with traffic and different road rules. International driver's licenses work short-term; residents should get Mexican license.
Language
Spanish is essential for life in Mexico outside of tourist bubbles. While English is common in resort areas and with younger educated Mexicans, daily life requires Spanish. Learning Spanish dramatically improves quality of life and integration.
Expat Community
Mexico has well-established expat communities, especially around Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City. Communities range from close-knit retiree groups to young digital nomad networks. Finding your people is easy with effort.
Food & Dining
Mexican cuisine is UNESCO-recognized and incredibly diverse. From street tacos to fine dining, food is central to culture. Each region has distinct cuisines. Eating out is very affordable, and street food is generally safe in established stalls.
More Topics
Taxes
Mexico taxes residents on worldwide income at rates from 1.92% to 35%. You're a tax resident if you spend 183+ days in Mexico. No inheritance, estate, or wealth taxes. US citizens must still file US taxes while living in Mexico, though tax treaties help avoid double taxation.
Safety
Safety in Mexico varies dramatically by location. Popular expat destinations like Merida, San Miguel de Allende, and Puerto Vallarta have low crime rates. Certain areas have serious cartel activity and should be avoided. Common sense and local knowledge go a long way.
Culture & Lifestyle
Mexican culture is warm, family-centered, and celebrates life. Adjusting to different concepts of time, formality, and social norms takes patience. The food, music, traditions, and warmth of people make Mexico uniquely rewarding for those who embrace it.
Climate & Weather
Mexico's climate varies dramatically by region and altitude. Coastal areas are tropical, highlands are temperate year-round, and northern deserts are extreme. Many expats choose locations for their climate - Merida for tropical, Lake Chapala for eternal spring, highlands for mild temperatures.