Average Cost of Living in Reading Pa Per Month
Last updated on Jan one, 2022
I accept lived and worked from effectually the world for more than than a decade. Before settling on living in Mexico, I lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand for five months and loved information technology enough to motility back the post-obit yr. That was the get-go time I stayed put in one spot and became a semi-expat. As the months passed, I was so surprised by how affordable living there was that I shared a toll of living post … mostly for the readers in the A Fiddling Adrift customs who had written me over the years wondering how they could beget to live or retire abroad. Long story short, that post went viral and a 1000000 visitors have read most the $500 baseline costs to live in Thailand.
Clearly the financials are interesting. And United mexican states is oft the start place American retirees and digital nomads consider when looking at places overseas with a lower cost of living. It'southward shut to the U.South., the nutrient is both terrific and familiar, and information technology'due south fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to brand the motion. So, with that in mind, this mail below outlines my my expat stints across Mexico—from a tiny embankment town on the Pacific coast to the nutrient capital of Oaxaca.
Why Move to Mexico?
Outset off, Mexico is a big country. It's located below nigh of the United states of america, so imagine driving from Texas to Seattle and y'all accept an idea of what it might accept to get to another area of Mexico. This is important to understand, because many of the near popular expat spots are nearly that far removed from the farthermost dare violence you might read nearly. Expats, retirees, and digital nomads often love living in Mexico because of proximity to the U.South.—all of the country'south bigger cities offer direct flights to u.s.a., and they're affordable too!
Budget, however, is the driving impetus for a lot of expats moving to Mexico. The boilerplate almanac wage in Oaxaca, for example, is around $x,500—that'due south an average and many Mexicans live on less than that sum (particularly indigenous and rural populations). In fact, endeavor this on for size: The Mexican government raised the 2020 minimum wage to well-nigh $6.forty per 24-hour interval. I am oft emailed a question that'southward roughly this: Why are Mexicans fleeing to the U.Southward. if expats want to live at that place? It comes downwards to social inequality for Mexicans and the sheer amount of money available to those who work in the U.Due south. and send money abode. The U.S. minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, meaning if workers can send even a portion of their daily earnings habitation to family unit in Mexico it represents a huge sum. Expats occupy a position of extreme privilege, particularly retirees able to use the culmination of a lifetime of working in a more expensive and better paid economy, and then basically use geo-arbitrage to spend their money and social security checks in a country where the USD goes a lot further. Given that the U.South. has its own social injustices, and given that housing is skyrocketing, many expats look to United mexican states as a place where they tin beget to live the blazon of life that feels less attainable in the U.S. right now.
Only why Mexico and non other popular places in Key America like Costa rica or Panama? Both of these countries as well offer a depression toll of living, but each state offers an entirely different civilization, food, and besides different visa requirements. Americans can hands obtain a retiree visa for Mexico, and digital nomads ofttimes take reward of the automatic 6 months on-arrival that Americans bask when inbound Mexico.
Average Cost of Living Beyond Mexico: $600 – $2,000
My baseline (and total) costs to live in Mexico came in under $745 every month. I've also lived in Oaxaca likewise, and it'southward even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month). Housing is your biggest expense, and even Western-mode places are affordable. A single person is difficult-pressed to spend more than than $1,000 here on a modest budget.
| Monthly Expenses | Cost (USD$) |
|---|---|
| Rent & Internet | $375 |
| Electricity & Water | $0 |
| Food | $300 |
| Transportation | $20 |
| Entertainment | $50 |
| Total | $745 |
This post is updated annually with new data. This video shares the costs, style of living, quality of life, and other details almost living as an expat in Mexico, with a tour of my studio in a trendy beach town north of Puerto Vallarta:
Price of a Month of Living in San Pancho, Mexico
This entire postal service outlines the baseline costs—my fixed monthly expenses for ane person living in a beach boondocks on the w coast of Mexico. Living in Mexico is platonic for upkeep-conscious expats, retirees, and travelers. Those living in nearby Costa rica or Panama tend to take higher monthly averages, and so I plant my Mexico living situation ideal. Mexico as well has a very generous visa policy—six months on arrival for Americans, which helps keep total living costs low.
The chart shows the basics you'll need to cover when living in most parts of Mexico. Puerto Vallarta and surrounding communities are generally pricier than spots in Oaxaca, and maybe on par with places like San Miguel de Allende.
Not included in this breakup of living costs: medical/wellness insurance, my aeroplane flight to Mexico, or whatever expenses I incur outside of living (running this site, insurance, work, etc).
But all the baseline costs are all included in my totals, and really different the Thailand post, this total includes toiletries and whatever expenses inside United mexican states that cropped up—I never withdrew more than USD $750 from the ATM each month. And this budget is on the high-finish for one person; if I had looked around for an flat or shared a firm with friends my costs would have lowered to $600 (and my friend Earl says that's almost the cost of living in Playa del Carmen on the east declension beaches as well). I as well spent less than that easily when shared a flat and lived in Oaxaca, which is an inland city and far cheaper than the littoral towns, so your money goes further. I share a heap of United mexican states resource at the finish.
One of the loftier points of Mexico, a clear reward over living in Asia, is the visa situation. Every bit a U.S. citizen, I receive a vi month visa on arrival automatically, and this can be reset simply past crossing a border and coming back … indefinitely. For those considering moving overseas without the chance for a retirement visa, the visa policy in Mexico is a big boon. The visa situation in Southeast Asia is a lot trickier, and although I didn't include the visa runs into my baseline costs in SEA, it was absolutely a big part of living at that place for six months and it could add upwardly a lot if you were there years on end.
Right now, the peso is roughly 19 or xx pesos to one US dollar. Use that figure as a guide to the food and transport costs I mention (check that commutation rate here). In the video and these breakdowns, I very specifically quote pesos and not dollars as my costs considering the exchange rate may vary, but you will be paying for your life in pesos!
What Did Daily Life Await Like?
The diverse facets of living abroad are role of what makes one place appeal to some expats while others prefer something vastly dissimilar. I'yard on the fence between Asia and Latin America, I love them both for different reasons, so rather than compare these aspects of life to each other, beneath is the nutrient, life, and civilisation you get for that budget living in a embankment town on Mexico's Pacific coast.
A Lite, Airy Studio Flat
I didn't look very hard for my apartment; in fact, it'due south the first one I came across. I loved the family compound I lived within (they had a split up house with three rental apartments inside their lot) and information technology's ane of the things I value living solo … I similar having other people nearby who have my well-being in mind in case something happens. And then, the apartment was 4,500 pesos per month ( $375 at the fourth dimension) which is on the loftier-end for a studio in my town only the toll included all utilities and really stiff internet, which is essential for my online work.
A loftier bespeak of living in United mexican states is the fact that apartments and houses come with total kitchens (though mine was minus an oven), this is actually keen if you're keen to melt—anything you hire here volition likely come up with a stove and pots and pans if it's a furnished apartment. Other than the kitchen, information technology had everything else y'all would expect in a studio—full-size bed, counter with stools (where I worked from), cupboard, and a bathroom (a tour is shown in the video above).
Other places in boondocks rent out as vacation rentals or rooms for anywhere from USD $200 per calendar month on the very low-end (likely no wi-fi) to $500+ for i and ii bedrooms. And one boondocks over, in Sayulita (which is bigger and more touristy has a great beach, a lot more food, bars, etc), the apartment prices are actually pretty comparable—ideal if you like the thought of Mexico but think my town was a bit too small! :)
Delicious Vegetarian Eats
It's no undercover I'thou a vegetarian, then for me, a country gets bonus points for not only the accessibility of vegetarian food, but the agreement of the concept of vegetarianism. Mexico'southward skilful on both fronts, though not always great. During high flavour my trivial town had just enough options to go on it interesting, and as the seasons shifted I cooked in my apartment a lot more using fresh veggies from the markets, which was fun and gave me a kick toward my goal of becoming a ameliorate cook (Asia spoiled me because the lack of kitchens and cheap street food meant I never had to learn to melt these past years).
For costs, a inexpensive quesadilla runs 15 pesos (just over $one) at 1 of the stands, a nicer taco costs about xl pesos (about $3.25), and a veggie meal at one of the scattering of restaurants in town runs upwardly to $x or $15 USD. I was lucky to have friends in town so I could dissever one of the big pizzas for our weekly Friday-night gatherings, and my friends Victoria and Steve ofttimes hosted potlucks.
I as well potable a lot of coffee; so although I fabricated my ain pot each solar day, the food budget included many espressos each week. My food budget was pretty generous, so if y'all cook at dwelling, even calculation the cost of cooking meat, I call back y'all could get by on 1,000 pesos each week. I oftentimes bought organic veggies (expensive) at the Fri market in Sayulita, so the food budget is generous for a range of eating styles.
Getting From Here to There
One of the perks of living in a 1-street town is that you don't need a whole lot of transportation! That being said, I chose to live on the far end of the main street very close the community eye where I volunteered (and about a ten-infinitesimal walk from the beach). A mere 10 minutes doesn't seem like much, merely in the scorching heat I was happy to have utilise of a bicycle from the family unit chemical compound.
And for leaving San Pancho, Puerto Vallarta is virtually 45 minutes away and costs just a few dollars each way on the omnibus—this is the closest big city. Sayulita is a perfectly lovely pocket-size town (much bigger than mine though) and it was merely xx minutes up the road. This ride costs $i each way on the bus or a quick (and easy) hitchhike ride.
Sayulita was perfect to have nearby if I needed to vary up my food, explore a bit, or but go out of boondocks for a few hours. There are many other beaches driveable, some ruins, one-time stuff to look at, etc if y'all're cracking to explore. I worked a lot and so my cycle took me about anywhere I wanted to go.
Nightlife in San Pancho
I am non a partier. Whew, glad we got that out of the way. Now, when I say that I have a low-budget for alcohol and partying you can adjust information technology accordingly for yourself. San Pancho is a bully town for nightlife if you like a bit of variety but nothing too crazy—no dance clubs, but we did have ii smashing bars and a lot of alive music throughout the calendar week. In fact, during high season there was live music at ane of the confined or restaurants nearly every night.
One of the things I loved best nigh the town was that the pace of partying was a lot closer to what I prefer—everyone chilling, talking, listening to music, and enjoying visitor. Add together to that some game nights at Victoria and Steve's for Jungle Speed (had never heard of this game but it was fun and hilarious to play in a group), embankment bonfires, and conversation … I felt like Goldilocks—San Pancho was but correct.
Quality of Life in Mexico
This bit surprised me some, I knew that many Americans headed south of our border to live but I never really understood why until I stopped and spent 4 months on the Pacific coast taking in the truly stunning sunsets, the relaxed atmosphere and the affordable lifestyle. The only thing I expected just never found was the fear and danger.
I've honestly discussed the question of safety and danger in travel. Our perceptions and reality of the world are often skewed; that is truthful of Mexico. While there arecertainly dangerous places in Mexico, the land is huge. The people and cultures shift and change with the terrain and in that location are some surprisingly prophylactic cities throughout the country if you lot know where to await (expect to the blogosphere!).
I really loved the access to affordable healthcare (a bonus Thailand had equally well), similar-minded expats who I at present call shut friends, and a pace of life that encouraged me to slow downwards and enjoy the little moments.
The brusk of it all is that Mexico proved more expensive at daily living than Thailand, merely still at least half the rent I paid living in Los Angeles in my pre-travel days. And the flights to Mexico are far cheaper for North Americans. Although it wasn't as cheap, I accept continued to make Mexico a regular stop on my travels in the years since I lived in San Pancho and Oaxaca. The aeroplane flights are affordable, I speak the language, and I relish the culture. Information technology's a privilege to even have this ability, and I appreciate that Mexico has a lot to offer American expats. And as well, many of these towns appreciate the influx of coin and added services that come with expats moving to town.
It's the sum total of it all that I love—past living outside the U.S. (I now reside in Barcelona, Espana), I am able to scale dorsum the hours I accept to piece of work each week to survive, and instead focus that attention on doing things I love: volunteering in the nearby customs centre, taking photographs, and having the fourth dimension to savour the friendships I brand. No place is perfect, but for $750 a month, nightly sunsets, lots of friends, and tasty tacos … I'll render to Mexico soon. :)
Relevant Links & Resources for Moving to United mexican states
- You will need comprehensive worldwide expat insurance and separate holding insurance policy once you're living overseas—I've used IMG Global and Clements for many years at present with smashing success and highly recommend both. I have used these them in tandem since 2008.
- Read The People's Guide t o Mexico: Even if yous're a veteran Mexico traveler, this is hands-down the best guidebook you should use to empathise the various regions, the cultural quirks, and all the reasons United mexican states is a fantastic place to travel and live. It comes highly recommended by me, and by heaps of Amazon reviewers too.
- Living in Guatemala: This eguide shares the cost of living and what information technology's like in one of my favorite spots in Central America, Guatemala. Although unlike than Mexico'southward expat scene, there are some very compelling reasons (keen civilisation and affordability, to name ii) to consider moving to Guate.
- A Amend Life for Half the Cost: A Mexican expat breaks downward all the major expat spots in the earth with costs, quality of living, and resources. I learned heaps and constitute a couple countries I hadn't previously considered. It's worth buying if you're all the same searching out which country is best for the life you want to live.
- Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America: There are a lot of these full general guides. The volume higher up, Better Life is about where is a proficient civilization fit, whereas this is the better of the lot of "move overseas" books that covers the practicalities and very hands-on information you need every bit someone because living anywhere exterior the U.Southward. If you're new all the researching, this can kick-start your process. And if you are laser-focused on the retirement topic, versus moving overseas at a different state in life, this retirement guide has slap-up advice.
- The Revenue enhancement Volume for U.S. Expats: This is well-priced and unique to expats and retirees filing abroad. It gives a granular await at forms, terms, and sorting out exactly how to file — good for those with complicated tax situations. More than recently released,U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans goes broader and is aimed at younger expats and digital nomads notwithstanding working and handling how to earn income overseas, pay taxes, and live a nomadic life. Information technology doesn't explain the terms or niche situations/forms as well equally the other book, merely instead acts as a guide for younger travelers. Depending on your situation, option up a re-create of one of these guides before you exit and then that you lot will have a tax system in identify that maximizes the opportunities to easily file.
- Check out a Facebook grouping called "On the Road in Mexico" is a good place to enquire questions of other expats.
- And dig through the two solid Mexico expat forums hither.
Other Mexico Cost of Living Posts
- Couples apartment in San Pancho: A expect at another rental property in town.
- Couples budget in Sayulita: A thorough breakdown of how much an apartment and life will cost in Sayulita, which is the larger boondocks 20 minutes from San Pancho.
- Two solo budgets in Playa del Carmen: Nomadic Notes and Wandering Earl break down costs on an e coast beach.
- Family budget in Lake Chapala: While the site is no longer active, this archived version shares a family unit of three'due south budget in the interior.
- Thailand cost of living mail service: I reference this throughout and thought I'd provide a handy link if you lot're great to compare living costs.
- Oaxaca City, Mexico. I haven't written up this as a full detailed budget post, simply I lived in Oaxaca for 6 months in 2016. The pace of life is different inland, and the city is at altitude (about the aforementioned equally Denver). There is also a large expat community of snowbirds. In that location is a rich cultural and nutrient history. I wrote a detailed guide to visiting Oaxaca. Budget-wise, my rent was half of hire in San Pacho and for more space. If yous're looking at long-term rentals (non the three-calendar month apartment rentals that are chop-chop filled in winters past snowbirds), you can find a two-bedroom on the edge of Oaxaca Centro for less than USD $300. Food is affordable and the city has some of the nearly famous restaurants in the country.
San Pancho Travel and Visit Specifics
Airport to SP: Cheapest is the motorcoach, by far. Taxis are going to run you a off-white bit more. The motorbus makes a number of stops, but information technology's non so bad. I had a friend who luckily was able to pick me upward my first day, but later on that I oft fabricated the expedition into Puerta Vallarta via bus. Where ever yous book for accommodation volition also exist able to adjust a taxi selection-upwardly (sometimes for less than the going rate if you hail one) if you lot accomplish out beforehand. If yous are already in the expanse, the double-decker is straightforward and takes 45 minutes to an 60 minutes from downtown PV.
Finding Accommodation: I recommend arriving in San Pancho before trying to find a place to stay, otherwise you will merely find vacation rentals listed. In one case yous are in town, you tin rent a cycle for the twenty-four hours or walk around boondocks and you will see many signs for hire. You tin can also talk with local expats and ask around. With boilerplate Castilian, you will have no problem finding something in just a few days, especially if it's low season (get there earlier November). If you don't speak Spanish, or you came in high season, pop into the existent manor agencies. They handle rentals too and are fantastic resources on any city mentioned.
For where to stay, there are three tiers of pricing, the Hostal San Pancho or Shaka Surf House if you lot don't mind a shared-dorm; these are the 2 well-nigh affordable options in town. Higher up Hostal San Pancho is an affordable, very nice guesthouse called Refugio de Sol—this is absolutely your best bet for private accommodation that'due south all the same budget to mid-range prices. If that's booked though, other nice individual accommodation in the $60 tp $80 per nighttime range include: Verde Luna, Casa Terraza, and JardÃn San Pancho B&B.
If you're in Sayulita, my friends rented a squeamish place from Villas Vista Suites for three months— I would start there for online hunting. If you're using Sayulita as your base, consider the Aurinko Bungalows or Casa Pia as a mid-range option and then daytrip over to San Pancho. These all come recommended, and if you lot plan to move to the surface area they are a good base.
For a midrange hotel in Puerto Vallarta, await at Hotel Mercurio.
And in any of them, at that place are now also plenty of options on Airbnb.
Working: There are some places that hire expats, though it's under the table. To get these gigs you will definitely need to be in town and getting to know the people, places, and other expats. I know for sure that some friends worked at the mid-range and high-end restaurants in SP or Sayulita. A few expats likewise taught English language for a small stipend at Entre Amigos, the community center.
Other: For work and living, it really will be so much easier on the ground. It's a very pocket-sized town and the expat community is super supportive. Information technology'south a cinch to get the lay of the land in one case you arrive. Places like Darjeeling take fantastic tea and food, and then live music throughout the week. SP is more than low-key than Sayulita, only there is usually something to do 2 to v nights a week depending on the season, and then you can always get to Sayulita if you lot demand more of a vibe sometimes.
Deciding Where to Live
In response to numerous emails asking about the differences between the scattering of towns due north of Puerto Vallarta, here'southward Cliff'due south Notes summary of the differences in example you're sussing out which is better for you. All iii would have similar costs of living. And then I include a couple other towns and thoughts in case you're looking at other Mexican towns:
Bucerias: Sprawling, no defined downtown area, neighborhoods stacked behind a large route and a beach. Very close to the PV, several large resorts. Less heavy with expats than any other surrounding town. No defined personality.
Sayulita: Very small, embankment is very crowded with surfers considering the water is good for pond, entirely walkable within the town. Lots of restaurants, shops, a language school, etc. Touristy only a very articulate personality with organic markets, yoga shops, surfers, etc. More of a nightlife than San Pancho (a later nightlife I should say).
San Pancho: Tiny, one main route, a handful of options for restaurants. I, sometimes two, coffee shops. Beach is gorgeous but not very safe for kids pond (though some do) because of strong waves/undertow. A tight-knit group of expats, can't leave dwelling house without seeing someone you know. Local kids accept free reign of the whole town. Lots of musicians and something going on each night of the calendar week in high season at ane of the pubs/bars.
Guanajuato/San Miguel: In the interior, these two towns just exude pretty colonial charm. San Miguel del Allende is smaller and more pop with expats, while Guanajuato is a decent sized urban center with a smashing vibe, an affordable toll of living, and a decent-only-not-overwhelming expat community.
Oaxaca: I lived hither for vi months and found it is one of the most affordable expat cities in Mexico. The community is different than what you find in San Miguel or PV, information technology seems at that place are more opportunities to integrate into Mexican life. This is the food heart of Mexico, there are many indigenous cultures in and around the city, and the only real drawback is the political nature of the city—at that place are a lot of strikes and protests from the teachers unions and other groups.
Yucatan: Hugely popular with expats (and spring breakers), a bit pricier than the west coast, gorgeous beaches and diving. Very touristy region in general but convenient and safe.
Happy travels!
Price of Living Comparing
Still researching the right spot to live? Our Cost of Living Guides share extensive resources on all the major expat spots around the world. These guides include thorough breakdowns of the culture, quality of life, vibe, and—importantly—budget breakdowns so you can better plan which spot in the earth best meets your needs.
Source: https://alittleadrift.com/cost-of-living-mexico/
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