Yes, You Can! Retire in Ajijic on Less Than $2,000 A Month

If you’re anything like me you love to research potential places to live in Mexico. And by now you’ve undoubtedly heard expats rave about Ajijic!

Located on the shores of Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco, this beautiful town is revered for its beautiful scenery, comfortable climate, and slower pace of living. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in all of Mexico. So, even though Ajijic isn’t on the coast, it still offers beautiful water views and the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront malecón!  

Ajijic Malecon

As a bonus, Ajijic is located about an hour from Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara. So, residents have access to big-city amenities like an international airport, excellent hospitals, and more without the hassle of living in the city.

Ajijic is also just 7 miles from the neighboring town of Chapala, with 50,000 residents, which also sits on the shore of the lake. It’s not nearly as big as Guadalajara, but it offers additional shopping options and medical amenities if those in Ajijic don’t suffice.

Ajijic is a very walkable town with beautiful street art, charming cobblestone streets, and plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. Thanks to the fantastic climate, residents enjoy outdoor activities like golf, gardening, and hiking all year long. 

If you’re thinking about retiring in Ajijic, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the climate, cost of living, and lifestyle in Ajijic, Mexico. 

Let’s Get Started!

Climate and Weather in Ajijic

Ajijic is renowned for its great weather, and it boasts a spring-like climate all year round. The hottest months of the year are April, May, and June, when the highs hover in the high 80s. 

During the coolest months of the year, December and January, the average highs are comfortably within the mid-70s. Lows can dip into the mid-40s during these months, though, so a space heater or a cozy blanket may be in order. 

Ajijic’s wet season lasts from June through October, with July being the wettest month. However, the average precipitation in July is just 166 mm for the whole month, an average of 5mm per day, which is pretty minor compared to many other parts of the country.

If you’re looking for a warm, moderate climate, Ajijic definitely fits the bill! 

How Many Expats Live in Ajijic?

Ajijic has a population of approximately 11,500 residents, and it’s estimated that between 20 and 40% of the residents are expats. This town is a popular snowbird destination, so the expat community expands during the winter months.

Since the expat community in Ajijic is so well established, you’ll have no problem connecting with others who share your experience. There are many social groups, volunteer opportunities, and even Spanish conversation groups you can join to help you make friends and integrate into the community.

Historically, Ajijic has had a reputation as a destination for people over 70, but that demographic is changing! And according to a long-term resident, Ajijic is home to expats of all ages! And naturally, you can expect that when the demographics change so will the town. You can expect more and more activities and infrastructure to be available for kids, and more nightlife to start making a wave through this once sleepy town.

Cost of Living in Ajijic, Mexico?

The cost of living in Ajijic can be higher than in many other popular expat destinations in Mexico, including the neighboring city of Chapala. However, your overall expenses are still likely to be much lower than what you’re accustomed to back home. 

As in any other city in Mexico, your average costs will vary depending on your lifestyle. The more you embrace a Mexican style of living by residing in a local neighborhood, cooking with local Mexican ingredients, and even learning to grocery shop like a local, the lower your cost of living will be. 

Here’s a breakdown of what your basic living expenses will cost in Ajijic. 

Rent

Because Ajijic is such a small town and happens to be very popular among expats and snowbirds, rentals can be hard to find at certain times of the year. For the best chance of finding a rental at a competitive price, visit during the low season (March through October).

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a rental in Ajijic:

(Sources: Numbeo, Vivanuncios, and our own customers’ rental rates)

  • 2 bed, 2 bath house – $20,000 MXN or $1,000 USD/month
  • 2 bedroom apartment near the city center – $17,500 MXN or $900 USD/month
  • 1 Bed 1 Bath Casita- $17,000 MXN or about $640 USD /month

If you’re looking for a long-term rental (as opposed to a seasonal one), consider working with a local rental agent who can help you find the best option for your budget and lifestyle. There are many reputable suggestions within the Mexico Relocation Guide.

Utilities

  • Water – $300 MXN or $15 USD
  • Gas – $300 MXN or $15 USD
  • Electricity – $300 MXN or $15 USD
  • Cell Phone – $400 MXN or $20 USD for a data plan for one person
  • Internet – $500 MXN or $25 USD

Ajijic’s spring-like climate means that you won’t need to rely on an air conditioning unit during the summer as you might in many other Mexican cities. In fact, many homes don’t even have them! This means your electricity expenses will be lower than in cities that experience wide temperature fluctuations.

Eating Out

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants and cafes in Ajijic, and there are options to suit every budget. Here is an idea of what it costs to eat out around town.

  • Mid-range restaurant, 3-course dinner for two – $600 MXN or $30 USD
  • Budget meal for two – $300 MXN or $15 USD
  • Latte at a local coffee shop – $68 MXN or $3.50 USD 
  • Pint of domestic beer – $30 MXN or $1.50 USD

Groceries

Ajijic is home to a few small supermarkets and many abarrotes stores (independent corner stores) that sell everything you need to get by. There is a Walmart just outside of town where you can stock up on grocery and household items, including your favorite imported products. 

Soriana Chapala

You will also find plenty of independent shops, such as panaderías, tortillerías, and butchers, where you can purchase select items from local vendors. There are also many street markets (tianguis) where you can pick up fresh food items. There are different markets almost every day of the week! 

The Lake Chapala Farmer’s Market is a great place to pick up niche items from independent vendors as well. You will find everything from German sausages and homemade peanut butter to fruits and vegetables. 

If you prefer to buy products in bulk, make the 1-hour trek into Guadalajara to stock up at Costco or Soriana. Some residents opt to purchase products on Amazon Mexico to avoid the hassle of leaving town! 

Overall, the cost of groceries in Ajijic is very affordable. Expect to spend about $350 per month on groceries for two people. That number might be slightly higher if you purchase many imported food items. 

Getting Around

Ajijic is very walkable, with charming cobblestone streets and lots of street art to enjoy as you stroll. You can use buses or taxis to get around to destinations outside of walking distance. 

Here’s an idea of what the different transportation options will cost:

  • Local bus fare: Approximately $8 MXN or $0.40 USD each way
  • Bus to Chapala: Approximately $12 MXN or $0.61 USD each way
  • Bus to Guadalajara: Approximately $60 MXN or $3 USD each way
  • Taxi: About $50 – $90 MXN or $2.55 to $4.60 USD, depending on the distance

You certainly don’t need a vehicle to live in Ajijic, though many expats like to keep a car to facilitate shopping trips or explore other parts of Mexico.

Lifestyle and Culture in Ajijic

The established expat community is one of the reasons so many people are inclined to retire in Ajijic. The Lake Chapala Society is a bit part of this. It is an organization run by expats and locals within Ajijic that aims to help new residents integrate and become involved in the local community. 

They run programs, workshops, and meetups to help expats learn about every aspect of life in Mexico. You can learn to cook Mexican food, how to open a bank account in Mexico, practice your Spanish skills, and so much more. They even run bus trips to Costco and Home Depot in Guadalajara to facilitate shopping! The Lake Chapala Society also has a fantastic facility, which includes a library, pottery studio, extensive gardens, and more.  

Ajijic’s wonderful climate makes it easy to spend time outdoors. Many residents enjoy activities like golf, hiking, or outdoor fitness classes. There are exercise classes for things like yoga and aquafit available around town.

Gardening is also a popular pastime for many residents. Ajijic’s climate is conducive to growing a wide variety of different plants, including fruits and vegetables! 

To give you a better idea of what it’s like living in Ajijic, check out my interviews with long-term residents:

Ultimately, Ajijic is a wonderful place to retire in Mexico, especially for those who appreciate the support system of an established expat community. Two people can live comfortably in Ajijic on a budget of $1,800 to $2,000 per month. 

Preparing for your move to Mexico

If you’re ready to take the next step in planning your move to Ajijic, consider joining one of our private relocation tours led by a local expert. Tours are fully customizable based on your interests and can last 1 to 3 days. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the city and ask your guide any questions you have about what it’s like to live there full-time. Click here to learn more!  

In the meantime, I’ve created several other resources to assist you with your move to Mexico.  

Mariana Lange

Mariana Lima-Lange was born in Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. when she was a child. She spent every summer visiting family throughout Mexico and is very knowledgeable about Mexican culture, lifestyle, and traditions. She is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David W Caldwell says

    Are there any independent/assisted living places in the Lake Chapala area?

    • Mariana Lange says

      Yes- there are a few of them.
      La Pueblita and Vida Bella are some of them

  2. Mark Koontz says

    Recently you had a guy from Sacramento who sells Medicare Advantage policies that cover emergencies outside the US. Can you give me his contact info? [text or email]

    Thanks,
    Mk.

    • Mariana Lange says

      Hi Mark!
      All of our recommended contacts, including our Medicare Advantage Broker recommendations like Jeff, are included in our directory. To get access to our directory of contacts you first have to purchase our Mexico Relocation Guide
      https://mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/

  3. Mario gagliardi says

    Please send me more information about Chapala..

  4. Jose Bonilla says

    Are there rentals in ajijic that will allow a small dog?

  5. Laurie Andrade says

    Is this a safe area?
    We were looking to buy in Puerta Vallerta but we need to check out this area first. Looks much cheaper than PV.

    • Mariana Lange says

      Puerto Vallarta and Ajijic are both very safe areas
      Of course there is crime in both cities, but nothing out of the ordinary from any other town or city in the world.
      We highly recommend checking out both cities with a relocation tour
      Find out more about our tour
      Mexicorelocationguide.com/tours

    • Markie says

      Puerto Vallarta has lost its authentic Mexican charm, and the cost for anything is now as costly as the US 🇺🇸 or Canada 🍁 … we will not return …. 😞

      • Mariana Lange says

        If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican town, Puerto Vallarta hasn’t been in since the 90s. It’s been americanized for the past 30 years.
        There are a variety of more authentic coastal towns that are very nice. Like Mazatlan, La Paz, Puerto Escondido, Akumal, Progreso and more.

        • Markie says

          We were there for 6 weeks + in 2012 and yes it had changed, most cities and towns do, it’s progressive.
          We still enjoyed PVR. But we had a real shock the last time we were there 🤯
          Prices, the amount of demolition and new high rises. Demolishing was the sad part for us. But, we understand business and some modernization …. but what we felt and experienced was “gringo-greed?”
          It happens all over the world and we get it, it’s just unfortunate for us. Peace ☮️

        • Markie says

          Oh 😬 we’ve not heard of some you have suggested, thank you Mariana. We will contemplate a couple of them. But first 🩵 Ajijic 🩵 !

  6. Barbara G McWilliams says

    I live in Texas, I am a swf 67 on SS with a few health issues. Would I be able survive here and feel safe. I have no children and would relocate by myself

    • Mariana Lange says

      Hi Barbara!
      I think you would feel safe in Ajijic, no doubt. There are a lot of single women in Ajijic.
      Your health issues may prohibit you from getting private medical insurance in Mexico. But luckily, because medical is so affordable in Mexico, many people in that situation pay out of pocket. However, we recommend having savings so you can pay for an emergency out of pocket.

  7. Jim says

    I use a walker to get around. My legs are weak and I can,t use stairs. Can I get around in Chap a la or Ajijic
    Jim

    • Mariana Lange says

      Sorry Jim
      But based on what you are saying, no place in Mexico would be suitable for your walking abilities. Many towns and major cities in Mexico have retailers, buildings, and other places with only stairs. They don’t have ramps everywhere

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