Thinking about starting a new life south of the border? Well – ever wonder what this new chapter in Mexico would actually look like?
There are so many myths about moving to Mexico!
Between the guy who once visited Cancun on vacation and pretends to be an expert, the endless opinions swirling around online, and the sensationalism that plays out in the media,knowing what to think before your big move can feel impossible.
So it makes sense that you’re confused and uncertain about the idea of leaving it all behind to dive into Mexican life.
But don’t worry – you’re in good hands!
Like many other foreigners eager to try something new, we packed our bags and took the plunge. And after spending months in places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Cozumel, and many more – we’re now living our best life in colorful Mérida.
And as two people experiencing real life in this complicated, but incredible country, we’re ready to debunk the 10 biggest myths about moving to Mexico!
So you want to live like royalty in Mexico for cheap?
Well, I’m sorry to burst your bubble!
The cost of living in Mexico’s most popular destinations has skyrocketed. In fact, housing in Mexico’s most desirable places has more than doubled over the last decade.
The cost of housing in places like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta or San Miguel de Allende is comparable with many cities in the US and Canada. The monthly rent for a nice 2-bedroom apartment in these could easily surpass $2,000 US, depending on the area!
As for your grocery bill, don’t be surprised if it’s not much more affordable than what you’re accustomed to back home.
So while life here does get you more bang for your buck compared to your home country, the reality is that things have changed. The popular Mexico myth of this country being an ultra-cheap place to live is now only a reality in off-the-radar parts of the country.
Pro tip:the value of the Mexican peso can fluctuate significantly against other currencies. For those of us living in Mexico who exchange our home currency into pesos for our expenses, the exchange rate can have a huge impact on how far our money goes.
For example, in 2024, the peso experienced a huge 25% change in value against the US dollar. Meaning that the price of goods and services here in Mexico fluctuated massively in dollar-terms. It makes a huge difference!
Mexico Myth #2: You’re risking your life!
Many people think that moving to Mexico is asking for trouble.
And based on the sensational images and stories shared by the media, it makes sense that the issue of safety is a concern.
But being here tells a much more complex story than the media ever could.
Let’s start by saying that Mexico is a huge country. And when it comes to violent crime, the different regions, towns and neighborhoods experience many different realities.
Are there places in Mexico where you genuinely want to avoid? Yes, there absolutely are.
But as someone living in Mexico, you wouldn’t have many good reasons to visit these places anyway. And because the nature of the violence is largely related to drug wars between gangs, if you’re not looking for trouble, it likely wouldn’t find you.
On the flip side, this is a country where the vast majority of people are just living normal lives like anywhere else. And the cities and neighborhoods where you would likely end up living are probably perfectly safe.
Our current hometown of Mérida is considered one of the safest cities in all of North America! People are out at all times of the day, women and children are safe to walk the streets alone, and there is no tension hanging in the air.
I’m considering this myth about moving to Mexico busted 💥
Mexico Myth #3: Everywhere is hot & humid
So if your experience with Mexico is limited to the sunny shores of Cancun, Playa del Carmen or even Puerto Vallarta, you might assume that everywhere in Mexico is a tropical paradise.
And to further support your beliefs, most of Mexico lies south of the US & Canada. And the further south you go, the hotter it gets.
Right?
Well, what if I told you we have spent months surrounded by space heaters just to get out of bed each morning.
Pretty shocking, right?
Central Mexico is filled with vast mountain ranges where the temperature is cool and the air is dry. Many places popular with foreigners looking to move to Mexico can be found within these beautiful mountain ranges.
Puebla, Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are just a few examples of cities where the daily low temperature hangs right above freezing between December and February. And in many of these areas, homes are built without central heating.
You might just find yourself gathering a few space heaters around your bed to warm up every morning!
So yea, we can go ahead and toss this myth about living in Mexico straight in la basura. (the trash 😉)
Want to watch our Myths About Moving to Mexico video? Check it out below!
Mexico Myth #4: Moving here is only for retirees
While Mexico is a popular destination for retirees—thanks to its wonderful climate, great healthcare, and overall quality of life—the reality is it attracts a much more diverse crowd than just retirees.
With international cities, vibrant towns and opportunities to live an active life year-round, Mexico appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone from digital nomads to young families and entrepreneurs can enjoy the dynamic lifestyle found south of the border.
Walk through certain neighborhoods in Mexico City or Guadalajara and you’ll be amazed by the trendy cafes packed with folks tapping away on their laptops. And professional opportunities combined with high-quality international schools even attract young families to Mexico’s more cosmopolitan areas.
So, while retirees may have paved the way, we are proof that Mexico is now a perfect country for people at every stage of life!
Mexico Myth #5: You can live here on a ‘tourist visa’
A lot of people think you can easily live in Mexico by just bouncing in and out as a tourist.
After all, citizens from many countries can visit visa-free for up to 180 days. And , in theory, you could spend six months here, leave, and then come back to start over.
But immigration agents are cracking down on this practice!
When you enter Mexico, the immigration officer decides how long you can stay based on how long you tell them you plan on visiting. But they are not handing out 180-day permits like they used to – especially if they see that you’ve visited for 180 day periods before.
This means that staying longer than six months without a proper visa is getting tougher. So, if you’re planning to move here, it really pays off to do it right from the start and get your Mexican residency.
Mexico Myth #6: You’ll suffer if you don’t speak Spanish
No hablas español? (You don’t speak Spanish?)
Don’t worry – be happy 😎
Many places in Mexico have thriving expat communities where you can easily connect with fellow English speakers. And the locals in these places will generally be more fluent in English than elsewhere in the country. That is also true for more touristy parts of the country.
Just remember that Mexico is a Spanish speaking country, and we 100% recommend making an effort to learn the language. Speaking even basic Spanish will help you connect with the locals, and ultimately make your experience here more fulfilling.
If you’re on board with learning Spanish, here is what we know to be true about the Mexican people that will make things easier: 1) they are ultra kind, patient and welcoming to foreigners practicing their Spanish, 2) they will love that you’re trying to speak their language and will do their best to engage, 3) many Mexicans do speak English, so the chances are that someone will be able to resolve any language-barriers during your day-to-day life.
If learning Spanish sounds about as challenging as becoming a neurosurgeon, you’re still going to be fine. Our advice would be to find communities that cater more to expats. Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta are good examples of these.
Pro tip: learning Spanish is a great way to feel more at home in Mexico. And the best way to learn is by taking 1-1 lessons with with a native speaker from Mexico. You can learn to navigate the unique accent, local phrases and even learn the best swear words 😁 Sound like fun? Check out italki.comfor convenient and personalized Spanish instruction.We love them!
Mexico Myth #7: Your life here will be a vacation
It sounds pretty sweet—spending your days on the beach with a cold drink in hand. But the truth is, living here isn’t a non-stop holiday.
Eventually you’ll have to deal with everyday stuff like grocery runs, home repairs, watering plants, and even sorting out your water delivery. And depending on where you settle, you might find the language barrier a bit more intense than what you may have experienced when visiting as a tourist.
At the end of the day, living here means enjoying a better climate, a more relaxed pace, and perhaps even a bit less political drama. And while we don’t think your life here will feel exactly like a vacation, we do hope that moving down here will lower your cost of living, leaving you with more time and money to explore, dine out, and truly enjoy life.
So is this one of the myths about moving to Mexico that we can throw out the window?
You be the judge 😉
Summary of the biggest myths about moving to Mexico
I hope this post helped bust some of the biggest myths about moving to Mexico.
The moral of the story is that it takes being here with boots on the ground to understand what is myth and what is reality. Many of the positive and negative aspects of life in Mexico are often embellished. And it’s best to come here and form your own opinions of this wonderful country.
So now we’ll see you living in Mexico soon, right?
Leave any questions or comments down below and make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel where we share tons of valuable information ranging from practical tips on becoming residents, to how to life your best life in Mexico.
Gracias!
Gordon & Aimara
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