Mexico
Central America • Americas
Overview
Mexico offers US expats a compelling combination of proximity, affordability, and cultural richness. Numbeo data shows the cost of living is 44.9% lower than the United States, with rent specifically 64% cheaper. A single expat can live comfortably on $1,080-$1,620 monthly depending on location, with interior cities like Mérida, Puebla, and Querétaro offering the best value. The country's temporary and permanent resident visa programs are among the most accessible in the Americas. Mexico City's metro costs just 5 MXN (~$0.27), making it one of the world's cheapest public transit systems. Despite an inflation rate of 3.93% as of April 2025, Mexico remains highly affordable for dollar earners.
Visa Options
Permanent Resident Visa
For retirees or those with high income/savings
Temporary Resident Visa
For those with sufficient income or savings to live in Mexico
Highlights
- ✓Cost of living 44.9% lower than US (Numbeo 2025)
- ✓Rent 64% cheaper than comparable US cities
- ✓Temporary resident visa easy to obtain - no income minimum for some categories
- ✓Same timezone as US Central/Mountain for remote work
- ✓World-class healthcare at fraction of US prices
- ✓Strong expat communities in major cities
Considerations
- !Safety varies significantly by region - research specific areas
- !English less common outside tourist zones
- !Summer heat extreme in many regions
- !Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating
- !Air quality issues in Mexico City