Wondering what it’s like to Live in Mexico?
You’re in the right place — as I moved to Mexico from the U.S. in 2018, so I know a thing or two (or 22!) about living in Mexico.
In short, Mexico boasts a vibrant culture with delectable cuisine, lively social scenes, and a penchant for festivities, all set against breathtaking landscapes.
But also, living in Mexico has its challenges. These including police corruption in some areas, and things you’re probably not thinking of, like the concept of “ahorita” (we’ll get to this).
While colorful colonial cities, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality abound, you should weigh the pros and cons before committing to Mexico as a permanent home — and we’re about to do just that, so let’s start with the pros.
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Pro #1: The Slower Pace of Life
For those relocating from the USA or certain European regions, Mexico’s lifestyle may come as a delightful surprise.
It’s notably more laid-back, with a strong emphasis on family time, festive celebrations, and leisure activities with friends.
Mexicans are renowned for their humor and zest for life, offering a genuinely enchanting lifestyle — which is part of the reason it consistently ranks as one of the best expat destinations in the world.
The locals exude a relaxed demeanor, making them enjoyable companions and ensuring you feel welcomed.
From beach outings and savoring street food delicacies to dancing and indulging in sports like soccer and Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling, Mexicans embrace their leisure time with gusto.
Pro #2: The Culture
Mexico offers an array of vibrant festivals and celebrations, from Cinco de Mayo to Dia de los Muertos and Mexican Independence Day.
Additionally, each region boasts its unique reasons for festivities, ensuring there’s almost always a party or holiday happening nationwide.
The country’s rich cultural tapestry, blending Indigenous and Spanish customs, is evident throughout.
Beyond their sociable nature, Mexicans boast a cultural heritage spanning centuries, with ancient Mayan ruins to explore, a storied history to delve into, and a diverse culinary scene to savor.
This rich cultural tapestry extends a warm welcome to expats, making you feel embraced — a definite advantage of living in Mexico.
Pro #3: The Weather
Mexico’s inviting climate serves as a major attraction for individuals seeking a tropical relocation destination.
With predominantly warm and sunny weather throughout the year, residents can relish outdoor activities, bask in the sunlight, and indulge in seaside swims.
Given its expansive territory as the 14th largest country, Mexico exhibits varying climates depending where you’re located.
Still, the country as a whole generally maintains a temperate climate all year — though Mexico beaches experience intense humidity in the summer.
This of course resonates with those seeking refuge from harsh winter conditions and yearning for perpetual sunshine.
Pro #4: Your Money Goes A Long Way
A significant advantage of living in Mexico is its affordability across various aspects of life such as necessities, rent, health care, and socializing.
While costs vary among cities, on average, the Mexico cost of living is 37.9% lower than in the USA, with rent at 59.4%lower. (Source: Numbeo)
For instance, the monthly cost of living for one person ranges from about $1,000-$2,000 in Mexico’s major cities, compared to $3,000-5,000 in most major U.S. cities.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Mexico ranks ninth in terms of affordability, though it has MUCH better infrastructure compared to other places on the list.
While your dollar stretches further in Mexico, especially if you’re a digital nomad working remotely for a U.S. company, it’s worth noting that local wages are not as high.
The bottom line is that expats in Mexico live a privileged life compared to the average Mexican person.
That’s another discussion for another article, but something anyone moving to Mexico needs to be aware of (and thankful for).
Pro #5: Location, Location, Location
Mexico’s strategic location between the USA and Central America makes it an excellent hub for exploring entire Americas Continent.
Affordable and frequent flight connections to Europe, particularly to cities like Madrid, Paris, and London, make traveling to and from Europe convenient.
Exploring Mexico itself is straightforward, with many affordable options for inter-country flights and buses in Mexico.
Its access to the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea adds to its appeal, offering endless opportunities for exploration in this vast and diverse country.
Pro #6: The Food
There’s a reason everyone in the world love tacos, and that’s because tacos are delicious — but so are MANY other traditional Mexican foods.
Living in Mexico offers access to some of the world’s finest cuisine at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere.
Mexicans deeply value their food culture, evident in their diverse culinary offerings that vary by region, reflecting their rich heritage.
From tacos and tamales to empanadas and enchiladas, Mexico boasts an array of authentic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Additionally, the affordability of street food add to its appeal. You can eat a full meal from a street vendor for $3-5 USD that will blow your mind!
Food serves as a central element of socialization in Mexico, with recipes passed down through generations, enriching the dining experience for locals and expats alike.
Pro #7: The Diverse Landscapes
Mexico boasts a captivating landscape, from vast coastlines, waterfalls, canyons, mountains, rainforests, barrier reefs, to the enchanting cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its diverse terrain ensures residents never tire of exploring. As someone who’s been to 23 out of 32 states in Mexico, I’m constantly in awe of its natural beauty.
From the towering Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s tallest mountain, to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest, the country is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro #8: Large Expat Communities
Many individuals choose to relocate to Mexico because of the sizable expatriate (expat for short) communities that are already established.
This is particularly beneficial for those who do not speak the language, as it facilitates socializing, networking, and receiving valuable advice from others who undergone a similar transition when moving to Mexico.
Key expatriate hubs can be found in Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Ajijic on Lake Chapala, Merida, and Mexico City.
As of 2022, Mexico had about 1.6 million American expatriates, marking the largest American settlement outside the US — and that number keeps growing.
Additionally, expatriates from Canada and Europe have also made Mexico their home.
Con #1: The Slow Pace of Life & “Ahorita”
As promised, this article will spotlight the good, the bad and the ugly of expat life in Mexico — and we’ve reached our first “con.”
You might be thinking “But wasn’t the slow pace of life a pro?” Yes, it was. While I find it a pro, others won’t, so let’s dive a bit deeper.
There is a Mexican slang word called ahorita that you have to know about, and grow to accept, if you want to move to Mexico and not have your life!
This is similar to “soon” in English, but that soon really doesn’t mean soon as in an hour of a day. Rather, ahorita has no timeframe.
It could be a week, or two, or longer. It’s more of an “I’ll get to it eventually because we have a slower pace of life in this country and rushing isn’t how we do it here.”
While a laid-back lifestyle has its charm, efficiency isn’t a virtue in Mexico’s forte.
Just like Caribbean islands have “island time,” and Italians take 2-3 hour lunch breaks, some things in Mexico end up taking a considerable amount of time.
Living in Mexico entails adapting to a slower pace and embracing patience. Though things seldom happen swiftly, eventually, everything will get done.
Con #2: The Gringo Tax
Upon moving to Mexico, you’ll soon realize occasional instances of being charged inflated prices for rent, food, taxis, and other goods.
Similar to the tourist tax, this gringo tax means opportunistic sellers may seize the chance to capitalize on newcomers and foreigners who don’t know any better.
To circumvent this, you need to stay informed about prevailing rates, conducting research, and seeking advice from locals is crucial for preparation.
Over time, this becomes less and less of an issue the longer you’re in Mexico and know the going rates for things — but also, not all people will hike up prices because you’re a foreigner.
Con #3: The Loud Noise Levels
Mexico embraces a lively atmosphere, which often translates into noise — a byproduct of how much Mexicans love socializing and celebrations.
Expect a cacophony of sounds no matter where you go in the county: barking dogs, partying, street vendors, parades, late-night parties, music in bars and clubs, etc.
People tend to speak loudly, sing, dance, and play music, which may be annoying if you’re unaccustomed to it, but it’s something you’d have to accept.
There’s no way around the fact the Mexico is loud, and for many, this could pose a significant drawback as it could require a BIG adjustment on your part.
Con #4: Cash is Still King
This is one I personally still get annoyed with, even after living in Mexico since 2018 — so know that there will be things you never fully accept, but still have to deal with,
In Mexico, cash reigns supreme, making it challenging for people like me who prefer to use credit cards, debit cards, and/or want to make online payments.
This deviation from the global trend toward a cashless society can lead to frustration, as so many transactions still occur in cash — from street food vendors, to taxis, and even government transactions.
For example, I had to pay for my Mexican Green Card in cash.
This was a pretty sizable payment, and I had to make several transactions over several days to get all the cash I needed because of ATM maximum withdrawals.
While this preference for cash might seem insignificant, especially to people from countries like Germany where cash is also widely preferred, it’s crucial to recognize that Mexico’s safety concerns add a layer of complexity.
Also, withdrawing substantial sums from ATMs can pose risks in certain areas if you’re not staying aware of your surroundings.
While it might not be for some, for me and maybe you too, constantly carrying cash, regardless of the amount, will present a drawback to living in Mexico.
Con #5: The Language Barrier
The language barrier can be a significant consideration for who don’t speak Spanish but do want to move to Mexico.
While residing in expatriate communities will mitigate this, it’s important to note that only about 5% of Mexicans speak English.
Having a basic understanding of the language can alleviate some issue, but you will want to work on your Spanish if you’re living in Mexico full time.
To get you conversational and confident FAST, I recommend Rocket Spanish from Rocket Languages.
However, assuming widespread English proficiency upon arrival can lead to disappointment, particularly in non-touristy regions.
Daily interactions may pose challenges without rudimentary Spanish skills, underscoring the importance of language preparation before deciding to relocate.
Con #6: Police Corruption
Living in Mexico comes with the reality of police corruption, a stark contrast for individuals accustomed to North American and European standards.
Bribery is commonplace, and encountering a corrupt police officer will likely happen at some point, particularly when driving in Mexico or if you’re drunk in public.
Typically, an officer might stop you under false pretenses and demand a bribe on the spot.
While avoiding these situations entirely isn’t always possible, you can request a written citation or ask to be taken to the police station for payment.
If it’s a bogus charge, they won’t want to do that as it could get them in trouble, so they’ll usually have to let you go.
Con #7: High Crime Rates in Some Areas
Each year, the Global Peace Index ranks the world’s safest and most dangerous countries.
In 2023, Mexico landed 136th out of 163 countries, experiencing a slight improvement from the preceding year.
Regrettably, there are several dangerous places in Mexico, making it one of the least peaceful Latin America countries.
While I haven’t personally been a victim of any crimes, I’m not naive enough to think it can’t happen.
I also know that as someone who’s from one of the least-safe cities in the U.S., I also knew I could be the victim of a crime there.
In Mexico, expats are not typically the primary targets, as drug trafficking and gang-related activities prevail.
However, you’ll want need to stay aware of yourself, your surroundings, and your belongings at all times in order to steer clear of dangers.
Pro/Con #1: Mexico is Huge
This one will be a pro for some, or either a non-issue or a con for others, which is why I listed it last.
As the 14th largest country on Earth, Mexico spans a vast area — and in fact, can fit several countries inside it.
While this offers ample opportunities for exploration and activities, the extensive distances can pose a notable drawback to living in the country for some.
For instance, traveling from Mexico City to Cancun requires 2.5 hours by plane, or over 20 hours by driving.
Getting from one point to another often entails significant time commitments or necessitates air travel or long-distance bus travel.
While flights are generally affordable on Mexican airlines, relying solely on air travel can prove frustrating, especially for reaching small towns that aren’t near an airport.
Driving across Mexico is not a feasible option for quick journeys, highlighting an important consideration for prospective movers.
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