Retiring in Mexico Pros and Cons

Mexico has something for everyone, and many retirees and expats thoroughly enjoy their life in Mexico. However, no place is ever perfect. It is more about whether the positives outweigh the negatives–and sometimes, it just takes time to find the place that makes you feel most at home.  

There are numerous pros and cons associated with retiring in Mexico that should be considered before moving. On the positive side is the low cost of living, friendly people, warm weather, and fantastic food. Some of the challenges include missing family back home, differing cultural norms, and Mexico’s penchant for bureaucracy. 

Reasons to Live in Mexico

For most retirees, the top reason for moving to Mexico is the lower cost of living. Being able to rent an entire apartment or home for half the price you’d pay back home is a huge benefit. 

Rent isn’t the only item that costs less. Food and drink prices are extremely reasonable as well. The cost of healthcare in Mexico is also astonishingly low when compared to the United States. 

A common misconception about Mexico is that its southerly location means it is a sweltering desert dotted by beachside jungles. In reality, the Pacific coast, with its cool waters and sea breeze, boasts excellent weather much of the year.

Similarly, many inland cities are situated on the massive Central Mexican Plateau, which can reach elevations of more than one mile. High elevations mean both daytime and nighttime temperatures are more similar to those of the Rocky Mountains than a tropical country. 

The food in Mexico is also out of this world. Street tacos and margaritas aren’t the only thing on the menu. Each region of Mexico has specialty cuisine with unique dishes based on its rich cultural heritage, and international cuisine is widely available in expat-centric cities.

You’ll easily find food from Turkish to Thai and everything in between, especially in larger cities. No matter what your preference for food is, you can find it in Mexico. 

The Downsides

Living abroad can be a lonely life separated from friends and family back home.

This can be overcome by making expat friends and learning a bit of Spanish to deepen ties with locals for a greater sense of community. 

Fitting in culturally can be quite difficult when coming from a Western country. Life in Mexico moves slowly compared to the US. Embracing the slower pace of life can take a while, so it’s a good opportunity to relax and find joy in a hobby!

The Mexican government has a long tradition of grinding bureaucracy. Filling out forms and obtaining permits or licenses is not for the faint of heart. Answers given by bureaucrats at government offices can change by the hour or with the person you speak with. 

Much of this lack of clarity can be dealt with more effectively by finding a reputable resource, such as the Mexico Relocation Guide, to help you get things moving more quickly and efficiently.

The easy-to-follow online guide covers the most important basics of moving to Mexico the right way. With up-to-date information fact-checked by professionals in their fields, we have saved thousands of customers countless hours of research.

Our Guides Make Life Easier 

Much of the difficulty retirees and expats encounter can be solved through education. Many retirees learn lessons the hard way when something unexpected happens. Using resources from the Mexico Relocation Guide can help you better prepare for your new life in Mexico by avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll not only be better prepared, but you’ll have a much easier time navigating the local customs of your new home!