Pluses and Minuses of Living in Mexico
In the book “Live Better South of the Border –Mexico” Mexico Mike writes about the pluses and minuses, positives and negatives of living in Mexico. He tries to honestly tell you the good and bad points about living in Mexico.
Frankly, Mexico is the not the cheapest country in the world to live. Yes, it costs less to live in Mexico with a better standard of living than many parts of the US or Canada, but if money is your only motivator, there are other countries that cost less.
You can live for less in Arkansas or South Texas than in Mexico’s gringo areas.
Mexico is not paradise but it is a perfect place to live for many people, but it is not prefect. While there are many reasons to live in Mexico, there are also many reasons why living in Mexico many not be for you.
Negativity isn’t the point. Reality is.
Safety of living in Mexico is most people’s irst concern. Ask any gringo living in Mexico of he/she feels safe living in Mexico. The answer will be yes. There are sensational news stories about Mexicans getting killled in gunfights etc. Most of these people are involved in drugs or something illegal.
Yes, an occasional bystander is affected (or in a celebrated case of a US Consular employee in Ciudad Juarez, a case of mistaken identity) but mostly not.
How many news stories have there been about gringos, tourists or foreign residents who were not using or involved with drugs, being involved. None. And if you don’t want to believe that‘s fine, just don’t consider moving to Mexico because you already have the wrong attitude.
Living in Mexico is a good decision for many people. The US Embassy is Mexico City estimates that there are more than 600,000 Americans living in Mexico. An estimated 300,000 Canadians live in Mexico, at least part time.
The Mexican economy is tied to the US economy. In 2009 the US economy tanked. In 2010 it may be recovering, depending on whether the person you are talking to has a job or not. Mexico did not crater like the US (probably because there are fewer mortgages and less credit card debt) but their economy is challenged too. Inflation is up. Prices are up – BUT the Mexican peso declined by 30% to 40%. That is good for you if your income is in dollars.
You can live comfortably renting in Mexico now for less than you could have in 2006. I think is s fair to say you can live comfortably in well-known gringo destinations in Mexico for about $25,000.00 – $30,000.00 single or $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 for a couple in most places.
We still recommend buying rather than renting as house prices are very good in Ajijic, Lake Chapala and it is better to put money in your own pocket rather than someone else’s.
If the lower cost and wonderful climate are factors, but your main reason for choosing Mexico is that you the people, are flexible, and want some adventure in your life, you are moving for the right reasons and will probably be happy here.
The infrastructure is much more comprehensive now and it is much easier to live in Mexico today that it was to live in Mexico even five years ago.