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Relocating to another country can be both exciting and daunting.
For Melody, a former resident of Los Angeles, the decision to move to Mexico City in June 2023 was life-changing.
In this video, Melody shares her journey—from searching for the perfect apartment in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, to navigating the local healthcare system and adjusting to a vibrant urban lifestyle. And what life on $2400/Month looks like.
Her experience is a window into what life can look like for expats seeking affordability, access to healthcare, and city amenities in Mexico’s capital.
Why Mexico City?
Melody’s relocation journey started with extensive research and travel across Mexico. She and her partner visited several cities including San Miguel de Allende, but Mexico City stood out.
“We explored a couple of cities and I had watched videos extensively through Mexico Relocation Guide… things that we were looking for? Good hospitals, healthcare, many things to do and see, and the perfect climate.”
She was particularly drawn to the capital’s cosmopolitan feel, cultural richness, and accessibility for international visitors.
Why Polanco?
Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It is often compared to Manhattan’s upper east side or one of LA’s trendiest areas. And it became Melody’s top choice in Mexico City for several practical and personal reasons.
“I chose Polanco because it is a very secure neighborhood. It’s very beautiful. It offers many restaurants, spas, all kinds of businesses… and I really love just all of the people. I feel happy.”
Security, walkability, and proximity to services were key. Polanco also gave her peace of mind when choosing an apartment, especially given her concern about earthquake safety.
“I chose Polanco versus Condesa and Roma because those are very old and the ground is less stable.”
Her apartment requirements were specific: two bedrooms, outdoor spaces for her dog and plants, lots of windows, and an elevator. She found everything she was looking for in an art deco building with remodeled amenities and thoughtful details.
Finding an Apartment in Mexico City
Melody’s apartment hunt was thorough. She used a lawyer and later a real estate agent to secure the unit she had found online. The process involved some negotiation and persistence, but it worked out in the end.
“I saw the apartment, I came with my lawyer. We expressed interest… about 25 days later, it was still available.”
Rent was negotiated to 35,000 pesos (about $1,707 USD at a 20.50 MXN/USD exchange rate). She pays in U.S. dollars via wire transfer to the landlord’s U.S. bank account. Rental prices in Mexico City can vary widely depending on the neighborhood. You can find more affordable rentals in neighborhoods like Del Valle, Narvarte, or Alamos.
Daily Life and Expenses in Polanco
Melody’s monthly budget includes rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and healthcare. While some categories vary, she finds overall costs far lower than in the U.S.
“For me, it doesn’t matter if the bill is high. The equivalent price in the U.S. is very low compared to what I was paying in California—$300 a month for electricity alone.”
💸 Melody’s Monthly Expenses
All estimates are in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars, using a 20.50 MXN/USD exchange rate.
Melody’s Monthly Expenses
All estimates in MXN and USD, using a 20.50 MXN/USD exchange rate.
- Rent: 35,000 MXN (~$1,707 USD)
- Electricity: 700–2,000 MXN ($34–$98 USD)
- Water delivery: ~280 MXN ($13.66 USD)
- Internet (Telmex): 435 MXN (~$21.22 USD)
- Mobile service:
- Telcel: 400 MXN (~$19.51 USD)
- AT&T: ~$90 USD
- VPN: ~$75 USD
- Virtual Mailbox (USA): ~$15 USD
- Housekeeping: 2,000 MXN (~$97.56 USD)
- Groceries: 4,000–5,000 MXN (~$195–$244 USD)
- Entertainment: Up to 4,100 MXN ($200 USD)
- Healthcare: Varies; sample costs:
- Root canal: 5,000 MXN (~$244 USD)
- Eye specialist: 3,000 MXN (~$146 USD)
- Eye scan: 2,400 MXN (~$117 USD)
Total Estimated Monthly Costs: 52,000–60,000 MXN (about $2,600 USD a month)
Healthcare in Mexico City
One of the major factors for Melody’s move was access to quality healthcare. Her experiences have been overwhelmingly positive—from dental crowns and root canals to specialist visits for her eyes and even treatment after a broken ankle.
“The prices are very reasonable and the quality of care is good… I found very good treatment at a clinic that speaks English.”
She praises how accessible doctors are in Mexico and appreciates the option to have nurses make home visits. Even without private insurance in Mexico, she finds the cost of care manageable.
Getting Around and Exploring
Living in Polanco means access to a rich cultural scene, parks, and historical landmarks like the Zócalo and La Villa de Guadalupe.
“If you love activity and people and just enjoying the whole experience in the perfect climate—this would be the place for you.”
Melody also uses public transport, including the subway and buses, which she finds easy and cheap. She also takes short flights within Mexico for weekend getaways, preferring flying over long-distance bus travel.
Final Thoughts: Is Mexico City Right for You?
Melody’s story is a great example of how foreigners can successfully relocate to Mexico City with the right planning and mindset. She emphasizes that lifestyle choices, comfort levels, and expectations vary greatly—and Mexico City has something for everyone.
“If you like luxury and want to buy high-end things—they’re everywhere here… if you want a simpler lifestyle, you can have that too.”
She encourages newcomers to remain flexible and respectful, especially when hiring local help or building relationships with neighbors.
“I usually tip well because I want to ask them again to come… I feel it’s my obligation to treat people the way I would like to be treated.”
🌟 Ready to Explore Life in Mexico?
If you’re inspired by Melody’s journey and want to experience Mexico City—or any other city in Mexico—firsthand, book one of our Private Relocation Tours. These personalized tours are hosted by local experts who will show you neighborhoods, explain rental processes, share insider tips, and help you feel confident about your move.
Whether you’re looking for cosmopolitan living in CDMX or peaceful charm in smaller towns, we’ve got tour recommendations all over Mexico! When you buy the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide, you get instant access to our online course for moving to Mexico and our directory of recommended contacts.
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