Contact 
Account 
Are you tired of the cold winters up north? Or the skyrocketing costs, and the everyday stress of North American life?
If so, Janie’s story might just inspire you to take the leap. In her latest video interview with Mexico Relocation Guide, Janie shares her real-life experience of moving from Canada to Bucerías, Mexico, an underrated beach town with big charm, warm community, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living.
Nestled just north of Puerto Vallarta along the Pacific coast, Bucerías is a colorful and walkable town that perfectly blends traditional Mexican culture with expat-friendly amenities.
With cobblestone streets, local art, beachfront restaurants, and a laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why people like Janie are trading city life for beach serenity.
“Bucerías is Home Now”
In the video, Janie describes how she found her way to Bucerías and what made her fall in love with the town. She shares, “We had visited several parts of Mexico before, but Bucerías felt right almost instantly. It’s big enough to have what you need and small enough that you’re still part of a community.”
Unlike tourist-saturated cities, Bucerías offers a more grounded and livable environment where neighbors greet each other by name, and the local market still sells fresh produce and handmade goods. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what matters.
Cost of Living in Bucerías – Janie’s Budget Breakdown
One of the most eye-opening parts of Janie’s video is her detailed cost of living.
It’s not just affordable; she’s living better for LESS.
Janie lives in a two-story, three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached family home with a private pool, located inside a gated community.
Here’s how her budget breaks down, converted to both USD and CAD using current exchange rates (as of May 2025: 1 MXN = 0.05189 USD, 0.07169 CAD):
| Expense | MXN | USD | CAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property taxes (annual) | 7,000 | $363 | $502 |
| Maintenance fee (annual) | 13,000 | $674 | $933 |
| Gardening & housekeeping (monthly) | 3,400 | $177 | $244 |
| Water (annual) | 1,200 | $62 | $86 |
| Gas propane (annual) | 2,100 | $109 | $151 |
| Groceries (monthly) | 6,000 | $311 | $430 |
| Fuel (monthly) | 2,000 | $104 | $143 |
| Car maintenance & insurance (annual) | 30,000 | $1,558 | $2,151 |
| Cable service (monthly) | 120 | $6 | $9 |
| Cellular service (monthly) | 350 | $18 | $25 |
| Electricity with solar (annual) | 5,000 | $259 | $358 |
| Dining & entertainment (monthly) | 9,000 | $467 | $645 |
Average Monthly Budget:
- MXN: $27,800
- USD: ~$1,443
- CAD: ~$1,993
These numbers reveal just how far your money can go in Mexico. In Janie’s words, “The same home would be five times more expensive in Canada—and I’d still have to do the yard work myself!”
Quality of Life Beyond the Numbers
What makes Janie’s story compelling is that she’s not just saving money. She’s thriving. She enjoys an active social life, a peaceful home environment, and access to both nature and modern comforts.
Janie highlights that her housekeeping and gardening services, which cost her just over $175 USD per month, free up her time for the things she actually wants to do. “That was a dreaded chore I had to do myself at home,” she says. “Now, I have time to go paddleboarding, walk the beach, or just relax with a book.”
She also touches on healthcare, stating she pays out of pocket for minor services and finds the quality excellent and the cost surprisingly low. Like many expats, she recommends researching local insurance or considering a medical membership plan depending on your age and needs.
Entertainment and Dining in Bucerías
Janie and her partner enjoy a vibrant social life.
Their entertainment and dining budget -a generous 9,000 MXN (~$467 USD) which covers frequent dinners out, events, and even hosting friends at home. “We’re not penny-pinching here,” Janie says. “We live very comfortably and go out a lot—it’s just not expensive to enjoy life here.”
From beachfront seafood restaurants to local taco stands and live music venues, Bucerías offers plenty of options without the inflated prices found in more touristy cities.
Is Living in Bucerías Right for You?
Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker, or simply looking for a fresh start, Bucerías offers a compelling case for relocation. Its close proximity to Puerto Vallarta International Airport makes travel easy, while the town itself retains a peaceful, small-town charm.
And if Bucerías doesn’t check all your boxes, Mexico offers many other great places to live. Top expat-friendly destinations include:
- Lake Chapala – Known for its large expat community and temperate climate.
- San Miguel de Allende – A colonial gem with rich culture and art.
- Merida – The safest city in Mexico, perfect for families and retirees.
- Sayulita– A laid-back beach town ideal for surfers and yogis.
- Mexico City – Great for those seeking big city energy, culture, and connectivity.
“You Can Really Live Here”
Janie closes her video with a sentiment that many expats share: “Moving to Mexico wasn’t about escaping—it was about choosing the life we wanted.” Her story shows it’s possible to live well, affordably, and joyfully in Mexico.
If you’ve been considering a move, don’t miss this video. It’s packed with real numbers, heartfelt insights, and practical advice.
If you’re ready to go on a scouting trip of Bucerias and see for yourself what living here is truly like, please consider booking a Bucerias Relocation Tour! To book a tour, you would first have to purchase the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide– in it you get our step by step guide for moving to Mexico and our directory of vetted professionals.
