Moving to Mexico-Life in San Luis Potosi

Marc and Paulette, originally from Sacramento, California, made the life-changing decision to move to Mexico nearly five years ago. With dreams of a slower pace of life, a rich culture, and a lower cost of living, they packed their bags and headed south. Their journey has taken them through different parts of the country, including Morelia, and finally led them to their dream home in San Luis Potosí.

In this post, we’ll share their story of moving to Mexico, navigating the challenges of adjusting to a new country, and the pros and cons of life in San Luis Potosí. We’ll also provide a breakdown of their cost of living to help you see just how affordable life in San Luis Potosi can be.

Why Marc and Paulette Chose Mexico

Before making their final decision, Marc and Paulette explored various countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Ecuador, hoping to find their ideal home abroad. While they loved the history and culture of these countries, something about Mexico kept calling them back.

They first settled in Morelia, a city known for its colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. However, they never intended for it to be their permanent home. After a year, they moved to San Luis Potosí, where they fell in love with the friendly people, the vibrant expat community, and the overall lifestyle.

“Mexico just felt right,” Marc explained. “We loved the warmth of the people and the beauty of the country. The cost of living was a huge bonus too, making it possible for us to enjoy a higher quality of life.”

Navigating Life in Mexico

Marc and Paulette quickly realized that living in Mexico came with its own set of unique challenges. From understanding the local bureaucracy to learning the pace of everyday life, it was a bit of an adjustment at first. However, they soon adapted to the relaxed lifestyle that defines Mexico.

One of the first challenges they faced was getting their residency and opening a bank account. They found that the process, though somewhat bureaucratic, wasn’t impossible with a bit of patience and persistence. Additionally, Marc and Paulette decided to purchase a home in San Luis Potosí, adding another learning layer to their relocation experience.

“In Mexico, things don’t move as quickly as they do in the U.S.,” Paulette shared. “But once we adjusted to the slower pace, we learned to enjoy the process and appreciate the charm of how things work here.”

Living in San Luis Potosí: Pros, Cons, and Facts

Population and Weather

San Luis Potosí is a thriving city with a population of just over 1 million people. It boasts a semi-arid climate, offering warm temperatures most of the year. Summers can be hot, with average highs of 85°F (29°C), while winters are mild, with lows around 45°F (7°C). This makes it an appealing destination for those looking to escape colder climates without the oppressive heat of coastal areas.

Pros of Living in San Luis Potosí

• Friendly Community: San Luis Potosí offers a welcoming expat community and locals who are friendly and inclusive.
• Affordability: Housing, groceries, and utilities are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., allowing Marc and Paulette to enjoy a higher quality of life on a modest budget.
• Central Location: The city is centrally located, making it easy to travel to other major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara.
• Culture and History: The city’s rich history is evident in its beautiful colonial architecture and cultural events that take place year-round.

Cons of Living in San Luis Potosí

• Limited English: While there is a very small expat community, English is not widely spoken. Learning Spanish is essential for day-to-day interactions.
• Healthcare: Although healthcare is more affordable than in the U.S., navigating the local medical system can take some time to get used to, especially for non-Spanish speakers.
• Public Services: Things like internet access and utilities can be less reliable, depending on where you live.

Marc and Paulette’s Cost of Living in Mexico

One of the biggest advantages Marc and Paulette discovered in Mexico was the significantly lower cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of their monthly expenses:

• Groceries: 11,700 MXN (~$600 USD)
• Dining Out (Twice a Week): 2,925 MXN (~$150 USD)
• Electricity (Every 2 Months): 1,365 MXN (~$70 USD)
• Propane (Every 6 Months): 1,755 MXN (~$90 USD)
• Water (Every 2 Months): 234 MXN (~$12 USD)
• Internet (Starlink): 1,170 MXN (~$60 USD)
• Medical Care (Surgery): $1,900 USD (one-time cost)

However, please remember they bought their home cash and do not have a mortgage. You can expect rentals in San Luis Potosi to cost around $500-$1000 USD Monthly.

With these low costs, Marc and Paulette can live comfortably in Mexico on a budget that would barely cover rent alone in California.

Embracing Mexican Culture and Lifestyle

For Marc and Paulette, one of the most rewarding aspects of their move has been immersing themselves in Mexican culture. From forming deep connections with local families to learning about Mexican traditions and festivals to learning Español, their experience has been nothing short of fulfilling.

The slower pace of life has also been a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the U.S. They’ve learned to appreciate the balance between work and relaxation that characterizes Mexican culture.

This change has allowed them to focus more on enjoying life rather than constantly feeling the need to be on the go.

Ready to Make the Move to Mexico?

Marc and Paulette’s journey is inspiring, but moving to a new country is a big decision that comes with many factors to consider. If you’re thinking about relocating to Mexico, the Complete Mexico Relocation Guide can help make the process easier.

The guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Mexico, from obtaining residency to understanding healthcare, finding housing, knowing your legal rights as a foreigner, and navigating Mexican bureaucracy. It’s packed with practical tips, insider knowledge, and expert advice to help you make a smooth transition to your new life in Mexico.

Because we know that Mexican bureaucracy is hard to navigate (even for locals), we also include our extensive directory of vetted professionals across Mexico, which will help make your move to Mexico much easier!

Get the Complete Mexico Relocation Guide Today -If you’re serious about moving to Mexico, our online guide will be your go-to resource for everything you need to know about making the move. But don’t just take it from us; check out our reviews.