How to Move Abroad Without Breaking the Bank: Insider Tips for Americans to Mexico
Moving to Mexico is becoming a popular choice for Americans seeking a fresh start abroad. With its warm climate, rich culture, and affordable cost of living, it's easy to see why. The best part? You don’t need a fortune to make the move.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to relocate to Mexico without emptying your bank account. From visa options to finding affordable housing and saving on everyday expenses, these tips will help make your move as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.
Why Mexico Is a Top Choice for Budget-Friendly Living
Mexico offers a much lower cost of living compared to the U.S. In many places, you can live comfortably on a fraction of what you’d spend back home. The proximity to the U.S. also means lower travel costs and staying connected with family is easy. Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of the Yucatan or the cultural hubs like Mexico City, there’s something for every budget.
Let’s get started on your affordable move to Mexico!
Step 1: Research Visa Options
Before packing your bags, you’ll need to sort out your visa. Thankfully, Mexico offers several visa options that cater to Americans.
Temporary Resident Visa
If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for more than six months but less than four years, the Temporary Resident Visa is your best option. This visa is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone looking to test out life in Mexico before fully committing.
To qualify, you'll need to prove a steady income or savings. The financial requirements are relatively low compared to other countries, making it a budget-friendly option for many Americans.
Permanent Resident Visa
For those looking to make Mexico their forever home, the Permanent Resident Visa is the way to go. Unlike the temporary visa, this option has no expiration, and you won’t need to renew it.
Pro Tip: If you start with a Temporary Resident Visa, you can later switch to a Permanent Resident Visa after a few years, simplifying the process.
Step 2: Budget for Your Move
Creating a budget is essential to avoid overspending. Here are the major expenses to consider when moving to Mexico:
Visa Fees: The cost for a Temporary Resident Visa ranges from $150-$200, while the Permanent Resident Visa costs around $200-$300.
Moving Costs: Depending on how much you're bringing, international moving services can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. But don’t worry, we’ll show you how to cut these costs!
Housing and Rent: Rent in Mexico is much cheaper than in the U.S., especially outside major tourist areas like Cancun or Tulum.
Common Mistake: Many expats underestimate moving expenses. Make sure to account for everything, from legal fees to temporary housing during your transition.
Step 3: Save on Moving Costs
Moving your belongings to another country can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down.
Sell or Donate Unnecessary Items: Before moving, sell furniture, clothing, or anything you won’t need in Mexico. The fewer things you ship, the cheaper your move will be.
Use Affordable Shipping Services: Compare quotes from different moving companies and consider shared container shipping to reduce costs. For small moves, you might even find it cheaper to check extra luggage on your flight.
Move in the Off-Season: Moving companies often charge more during peak times like summer or the holiday season. Try to schedule your move during off-peak months for lower rates.
Pro Tip: Many expats recommend only shipping sentimental or high-value items. Furniture and household goods are often cheaper to buy locally in Mexico.
Step 4: Find Affordable Housing in Mexico
Finding a place to live is one of the biggest steps in your move. Thankfully, rent in Mexico is affordable, especially if you're flexible with your location.
Rent Before You Buy: It’s a good idea to rent before buying property in Mexico. Renting allows you to explore different neighborhoods and get a feel for the area without a long-term commitment.
Affordable Areas: Cities like Merida, Oaxaca, and Guanajuato offer great quality of life at lower rental prices compared to hotspots like Mexico City or Cancun.
Pro Tip: Look for long-term rental contracts, which often come at a lower monthly rate than short-term vacation rentals.
Negotiate Rent: In many cases, you can negotiate rent prices with landlords, especially if you’re signing a longer lease.
Step 5: Cut Down on Daily Living Costs
The key to living affordably in Mexico is managing your day-to-day expenses. Here’s how you can keep costs low:
Eat Like a Local
Eating out at touristy restaurants can add up. Instead, shop at local markets and grocery stores where food is fresh and affordable. Cooking at home with local ingredients will also save you money while giving you a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Pro Tip: Mexico has an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at local markets, which are often much cheaper than supermarkets.
Use Public Transportation
Mexico has reliable and inexpensive public transportation in most cities. Instead of buying a car right away, take advantage of buses, colectivos (shared vans), and the metro in larger cities like Mexico City.
Walking and Biking: Many Mexican towns and cities are walkable, and biking is a great way to save money and explore your new neighborhood.
Common Mistake: Expats sometimes rush into buying a car without considering the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. Start with public transportation to save money.
Step 6: Save on Healthcare Costs
One of the biggest advantages of moving to Mexico is the affordable healthcare. Here's how to navigate the healthcare system on a budget:
Private Health Insurance: While Mexico has a public healthcare system, many expats prefer private health insurance, which offers access to private hospitals and shorter wait times. Compared to U.S. prices, private insurance in Mexico is much more affordable.
IMSS (Public Healthcare): You can also enroll in Mexico’s public healthcare system, known as IMSS, which is available to residents at a low annual fee. This covers most medical needs and is a great option for budget-conscious expats.
Pro Tip: Consider a combination of private insurance for emergencies and public healthcare for routine care to save even more.
Step 7: Find Work or Income in Mexico
Having an income source is key to maintaining your budget. Here are some options:
Remote Work
Many Americans who move to Mexico continue to work remotely for U.S. companies. If your job allows for remote work, this is a fantastic way to keep earning in dollars while enjoying the lower cost of living in Mexico.
Local Jobs
If you’re looking for work in Mexico, consider teaching English, working in tourism, or finding a job with an international company. Certain job opportunities even offer assistance with your visa.
Common Mistake: Many people forget to check if their work visa allows them to earn income in Mexico. Be sure to understand your visa’s restrictions.
Step 8: Stay Connected With Family and Friends
Mexico is close to the U.S., making it easier to stay connected with your loved ones.
Free Communication Apps: Use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom to call friends and family back in the U.S. for free. This will save you from racking up international phone charges.
Budget Airlines: Thanks to Mexico’s proximity to the U.S., flights between the two countries can be very affordable. Keep an eye out for deals on budget airlines like Volaris or Viva Aerobus.
Pro Tip: Book flights during off-peak times and use frequent flyer programs to save on airfare.
Moving to Mexico on a Budget
Making the move to Mexico can be affordable with the right plan in place. Let’s recap:
Research visa options to find the best fit for your needs.
Set a clear budget to account for visa fees, moving costs, and daily expenses.
Reduce moving costs by shipping only essentials and selling unneeded items.
Find affordable housing by renting and exploring less touristy areas.
Cut daily expenses by eating local and using public transportation.
Save on healthcare with private insurance or Mexico’s IMSS public system.
Find work or remote income to maintain financial stability.
Stay connected with loved ones using free apps and budget airlines.
Ready to Move to Mexico?
Moving to Mexico doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these steps, you can start your new life without draining your bank account. With the lower cost of living, affordable healthcare, and incredible lifestyle, Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities for Americans looking to live abroad.
Ready to take the next step? Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on moving abroad, and check out our guide to visa requirements for Mexico.
