Cost of Living in Mexico vs the U.S.: What You Need to Know
Zoom-a-loo, a U.S. moving company, has reported that around 20% more U.S. citizens are moving south than the other way around! It’s become a dream destination for many due to cost savings and how easy it is to get settled in a home there with high-quality real estate agents on your side.
The low Mexico cost of living vs the U.S. is the primary reason for this, but there are also a few other factors. Are you ready to take advantage of everything that the country can offer?
Below, you’ll uncover all the details of what makes a Mexican lifestyle tempting to many and where you can start to save money. Learn how to take advantage of this luxurious yet affordable lifestyle today.
Photo by The Travel Nook on Unsplash
Cost Of Living U.S. vs Mexico
Housing Expenses
Mexico is a very diverse country, and when you move, you will be able to find a great property that matches your style no matter whether you prefer:
Oceanfront villas
Quaint rural houses
Bustling city apartments
Modern suburban homes
Beachside condos
The costs for these property purchases tend to be lower than those of similar properties in the U.S. You can even find premium yet affordable living spaces in places like Tulum or Cancun with the help of a skilled realtor.
Similarly, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development holds statistics on property taxes across several countries. They confirm that the taxes on U.S. properties are almost ten times as much as those on Mexican ones, offering you dramatic savings on a picturesque lifestyle.
Homeowner association fees tend to be much lower than those in the United States, so you can relax and enjoy your new home without financial stress. With the proper guidance from a professional realtor, understanding these fees will be a breeze, too.
Basic Necessities
You’ll find that living in Mexico offers significant savings on many household necessities, letting you enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle without a challenge. The buying experience is also very different from shopping in the United States, as many people prefer quaint local markets to larger shops. Thus, you can expect a unique shopping experience with fresh and affordable products that have come from more organic sources.
In general, you will find that the cost of fresh food is significantly lower than in the U.S. However, you might find one or two items are unexpectedly marginally higher. Those asking, “How much is milk in Mexico?” may be surprised that it is one of the few necessities costing marginally higher than in the United States. However, that is inconsequential compared to all other foods and drinks you will buy.
Comparing Grocery Prices vs Dining Out Costs
Dining out isn’t only an occasional treat in Mexico. It’s a way of life that you can also take advantage of. Whether that is sitting in a cozy restaurant or sharing a meal with friends in a restaurant, it is an affordable pastime woven into daily life. According to data insight company CGA, almost 70% of Mexicans visit a restaurant once every two weeks, and many much more frequently.
As such, good restaurant food is less of a luxury in the country, and affordable dining options are much more ubiquitous. Combo meals, known as ‘Menu del Dia’ come in at affordable prices, too, making eating out a simple and social act.
Live Better: Luxury Services
Mexico truly shines in its affordable luxury services, which allow you to relax without worrying about the cost of the experience. Whether you want a relaxing spa experience and massage, your clothes laundered as a service, or high-quality housekeeping, you can add these to your lifestyle without taking a financial hit.
House Cleaning
Housecleaning services are affordable and simple to arrange, even in the center of Mexico City. Some companies offer the option for as little as MXN $400, which is only USD $20. As such, it benefits you to engage with local services who can tailor their cleaning to your needs.
Many homeowners even leverage this convenience to help them focus on their new lifestyle by booking a few extra sessions and letting the cleaning burden fall off their shoulders.
Massages
Indulging in massage services is very accessible in Mexico. Home-visit options exist throughout the country and can cost less than $30, depending on where you are based.
Compared to the United States, this gives you dramatic health benefits for a fraction of the cost.
Utilities and Internet
Household utilities in Mexico cost significantly less than in the United States, and setting them up is simple. They also offer comparative services that rival those in the U.S. High-speed internet, for example, is widely available and often comes at competitive rates.
In the United States, you can often expect to pay anywhere between $37 and $160 for Internet access, a vast range that dramatically impacts your budget. Mexico’s internet services match the quality of the U.S. but do not put the same strain on your finances. Instead, you are likely to only pay less than $30 for a month of unlimited data.
Mexican Peso vs. US Dollar
It is not only in costs that Mexico is cheaper than the U.S., but due to the favorable exchange rate, each dollar will go even further toward your dreams. In fact, as of the time of writing, you can get more pesos for the dollar than you could have gotten for a whole year.
Leveraging the Low Mexico Cost of Living vs the U.S.
The lower cost of living in Mexico promises a high-quality lifestyle at a lower price point than in the United States. It is time to set your sights on your dream property and start a life you can enjoy with a lower Mexico cost of living vs. the U.S.
At Paradise Listings, we are here to help you make your dream of finding a little piece of paradise come true. We offer a stress-free process and years of experience providing professional guidance. Contact us today and start your journey to a luxurious yet affordable new life in Mexico.
