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If you have ever dreamed about living in a small Mexican town with great weather, affordable living, and a welcoming community, then you need to watch my full interview with Patrick about life in Atlixco, Puebla.
He shares his real numbers, real experiences, and what daily life looks like as a retiree living on less than $1,600 USD/Month!
Here’s the full video interview. But if you prefer to read, then keep reading.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through Patrick’s story. He is 75 years old, semi-retired, and moved from Minnesota to Atlixco about a year and a half ago. He came looking for a slower pace of life, better weather, and a more affordable way to live. What he found in Atlixco was exactly what he was looking for.
Why Patrick Chose Atlixco
Patrick knew he needed a change. Winters in Minnesota were long, dark, and cold. He wanted a place where he could live more comfortably on his Social Security income.
He says, “I moved here about a year and a half ago. I live in Atlixco, Puebla, in Mexico for a couple of reasons. One was because I wanted to work less and I could afford to work less if I lived in Mexico. And the other reason, the main reason I moved to Atlixco in particular, is because of the climate. I was tired of living in places where the weather was harsh. And here it’s like spring all the time.”
Atlixco’s year-round spring weather is one of the biggest reasons many expats choose to move there. Combine that with its small-town charm, and it is easy to see why Patrick fell in love with it.
Cost of Living in Atlixco
One of the most common questions people ask is: can I really afford to live in Mexico on Social Security? Patrick is living proof that you can. He lives comfortably on his monthly $2,000 Social Security check and spends far less than that each month.
Here’s what his expenses look like:
- Rent: 5,800 pesos per month (about $315 USD) for a two-story house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a rooftop patio.
- Utilities: about 400 pesos combined for water and electricity, less than $25 USD.
- Gas: about $20 USD per month.
- Internet: 900 pesos, about $45 USD (he pays extra for work).
- Cell phone: 450 pesos, about $22 USD.
- Cleaning lady: 350 pesos per week, about $18 USD.
Patrick says, “Out of my Social Security, I budget $1,500 to live. And I still have $700 or $800 left every month after I pay for rent, food, everything. It’s a very doable life for an active senior like me.”
That is a huge difference compared to the United States, where rent, utilities, and healthcare often eat up most of a retiree’s income.
Food and Shopping
Patrick eats a vegan diet, which means he buys lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Luckily, Atlixco has a weekly market where fresh produce is cheap and plentiful. He spends about 1,200 pesos a month (about $65 USD) on fruits and veggies.
For pantry items like rice, sauces, spices, cereal, almond milk, and snacks, he shops at grocery stores a couple of times a month. That costs about 3,000 pesos, or $150 USD.
Altogether, Patrick’s food budget comes to around $200 USD per month. That is a fraction of what most people spend in the U.S., even if they cook at home.
And one of the best parts is that food is fresh and local. You are not eating processed food shipped from far away—you are getting what farmers in the area grow, which also supports the local economy.
Healthcare in Atlixco
Healthcare is one of the biggest worries for many retirees. Patrick has found affordable and reliable medical care in Atlixco.
He explains, “Every time I go to the doctor it’s about $15 or less. My medication is cheaper or the same price as what I paid in the U.S., and that was with insurance. Here, I pay cash for everything, and I’ve had excellent service.”
Patrick even has a new English-speaking doctor just a block and a half away from his house. He knows that if something major happens, he can still return to the U.S. for care using Medicare, but so far, he has been very satisfied with the care in Mexico.
For seniors looking to retire abroad, this is one of the biggest advantages. Day-to-day healthcare in Mexico is affordable, and quality doctors are available without the stress of insurance battles and surprise bills.
Transportation
Getting around Atlixco is cheap and easy. Patrick walks a lot because he chooses not to have a car, but when he needs a ride, he uses small buses called “combis” for just 6 to 8 pesos, less than 50 cents. An Uber ride across town costs only $3 or $4.
He says there is no place in Atlixco he cannot get to for less than $7 or $8 including tip. That makes transportation stress-free and affordable, whether you are going to the grocery store, the doctor, or out exploring.
Housing and Renting in Atlixco
Finding housing in Mexico can feel overwhelming, but Patrick made the process simple by working with Martha, one of our recommended relocation tour guides in our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide who has been helping our clients move to many areas in Puebla.
After staying in an Airbnb his first month, Patrick told Martha he wanted a permanent place to rent. They searched Facebook Marketplace together, visited several homes, and found one that was a perfect fit.
The house was unfurnished, which is very common in Mexico. In fact, unfurnished often means no refrigerator, stove, or closets. But Patrick did not mind, he bought what he needed, and now he has it for the long term. He signed a legal lease with no co-signer, using his temporary residency card. His rent has only gone up slightly, and his landlord has been easy to work with.
This shows why it is so important to have local support when looking for a rental. What might feel like a deal-breaker to you could actually be a simple fix, and a good guide can help you negotiate fairly.
Adjusting to Life in Mexico
One of the biggest adjustments is learning Spanish. Patrick admits Atlixco is not the place to live if you want to rely only on English. Very few people speak English there, so you have to be willing to learn Spanish or at least try.
He also points out that mobility can be an issue because sidewalks and streets are uneven. And there are some inclines throughout the town. He uses Nordic walking sticks for extra stability.
But for him, the positives outweigh the challenges. He loves the friendliness of the people. He says, “When I get on a combi bus, everybody says good morning or good afternoon. And when you get off, everyone thanks the driver. People greet you on the street and always smile. It’s a whole different lifestyle, and I embrace it.”
That sense of community is something many expats say they miss in the U.S. but find again in Mexico.
Slower Pace of Life
In the U.S., Patrick worked a stressful job with constant phone calls, meetings, and deadlines. In Atlixco, life is much slower. He has time to walk to the market, enjoy the weather, and connect with people.
Sometimes services take longer in Mexico, but Patrick accepts that as part of the culture. If someone says they’ll come in the afternoon, it might mean a few days later. But he doesn’t mind, because life here is not rushed.
For retirees especially, this slower pace is one of the most valuable gifts. You no longer live by the clock, you live by the rhythm of the day.
How Patrick Made His Move
Patrick did a lot of research before moving. He found the Mexico Relocation Guide early on and used it to plan every step of his move, from visas to finding a home.
He also took a 3-day tour with Martha, one of our recommended local tour guides, which gave him the confidence to choose Atlixco.
From the time he decided to move to Mexico to the time he was fully settled in his new home, it only took six months.
That shows you do not need years of planning to make this lifestyle possible. With the right information and trusted contacts, you can make the transition smoothly and confidently.
Lessons Learned
Patrick has great advice for anyone thinking about moving to Mexico:
- Know what you want before you move.
- Do your research and be realistic.
- Be willing to learn Spanish.
- Understand that life here is slower and different.
He says many people who are unhappy moving to Mexico never took the time to think about what they really wanted. They came with a dream that was not clear. By being honest with yourself and doing the right research, you can avoid that mistake.
Final Thoughts
Patrick’s story is a great example of how retirees can live comfortably in Mexico on Social Security. Atlixco offers affordable living, great weather, friendly people, and a slower pace of life. It may not be for everyone, especially if you don’t want to learn Spanish, but for Patrick, it is exactly what he wanted.
If you want to hear Patrick tell his story in his own words, make sure to check out the full video interview.
And if you are ready to start planning your own move to Mexico, check out our Atlixco relocation tours. We have private relocation tours in Atlixco and about 50+ other cities and towns across Mexico!
To book a tour, you first purchase the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide. Where I give you all the tools, trusted contacts, and step-by-step help so you can make your dream of moving to Mexico a reality.
