With its proximity to the United States, an abundance of affordable cities and its appealing lifestyle (rich culture, an increasingly exciting food scene), it’s no wonder Mexico has one of the largest expat populations in the world. More than 1.6 million American citizens are living in Mexico—and the numbers have been surging.
Tempted to make the move yourself? GoBankingRates recently conducted a comprehensive study to uncover the 10 best places to retire for under $2,500 a month in Mexico—though you don’t need to be retired to take advantage of these prices.
To come up with its list, the financial site analyzed costs in Mexico by using the Numbeo Cost of Living report, combined with International Living’s Healthcare in Mexico report.
Here, we’ve narrowed it down even further, showcasing six beautiful locations in Mexico where a single person can live comfortably for under $1,250 a month. This includes the cost of eating out, groceries, transportation, clothing, utilities, leisure pursuits and rent. The rent is for an average one-bedroom home or apartment within a city center and out of the city center (the site also looked at the cost of a three-bedroom home or apartment).
Mexico has had issues with crime, so we have also included a link to the State Department report for each location. As of press date, most of the places on this list have a level two rating (exercise increased caution) on a four-point scale, with four being the worst. (For comparison’s sake, France, Italy and Costa Rica have the same level-two rating.)
So where exactly should you look to make the most of your money? Check out these six locations throughout Mexico where you can live well for under $1,250 a month— and with a cost of living like that, you might not even have to work.
Aguascalientes
Why move there: In central Mexico, Aguascalientes takes the top spot as the most affordable place to live in the country. The city shines with its low costs across the board, particularly in one-bedroom rent (averaging just $169.81 per month) outside the city center and three-bedroom rent inside the city center ($384.31). It’s an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.
The cost: The average total monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $861.59.
Crime Report: Exercise increased caution (level 2/4) when traveling to Aguascalientes state.
Saltillo
Saltillo, a picturesque colonial city in northern Mexico, offers a unique blend of history and affordability. It’s got the lowest rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, coming in at just $264.94. With an outstanding architectural heritage and a cost of living that won’t drain your funds, Saltillo makes for an enticing expat destination.
The cost: The average monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $884.74.
Crime Report: Exercise increased caution (level 2/4) when traveling to Coahuila state.
Veracruz
Veracruz, a coastal gem, combines colonial-era charm with an affordable cost of living. It has the lowest three-bedroom rents outside the city center among all surveyed Mexican cities, averaging just $367.97 per month. Beyond its beautiful architecture and great cuisine, Veracruz is also known as an important sport-fishing port.
The cost: The average total monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $1,000.31.
Crime Report: Exercise increased caution (level 2/4) when traveling to Veracruz state.
Puebla
Puebla, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, is also celebrated as the food capital of Mexico. Set against the backdrop of stunning volcanoes, this high-altitude city offers affordability for expats. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is just $271.96, making it an appealing option for those seeking culinary adventures and cultural exploration.
The cost: The average total monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $1,067.49.
Crime Report: Exercise increased caution (level 2/4) when traveling to Puebla state.
Ensenada
Ensenada, often regarded as a lively party town known for its cantinas and fish tacos, offers expats a taste of paradise. Set near the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada has endless beaches and mesmerizing sunsets. It’s also one of the most affordable Mexican cities, with an average monthly rent of just $338.53 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center.
The cost: The average total monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $1,195.85.
Crime Report: Reconsider travel (level 3/4) when traveling to Baja California state.
Querétaro
Querétaro may not have the glitzy resort reputation of some coastal cities, but it’s got a rich cultural heritage. With a historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Querétaro offers a unique blend of history and low living costs. For example, a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center may cost just $700.61 per month.
The cost: The average total monthly expenditure for a single person, including rent, is just $1,217.92.
Crime Report: Exercise increased caution (level 2/4) when traveling to Queretaro state.
10/2/23 Author’s Note: The incorrect state was originally listed for Ensenada.
Source: Forbes
