Is $1000/month doable in Mexico?

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thatsplatgal@reddit

Simple answer, no. Maybe in a very small village but in places like Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Playa del Carmen, your rent will be $1000. Try Thailand. You can rent a place for $700 and easily live off of $300 for food and entertainment.

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Chesnakarastas@reddit

Silly comment with little to no knowledge, Thailand in Bangkok you can rent a place easily for $300-400 which has a gym and pool.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

Weird, I'm now finding places for rent in all of the places I mentioned for $400-500/mo

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thatsplatgal@reddit

Awesome! Then I guess you have your answer!

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thisissamuelclemens@reddit

The peso is getting stronger against the dollar so Mexico is not as inexpensive as it once was

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Tallo754@reddit

This aged like milk.💀

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SpookyNooodles@reddit

This is flat out incorrect. If you look at just the last \~10 years, the dollar is just as strong as it was in December 2015, and has stabilized to this level after COVID weakened the Peso in early 2020. The conversion rate was \~1USD = 10 Pesos from 2003 - 2008, and then existed in the 1USD = 11-13 peso range from 2009 to December 2014. Widen the scope of your view, please.

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Prudent-Giraffe7287@reddit

I gotta agree with other people on this one too. It’s still way cheaper compared to the US. Especially if you’re not in the major cities.

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Ok_Championship_385@reddit

Hardly. It’s still 8 cents to 1 peso. You could live like a king on $1000 USD in Mexico.

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RealGhostbuster1885@reddit

Over the last decade the dollar has been worth around 19 and 20 pesos but literally just today on the border. The going rate is around 16 to 17 pesos. I might not seem like much when you're dealing with meals for less than 20 bucks, but I noticed on a recent trip to Cancun that $80 family meals were now maybe around $100. Considering that OP is researching a place to live, it will make a significant difference.

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RealLettuce1782@reddit

You can absolutely do it.. my bf and I just went to Playa del Carmen for 6 days and it came out to $1036/pp

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Ok_Championship_385@reddit

You’re saying per dollar. I’m saying per cent. And that is still bad: 16-18 pesos to 1 American dollar.

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RealLettuce1782@reddit

Which supports the comment above that the American dollar is not as strong as in the past, affirming that Mexico isn't as cheap as it used to be.. 24 years ago the exchange rates was closer to 10 pesos = $1

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thisissamuelclemens@reddit

You’ll find you’re overestimating the value of the US dollar at the moment

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Cannabis-Revolution@reddit

What’s a good country in the same region to visit that is still cheap?

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callmesnake13@reddit

Colombia

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RealGhostbuster1885@reddit

You can score a townhome for around $50,000 in Rio Negro which is where the airport is for Medellin. That was before the election of the current socialist president, so it might not be a viable option until the next election and if the current money grabbing administration gets booted out

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PurpleMuleMan@reddit

Nice try, robbers.

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MBThree@reddit

Remember if you visit Columbia - the cocaine is overrated. Find the first shady local you can find and ask them to give you some scopolamine!

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thisissamuelclemens@reddit

Damn! He got us guys, smart fella

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Signifi-gunt@reddit

Seconded. Colombia is great.

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Emergency_Point_27@reddit

Colombia

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ForgottenCaveRaider@reddit

Go to Mexico anyway. Sure, it's getting pricier, but avoid the tourist trap areas and it's still significantly cheaper than the US or Canada.

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Potential_Finger_420@reddit

Even the touristy areas aren't horrendous. Bottle of cerveza at the restaurant is like $3... compared to $7 during HH here. Lol.

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joremero@reddit

Or $15 in vegas

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Few-Way6556@reddit

I bought one yesterday in Ohio for $12

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ForgottenCaveRaider@reddit

That is true. A six pack of beer with a couple limes can be bought for under $4 CAD there, whereas here you're paying 3x that for a six pack of Budweiser 😂

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ksgif2@reddit

This is 100% not true anymore. Most brands are around $400mx for 24 at Costco. If you buy what's on sale at Oxxo you're looking at $78mx for a six pack. I'm in Baja this year and prices are shocking, definitely going back to the mainland next year but people I know in PV are also shocked at the inflation.

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jankenpoo@reddit

Baja I believe is the most expensive region in Mexico. Mainly because almost everything has to be imported, like an island which they sort of are.

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ksgif2@reddit

Yeah, what are you paying for a case of beer where you are? It's been 2 years since I've been to Nayarit, Jalisco or Michoacan, what's the price over there?

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ForgottenCaveRaider@reddit

The price I listed was typical in Mexico City and surrounding areas nearby. Especially small corner stores.

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ShirleyWuzSerious@reddit

You can't survive in Tulum for $1000/wk

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Potential_Finger_420@reddit

$4k a month is entirely doable in Tulum. You can find an Air BNB for as little as $70/day. Probably negotiable if you tell them your staying for a month.

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ShirleyWuzSerious@reddit

You took the sarcasm a little too seriously. Just trying to prevent people from using "Mexico" as a blanket location. But thanks for the heads up

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Karatedom11@reddit

You live in manhattan or something? I could name 10 restaurants in my mid size city that have $3 or less happy hour beers

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paulisnottall@reddit

In Manhattan it’s worse! I’ve seen it go up to $15 for a beer here

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StickOfLight@reddit

PBR 16oz in Brooklyn is $4 a can at the pub

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Electronic_Term_9728@reddit

it's £8-15+ for a pint of 3.4% pisswater in edinburgh city centre in scotland.

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anotherkdburner@reddit

I’m in Texas beers are most places are $5-7

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_sillycibin_@reddit

Where I'm at in north Carolina is the same.

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Potential_Finger_420@reddit

I live in California. 😂

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demonkillingblade@reddit

I can get a 6 pack of Modelo at Walmart in Juarez for $63mx ($3.20)

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jaw719@reddit

Costa Rica

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Cannabis-Revolution@reddit

Costa Rica is…. Not cheaper than Mexico

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Vowel_Movements_4U@reddit

I got to Mexico all the time. Even the most expensive places are still cheap. My Ubers around CDMX cost like $1.00 each ride. $3 if I'm going a little farther. I will say the nice cocktail joints are getting more expensive. But not like the states.

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tp3mb@reddit

Guatemala

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Shaelz@reddit

Inland Mexico is amazing and way cheaper than coastal.. can list great cities if you need

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roboconcept@reddit

please do!

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Ambry@reddit

To be honest the Yucatan was way mkre expensive than, say, Mexico City or Oaxaca. Its still an amazing destination.

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seamallowance@reddit

Not in the same area, but Peru.

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Soytaco@reddit

What region do you mean? Mexico is big and really has it's own regions. If you mean America as a whole, Nicaragua and Guatemala are cheap, as are Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Like Mexico, all of these countries have their own complexities when it comes to visiting.

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novdelta307@reddit

Still extremely inexpensive though

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mmmelonzzz@reddit

Mexican here. We don’t want you in our countries. You displace locals and wreak havoc on the environment. Unlike us when we live in your country and do all the jobs that keep you fed, clean, and alive. Stay out of Mexico. Do research on the water crisis in Oaxaca and CDMX and if you have an decency, you’d suffer here in the USA like the rest of us. I haven’t been to Mexico in ten years due to disability. Do not live in my country if your country is keeping me in poverty for being disabled. Stay out of Mexico. They don’t want you there.

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Correct_Succotash988@reddit

Lmao well thankfully absolutely none of this is up to you. If I was healthy I'd go retire in Mexico and be with my friends from Vera Cruz. "Don't come to my country, you're taking our jobs!!" Who said that? Was it you or some other people with red hats?

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TheOGJNX13@reddit

I lived in PV in 2022. My rent for a 2br apartment near the beach was $525/mo (US). With groceries and all other bills, I never went above $1000. I was usually in the $850/mo range.

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TheRoadToGloryyy@reddit

how did you find that place? facebook? what?

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TheOGJNX13@reddit

FB Marketplace and FB PV rental groups

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imjeffhowareu@reddit

look into Colombia.

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Hossflex@reddit

Just had a work buddy buy two houses in Columbia, 30k each over the course of a few years, and just retired to there and dude is under 40

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Castles23@reddit

Nice, what part of Colombia?

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imjeffhowareu@reddit

medellin or cartagena probably.

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rarsamx@reddit

I'm in Mexico right now. You'd be scrapping if you are used to US standards. Really. Is it doable? Sure, many mexicans do it. 17K pesos a month is considered a decent wage. But you'll live in a non tourist area. If you are good at socializing with locals, you may have a good time. With a middle lower class life. So, it really depends on your expectations.

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Prudent-Giraffe7287@reddit

Everything you listed is what I’m already doing in the states 😂

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betterme2610@reddit

Gripping about prices is the new form of gate keeping on Reddit. Yes.. you can live in pvr for $1000 a month. If you go off the beaten path you can find cheap housing as well as food. It all comes down to what sacrifices you’re willing to make

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epooqeo@reddit

Yeah idk why ppl on Reddit do this. It’s really not the best place to go for this kind of advice. And honestly, you can make it almost anywhere if you find the right accommodations and do the math yourself. People on Reddit will just make you doubt your decision.

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Prudent-Giraffe7287@reddit

Totally agree! Lots of people looking at the glass half empty on here. Its doable.

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PalpitationOk5726@reddit

Lived and worked in Mexico for almost 5 years, it's definitely doable in Puerto Vallarta

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

Confused as to why a lot of people say it is not. I see most AirBnbs for $500-600/mo and heard that if you look in local FB groups and ask around you can get a studio for $400-500/mo as well. I am a very minimal person and eat at home, rarely go out, just go to the gym, beach, etc. and try to live a simple life.

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PalpitationOk5726@reddit

If you live the life of an average Mexican. Can be done. Rent in the popular cities is the challenge. But on a Mex diet of the stables with fruit/veg/eggs/beans/masa/rice it’s easily done

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Prudent-Giraffe7287@reddit

Damn. I have the diet of a Mexican then. I live in the states 🤣

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Willem-Bed4317@reddit

If thats all you plan to do why not stay in the USA?

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Fireblu6969@reddit

İ lived in Puerto Vallarta for a year 2020-2021. İ lived with locals though, not air bnbs. When i lived downtown, i had a roommate. İ believe our rent was $300 each other month. Then i moved in with my gf at the time. Her rent was like, $175/ month or something. But we lived on the outskirts of town. İ must've been bringing in $200-$230/week with my job. İ was able to live comfortably. İ was shocked with how expensive everything was when I moved back to the Midwest.

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Fingers_of_fury@reddit

I agree, I lived in Mexico for 4 years in a small town near Puerto Vallarta (La Cruz) it is absolutely doable if you can find the right living situation

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Euphoric_Policy_5009@reddit

Maybe but you may not be used to that level of accommodations.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

I am, single, 26M and used to simple studios

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one-hour-photo@reddit

Oaxaca is a super tourist town. And a big draw for people both in Mexico and Spain. Rent is shockingly high all things considered. Food is cheaper but not all that much cheaper

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Especially if you want American brands, they are expensive. I just came back from two years Lakeside, near Chapala.

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RealGhostbuster1885@reddit

Ajijic?

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

San Antonio Tlayacapan

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EstablishmentSad@reddit

Late to the party but 1k a month is mid to low even by Mexican standards. You are not going to have a good time living like a king on 1k a month. Being poor in the US is better than being poor in Mexico.

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chilizen1128@reddit

Cheap in Mexico is no what you are used to. You won’t have enough water and power goes out all the time. It’s not like living in a studio by the beach in the US.

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TraumitizingRizz@reddit

Powershedding happens in almost every country where you could live on <1.5k a month.

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NikolaijVolkov@reddit

With everything being battery powered nowdays, unreliable electricity isnt a terrible thing. Just keep some battery backup power devices on hand and always charged up. A laptop, an ipad, a couple blutooth speakers with built in battery, a wireless hard drive with built in battery, a UPS, a couple of rechargeable LED lanterns, and a couple portable battery banks.

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NokKavow@reddit

Did you actually live in a place where power goes out often? I did. If you're working on a laptop, WiFi cutting out is a major bummer. Yes, you could use the cellphone data, but in case of a major outage, nearby cellphone towers are often out too. Traipsing around in the dark and stuff in your fridge melting and a/c off in 37 C heat isn't a ton of fun either, even if you're prepared.

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Livid-Carpenter130@reddit

Think of not being able to store cold foods because you can't count on a refrigerator to stay operational. Wifi goes out and EVERYONE hops on that cell phone which then gets EVERYONE hopped onto data services of whichever tower is available at the time until it crashes. And I believe Mexico only has one cell phone provider, don't they? And their electricity gets used in Belize and Honduras.

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demonkillingblade@reddit

Telcel, At&T, Movistar. Believe it or not the best Internet I've ever had was in Mexico (total play). 500mbps down and 5ms ping.

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NikolaijVolkov@reddit

Do you actually know how to do anything with your own power supply? I do. melting fridge?? jeezuz if you cant solve that problem without thinking hard you are lost.

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NokKavow@reddit

Was I supposed to buy and hook up a diesel generator or Tesla Powerwall for each place I was renting or what? Not every situation is the same as yours. It's difficult for some people to imagine that.

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chilizen1128@reddit

And when you don’t have reliable cell service or they turn off cell service? So you rely on wifi to do everything.. so it’s not that simple.

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NikolaijVolkov@reddit

Do you know what a UPS is? Read my comment again.

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chilizen1128@reddit

Nah i don’t care to. I don’t want to own all that shit or have the money to buy it all so your comment doesn’t really matter to me.

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NikolaijVolkov@reddit

You replied to it. Maybe next time don’t.

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AMasterSystem@reddit

Cartel cell service is quite reliable.

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Full_FrontaI_Nerdity@reddit

C-Mobile

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AMasterSystem@reddit

Si senor.

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NokKavow@reddit

This. Nobody ever complains about it.

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Evil_Mini_Cake@reddit

Is that something that happens regularly in PV or Oaxaca?

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anotherkdburner@reddit

All of Mexico. Even the rich parts of

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chilizen1128@reddit

Over the summer they do rolling blackouts where they shut everything off for a couple hours once a day or once every couple days.. so yeah kinda.

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AMasterSystem@reddit

>but I can’t say for certain that it happens there now. Soooooooo why comment.

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GGking41@reddit

Whoa chill out who are you to say what people are allowed to comment Everyone look through this persons comments and point out all the dumb stuff they say!

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chilizen1128@reddit

Damn what’s your problem? I used to live there and when I did it happened sooo..

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Evil_Mini_Cake@reddit

Is that power or cell service or both?

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chilizen1128@reddit

Both! No power or cell service.

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Evil_Mini_Cake@reddit

Wow. I'm surprised to hear that. Is that just too many people on an old grid? I guess the cell towers need that electricity too.

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TeeFry2@reddit

Their infrastructure is less reliable than ours.

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chilizen1128@reddit

I think it’s just too much growth and the power grid can’t handle it. It’s definitely not something I expected and it’s not the end of the world but it’s definitely super annoying.

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demonkillingblade@reddit

I've lived in Juarez, Monterrey, and Hermosillo for years and I only lost power during bad storms, just like in the US. Never just out of nowhere or because of bad infrastructure.

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anotherkdburner@reddit

I know people in Monterrey and they lose power and water multiple times each summer

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demonkillingblade@reddit

I never said anything about water. There has been a water shortage in Monterrey for the last couple years. I lived there in an Airbnb for like a year in 2021. We lost power one time. I actually made a YouTube video about it that day. It won't let me link to YouTube so here's a screenshot. https://ibb.co/GtN32BJ I don't just make stuff up, I was there.

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anotherkdburner@reddit

Alright. San Nicolas a suburb of Monterrey loses power more regularly. I still count that as Monterrey that where a lot of the working class live

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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AutoModerator@reddit

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chilizen1128@reddit

I mean good for you? I’ve lived in 3 different states in Mexico and the power has been unreliable at best. Just because that’s your experience doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s. Just stating my experience.

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demonkillingblade@reddit

As did I.

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ImNotR0b0t@reddit

This.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

To my understanding the way I would get water would be to get bottled water delivered to my apartment (Garrafon), and power outages here and there I can deal with.

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chilizen1128@reddit

Not drinking water.. water to shower and do everything else. It’s not an endless running water supply. You get water twice a month if your lucky and you have to make it last.

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evetrapeze@reddit

In the most rural of places this is true, but not in small towns

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anotherkdburner@reddit

Monterrey is a large city and every summer they dry up

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chilizen1128@reddit

I don’t live in a small town or a rural area and it’s like this where I live.

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evetrapeze@reddit

In what state?

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chilizen1128@reddit

BCS

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LAUTIMARTNER@reddit

But that's the desert

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chilizen1128@reddit

So people who live in the desert don’t deserve running water all the time? Pretty sure Arizona is a desert and they have water all the time. So I’m not too sure what your point is.

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AMasterSystem@reddit

So you just eat tacos and drink beer when there is not enough water and the power goes out. Where is the downside?

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anotherkdburner@reddit

Not being able to flush or clean your hands. Being prepared for the 1 hour you have to fill up your bath tub. Going days without a shower. Lugging around water containers. Paying out the ass for the one corrupt guy that has a water truck

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CzechPublicAgent@reddit

>Where is the downside? Won't be able to get on tinder :D

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AMasterSystem@reddit

I don't need a Tinder.

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RandomStanlet@reddit

Cause you can lose water and power for days at a time, but sure, beers and tacos fix everything.

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Euphoric_Policy_5009@reddit

I am not talking simple studio like in the states, I am talking very basic accomodations for Mexico. There is a huge difference. I just got back from a months stay there. Paid $800 US for a studio

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RealGhostbuster1885@reddit

Look into Guanajuato city. I saw on a retirement site that you could get away with around $900 a month there. It was probably pre-covid though. The BJX airport is about 45 minutes away, but once you're in the city you can walk everywhere, it's safe, food is excellent and reasonably priced. My only concern would be health care. I'm not sure how the health care facilities, doctors or hospitals work in the city since I've only visited a few times as a tourist.

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lighticeblackcoffee@reddit

Assuming you have no other bills... I would still vote no. Is it possible? Sure, but that's pretty tight. But then again it depends on you, if your a home body, like to cook, don't eat out/go out much... but still I'd vote no, like others have said MX has gotten a lot more pricey over the past few years. I'd go $1500-$1600 personally.

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KaleidoscopeThis6389@reddit

Unless you’re Mexican, stay in your own country

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

No

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Broutythecat@reddit

I lived in San Cris on way less than that. I hear Vallarta is super pricey though. A life saving tip for San Cris: only ever drink water from the garrafon, use it to brush your teeth and wash dishes too, never the tap water. Never eat berries or any uncooked veggies you buy on the street. Purchase a food disinfectant and use it on any veggies you bring home and plan to eat raw. Otherwise you will discover why the town is nicknamed San Cristóbal de Las Cacas.

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Rabble_rouser412@reddit

I was on a group trip there (in rural Chiapas) and about 20 of us got the worst salmonella poisoning of our lives. I’ve never been sicker 😭

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beekeeper1981@reddit

I've been to many places in Mexico and Chiapas was the only place I got very sick. It's known to have some of the worst water quality in Mexico. Also the highest consumption of Coca-cola in the world.

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Quick_Cat_3538@reddit

I lived in Puerto Vallarta off and on. If you live like a local, it can definitely be done. Alot of people just picture El Centro when they Puerto Vallarta but it's actually quite large. I lived in Loma Bonita and it's cheap and safe

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RegalBeagle19@reddit

Check out International Living’s website. They will tell you how much it costs in certain cities in most countries that one can live on with just a Social Security check. It’s amazing what you can afford in Mexico, even in the places you named.

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BedtimeBurritos@reddit

Bolivia

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NicholasLeo@reddit

Not in Puerto Vallarta or any breach resort. Prices are much more reasonable in parts of Mexico not overrun by gringos.

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Shaddy_Charact3r@reddit

Honduras or Belize is pretty cheap

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Euphoric_Policy_5009@reddit

I spent a month in Puerto Escondido, never any power outages or water shut off. I live in Sorona in the winter, never any power issues but water shut off happens a lot. Since everyone has a Tanaka( water tank on your roof) it is never an issue.

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Kitty10120@reddit

Vallarta can be very expensive. I think San Cristobal would be manageable

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RealLettuce1782@reddit

You can absolutely do it.. my bf and I just went to Playa del Carmen for 6 days and it came out to $1036/pp

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FolayMingYoung@reddit

You live and off 1k in Merida Mexico. Just look up apartments on Facebook and setup an appointment. A friend of mine moved down there last year and his paying 325$ a month.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

Great to hear! I was considering Merida as well

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Merida sounds wonderful if you are able to tolerate the heat. That’s why I didn’t go there.

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Jamesinmexico@reddit

Check some online shopping websites like Walmart.com.mx and see how much it costs for groceries. Yes, buying at a local market will be about 20%cm cheaper. What about medical care, prescriptions, and dental care? Transportation?

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

My experience of medical care within the last six months was equivalent of $45USD for appointment. Most prescriptions here are over-the-counter in Mexico (pain killers and the like ARE prescribed). Dental care in the Chapala area is more expensive than I expected. Insurance is generally not accepted except maybe for hospital stay. Hospital do not provide meals and other accommodation to patients, family and friends are expected to bring food for patients. Transportation, in general, is very inexpensive…..bus especially. Taxis are waaaay cheaper than U.S. If you go to Mexico for low prices you will likely regret it, maybe even be miserable. If you go for the culture, the color, the warm Mexican people you’ll find great beauty and wonderful experiences there!

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Jamesinmexico@reddit

>If you go to Mexico for low prices you will likely regret it, maybe even be miserable. If you go for the culture, the color, the warm Mexican people you’ll find great beauty and wonderful experiences there! That is absolutely 100% true, go for the experience!

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ricky_storch@reddit

Can survive but it's pretty irresponsible unless you also have some savings.

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FitAnswer5551@reddit

Definitely possible with a private room at a cheap hostel and regular street eats, may not be the most feasible if you're expecting private apartment and regular restaurants.

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FlightAway3879@reddit

Puerto Vallarta, no definitely not. San Cristóbal, maybe to probably. Oaxaca, probably not. Life in Mexico is great if you have plenty of money. And if anything happens to your income things can get dicey very quick. So be sure you are guaranteed that $1000, go with savings, and have backup plans, and backup plans to your backup plans. Speaking from experience.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

I have passive income that is guaranteed at $1000/mo. I just want that to cover my rent and food. I plan to try and make at least an extra $500/month as well. I'm just trying to get a good gauge as to how far $1000 will go for basic things like rent and food.

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PulledNotChopped@reddit

Not very far at all. Past few years Mexico has had much worse inflation than the US, and the dollar has taken a significant drop compared to the peso as well. You’re also looking at pretty popular places in Mexico that are much more expensive than a lot of Mexico. You could make $1000 work if you’re okay basically living in poverty conditions. A functioning, safe, and clean apartment with working electricity is going to be minimum $300/month, if not closer to $500-$600 minimum. And very unlikely any of those places have AC. And that’s before any utilities. And don’t forget you can’t drink the water so you’ll probably be paying at least another $50-$100/month just on water. Rent likely could be even more than what I listed above, because with your budget no way can you afford a car down there and you’ll need to be in a more desired walkable area.

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Box_of_fox_eggs@reddit

Ugh, comparatively low US inflation making other countries less attractive to live in/visit — thanks a lot, Biden! SMDH /s if anyone needs it

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Wages are EXTREMELY low….maybe equivalent to $5USD per hour.

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Jazzlike-Wrap-1042@reddit

Most jobs there pay less than that.

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FlightAway3879@reddit

$5 an hour would be a very good wage. Minimum wage is about $14.50 a day in most of the country (it is higher in border areas).

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

Sorry, I'm not talking about making extra $ locally, but online

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Perfect! Good for you.

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Jazzlike-Wrap-1042@reddit

Just got back from 6 weeks in the Yucatan and then Oaxaca. You're gonna be scraping the bottom of the barrel pretty hard to make it on $1,000 a month (cheap accomodation and cheap grocery stores - you may be uncomfortable living/eating like this). I got drained from trying to do that really quick. Anyway, if you're just coming to MX because it's cheaper than the US, you're gonna become unhappy pretty quickly. But the big question is where you wanna live. MX is huge. Also, are you fluent in Spanish? How do you present racially? I look scandinavian and I got lots of vendors trying to overcharge me, even at food carts. Many Mexican vendors will even try to overcharge other Mexicans that don't have the regional accent. My Spanish is better than 90% of tourists and I only caught a break occassionally because of this. In my opinion the people in Lima, Peru were more laid back and it was cheaper. Good luck.

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FlightAway3879@reddit

I will just say expect the unexpected. Things have a way of not going according to plan in Mexico. Beautiful country, would love a vacation there right about now, would never live there again.

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Check residential requirements. They go up every January. You can’t live there legally on $1K. Maybe $1,500, you need to check it out.

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FlightAway3879@reddit

Yes that is true as well. It's based on the national minimum wage which has increased quite a bit in the last few years.

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

While most prescriptions here are over the counter in Mexico and very inexpensive, I found some medical procedures to be very high and most not covered by insurance.

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FlightAway3879@reddit

I think you're replying to the wrong person

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Efriminiz@reddit

And my axe.

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Weary_Valuable3300@reddit

You won't be able to live in Mexico on that income because you won't qualify for residency. You MIGHT be able to do the 180 day shuffle and try to use FMMs to live in Mexico on. The problem is that INM is now cracking down on people using FMMs to illegally live in Mexico - FMMs are for tourism and not for living in the country. I know many people that have gotten 7 day FMMs after doing the 180 day shuffle for years on end. If you allow your FMM to expire or don't have one, you are subject for deportation if you are caught. There are about 100 people in the SMA INM facility being processed for deportation for overstaying their FMMs. Some of them are Americans and Canadians. That information was posted on the Expats in Mexico Facebook group by Sonia Diaz a few days ago.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

I would like to just be in Mexico 180 days a year, then come back in another 6 months and repeat. There are also other ways to get residency if I would like (which idk if I want to or not), I know I would not qualify for the income requirements.

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Weary_Valuable3300@reddit

They are watching people for that - 180 days in, leave and come back. That is the "180 day shuffle" that I was talking about. They are cracking down on that now.

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

I heard they were cracking down on that but then stopped. Also I wouldn’t be breaking any rules would I? I would be in the country for 180 days, then come back next year.

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Weary_Valuable3300@reddit

They are still cracking down on it. According to Sonia Diaz, an Mexican Immigration attorney based out of SMA, there are 50 people in the INM facility there that are pending deportation for this happening. As for doing it the way you describe, you probably CAN get away it but there is no guarantee. Last week on the Expats in Mexico group on Facebook, several people commented that virtually everyone on their flight into MEX got 30 days on their FMMs even if they showed that their return ticket was longer than that time period. In truth, it is entirely up to the INM Agent that you see at Immigration. If they are in a bad mood, they could give you only 7 days. PAY ATTENTION to what they put in your passport. Many are no longer giving the FMM form but just marking it in the passport. I used to do the 180 day shuffle for years. I qualified for residency but just didn't do the paperwork. When I got 7 day FMMs twice in a row, I decided it was time to get TR and went to Laredo to do it. It hasn't been a problem since.

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AuggieGemini@reddit

When I lived in PV, I was making about $1000-1200 a month as an online ESL teacher. It was enough, but I wasn't living lavishly. I bought foods at the market next door, took public transit, etc. This was just before COVID, though. I know it's a lot more expensive now.

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bidyouado@reddit

Argentina is a really cheap place to live and gorgeous. Their economy is really bad though, if you have a wfh job or just going off your savings from the US, I believe you can survive in less than 1k in Argentina. Also the current currency exchange for USD to MX is 1/17.

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GogoDogoLogo@reddit

do you think the cartel will eventually move into places like Puerto Vallarta? Everytime i have friend's going to Mexico, its either Cancun, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. Mostly Puerto now that me and my friends are older

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OverallPark7732@reddit

In terms of Oaxaca, I would say you would struggle. 1500-2000$ would be more realistic

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kerager8@reddit

Yes done it many times. If you book monthly it'll be easier or hostels. You can sometimes walk around and find places that offer better deals then you find online once you arrive. Depends on your flexibility but very doable!

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UnusualCar4912@reddit

DO NOT GOCTO OAXACA U FUCKING PIG

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Hot-Draft-6935@reddit

I have lived in Guanajuato for 7 years. $1000 USD is far more than most people in Mexico make and it is totally doable (although not sure about PV). When I first moved there we lived only on my husband's 6000 mxn per month salary. Just live as your neighbors do. Become fluent in Spanish and seek out apartments where local students are looking (students always have a lower budget). Shop where your neighbors shop, not at the big supermarkets where the wealthy people and gringos go. My attitude is that if it's good enough for people who grew up there then it's good enough for me. If you think that way then you will be fine. It will not be a U.S. life but it can be a very happy one.

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rarsamx@reddit

The problem is that you were living there. OP doesn't say their immigration status. With a 180 days visa, they probably need to rent a furnished room for short term. But yes, it's doable.

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Hot-Draft-6935@reddit

Yes, added on to my comment to clarify this is living, not vacationing. You are totally right.

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Hot-Draft-6935@reddit

P.S. if you are thinking a month vacation like in airbnb or hotel then it will get more expensive obviously. If you're wanting to move then just adapt, learn the ways and respect the way of life.

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Pop-A-Choppa@reddit

RIP my man🤣🤣

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Longjumping_Water_74@reddit

Colombia lol

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phillyphilly19@reddit

Check out expats living in Mexico on YouTube. There are great videos about living there, especially in Puerta Vallarta.

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emilioml_@reddit

They're called inmigrants

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phillyphilly19@reddit

🙄

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mmxmlee@reddit

OP, you think majority of locals make 1k a month?

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Eastern_One_1310@reddit (OP)

Haha true, although some people seem to think I will starve if I try to do this

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BigCheeze88@reddit

Pv sucks unless your gay, do Oaxaca

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Effective_Path_5798@reddit

Not that there's anything wrong with that

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Miembro1@reddit

Yea, you can live with 1000usd. There are a lot of local people living with less money than that.

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Proper_Ad2548@reddit

I'm living in Vegas on 1K a month. Mexico has to be livable on that

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emilioml_@reddit

México it's a country so yes. Somewhere in Mexico yes. But not the major cities

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murakamidiver@reddit

No

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refy7svi@reddit

Try Merida

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MagicOnwheels@reddit

Add a zero

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williamchase88@reddit

I recently spent $2000US for 3 weeks in Mexico City and Oaxaca. Didn’t really splash out but also was never concerned about my budget. Did everything I wanted to do. And got a tattoo in a swanky studio in Roma Norte.

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Interesting-Mode-694@reddit

Got a brief synopsis of itinerary, area you stayed and what you ate?

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Routine_Chapter_9099@reddit

FWIW right now I am in San Gil, Colombia. I am really enjoying it. At the moment it's hot. About 30 degrees C. At night it might get down to 20ish. So kind of pleasant. Anyway I am kind of thinking that 1000$ USD could do it here. A beer in a little tienda is 3000 COP. That's about $1Canadian ffs. I just bought 36 eggs at a beautiful Supermarket for $4. I got a gym membership at a wonderful gym at it was 30000 COP for the week. So roughly $10 Canadian. For the week! The owner of the hostel I am at told me his rent in a nice building is 1000000 COP. I **THINK** he said that is a 2 bedroom!! Not suggesting this is a place that everyone would enjoy. It has a bit of an edge. Certainly not a full on tourist town. But it's real and I like it here. I've only been here a week but am going to stay a couple more weeks. Anyway just my 2 cents. I am no expert but feel free to ask questions and I will try to answer them as best as I can.

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Dr_Bendova420@reddit

I haven’t been to PV since 2019, I have a family home about 3.5 hours away. So I’m some what familiar with the area. PV I’m sure you can find a studio to rent for $300-$650 a month. That’s like a range of roughly $5100-$11,000 pesos for rent. I assume that you can find something in that range that could also include electric and maybe water? It might be a tight budget depending on housing but I’m sure you can maybe teach English or something on the side.

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ReporterMobile7348@reddit

The world is getting more expensive the more these corporations connect the dots.

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

If you want US brands of food, you will pay dearly. In general, expats moving in drives prices up. My rent and food near Chapala was about $1,500 for one person. That included services of cleaning and laundry which came with it: I had an inexpensive breakfast out on Sunday; otherwise, I rarely ate out.,

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PhotographSavings370@reddit

Absolutely true! I can live more inexpensively in middle America.

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pvrugger@reddit

My last studio in PV was small and overlooked an outdoor market. 10 minute walk to the beach. I was paying $6000 pesos a month. If you look around - facebook marketplace is good, so is mano a mano (local paper) - you'll find something in your price range.

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perlaindigital@reddit

here yall go... pricing out the locals. they don't want you there. get it through your head. just move to kansas.

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AedanJiro@reddit

I was in Puerto Vallarta for 2 weeks. I spent about 700 CAD for food and Airbnb. I don't think it's doable.

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jstplnyoungnbroke@reddit

Nope. It used to but due to influx of foreigners the cost of living has trippled. Mexico is cheap but not thatcheap

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NikolaijVolkov@reddit

[https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2023/09/29/6-beautiful-places-in-mexican-where-you-can-live-for-under-1250-a-month/?sh=403e997e52b5](https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2023/09/29/6-beautiful-places-in-mexican-where-you-can-live-for-under-1250-a-month/?sh=403e997e52b5)

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alx_torres@reddit

PV rents can be quite out of your budget, but on the nearby towns (Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta/Nayarit, or even La Cruz de Huanacaxtle) you could find something affordable, and the lifestyle there is quite cheaper

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getdowngoblins@reddit

I was in Oaxaca last month and PVR last year. Both are getting very expensive. You could survive on $1000 for sure, but would be limiting your experience in visiting these places. Like, if you want to go out and try a couple mezcals in Oaxaca, or do a daytrip or two to areas outside the city, this will very quickly drain your budget. I eat most of my meals from street vendors, and I still probably spent $300 on food for a 10 day trip.

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Blue-Bird780@reddit

San Cristobal or Oaxaca would probably be doable, but I haven’t been back since 2017 so I’m super out of touch with the current pricing of goods, services and rent. Just be prepared to live a modest lifestyle and you’ll probably be fine

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wanderingdev@reddit

soooo expensive in san cris now. prices have gone up at least 50% or more since then.

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Saxman7321@reddit

Depends how you want to live. Would recommend picking places they are not too touristy.

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chilizen1128@reddit

Nope. Everything here is getting expensive.

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lilwendell@reddit

My girlfriend did 3 months in San Cristobal. Absolutely loved it and very doable

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NArcadia11@reddit

Sure. PV would be the most expensive I think but still doable. Probably not a very exciting life, but you can definitely survive on that.

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