Some Fear Dangers of Mexico, but American Expats Say It’s a Great Place to Live

Aerial view of a Mexican beach as seen in a file photo. Elizabeth Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images

Every year, millions of Americans travel south of the border for vacation, particularly during the winter months when many “snowbirds” flock to Mexico in search of warmer climates or a cheaper cost of living.

“'Snowbirds’ are typically retirees or people looking to escape cold winter weather by heading to warmer destinations, such as Mexico. Mexico offers a variety of attractive destinations for snowbirds during the winter months,” Joe Cronin with International Citizens Insurance told The Epoch Times. “Across the board, the average cost of living in Mexico is far lower than in the United States. So much lower, in fact, that the numbers alone might tempt you to start packing your bags if you’ve got a fully remote job.”

Over 13 million people crossed the U.S. southern border to travel to Mexico in 2022 by either walking or driving across, according to the Mexico Ministry of Tourism, and the U.S. Department of State reports 1.6 million Americans so far have decided to make the move permanent and live or retire there.

“For years I kept reading about retiring in Mexico, but I was sort of afraid of the violence I saw on TV,” John Dorissey, an American expatriate and retiree who moved to Mazatlán, Mexico, told The Epoch Times. “Then one day I got fed up with everything and I just said ’to hell with it' and decided to make the move, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Mazatlán is a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Sinaloa. It is one of many coastal cities in Mexico that has a large American expat community. Mr. Dorissey moved there from Denver, a city that can get especially cold once winter hits.

“I do not miss having to warm up my car every morning or scrape off the ice from the windshield,” he said. “I don’t think it’s ever been below 70 degrees here, and it’s not like Florida or California where everything is crazy expensive if you want to live by the beach.”

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mexico is much lower than in the United States, Mr. Dorissey said. He paid close to $300,000 for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condominium in 2019, directly next to the beach. The same type of condominium now goes for close to $600,000, according to some listings.

“I also have a maid who comes once a week and she cleans, does my laundry, and even makes burritos for the week. She charges me 300 pesos per visit, which is a little more than $15,” he said.

Buying a home isn’t the only option if you’re considering a move to Mexico. There’s also the option to rent, which can be considerably cheaper, about $1,000 a month in most cases for a luxury one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, according to the Mexican real estate search engine VivaNuncios.

Weekly maid service for a typical one-bedroom apartment is also $15 to $20 on average.

“In most destinations in Mexico (especially non-beach destinations) you can live on between $1,000 – $2,000 a month,” Zach Rabinor, CEO of the award-winning travel company Journey Mexico, told The Epoch Times in an email. “Myself and my family (wife and two boys) lived in Puerto Vallarta for 16 years and throughout Latin America for 30 years.”

Mr. Rabinor says several other members of his staff also happily reside in Mexico, in several top destinations.

Top Destinations in Mexico

The winter and spring months are considered “peak season” for travel to Mexico, particularly for tourists traveling to coastal areas. International Citizens Insurance provided The Epoch Times with a list of recommended destinations to visit in Mexico if you’re considering travel right now.

Puerto Vallarta, located on the Pacific coast, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and a variety of outdoor activities. The city offers a mix of culture and natural beauty.

Resort city Cabo San Lucas sits on the southern tip of the Baja, California, Peninsula. It’s famous for its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. Snowbirds can enjoy playing golf, fishing, and water sports.

Cancún, on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wide range of all-inclusive resorts. It’s a popular destination for relaxation and water activities.

Playa del Carmen, located in the Riviera Maya region, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s also close to attractions like the Tulum ruins and cenotes.

Mazatlán, a coastal city on the Pacific side of Mexico, is known for its colonial architecture, lively Carnival celebration, and beautiful beaches. It’s a more affordable option compared to some other destinations.

Other options to consider provided by Journey Mexico include places like Merida, Sayulita, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Todos Santos, and Lake Chapala, among others. In all of the aforementioned locations, both organizations say there is a substantial expat community for those also contemplating making the visit to Mexico permanent.

Visitor Visa or Resident Visa

Americans traveling to Mexico are required to have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure. Upon entry into Mexico, American tourists are given a stamp on their passport which denotes the number of days they may stay, also known as a visitor visa.

“A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. Americans do not need to fill out any special paperwork or permission. The visa is given at the time of entering Mexico,” Mr. Rabinor says. “If considering to stay longer, a ’temporary resident visa' needs to be considered and has to be requested prior to arriving from your location in the U.S. It is important to check with your local consulate for the most up-to-date information.”

For those considering a permanent move to Mexico, there is also the possibility of pursuing permanent residency in Mexico, and that requires a significant degree of paperwork and proof of economic solvency. In the average case, an individual applying for permanent residency in Mexico must prove they essentially earn more than $2,500 each month.

A full list of requirements to pursue permanent residency can be found on the Mexican Consulate’s website.

Safety in Mexico

Though it may be less expensive to live or travel in Mexico, the U.S. Department of State advises that anyone going south of the border exercise caution.

“Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department posted in an Aug. 22 travel advisory. “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

The State Department advises that if you are traveling to Mexico, it is important to keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans, use toll roads and avoid driving alone or at night, exercise caution at bars, be vigilant at ATMs, and do not display extravagant signs of wealth.

“News stories about crime can sometimes be worrying. But overall, with proper precautions and insurance, it really does make sense to consider Mexico when thinking about expatriate destinations,” said Mr. Cronin.

The State Department also has a list of areas where it advises “Do Not Travel.”

Mr. Dorissey lives in Mazatlán in the state of Sinaloa, where the State Department has a “Due Not Travel” advisory in effect, but he claims he hasn’t had any problems in five years of living there.

“I’ve never been mugged, I’ve never had my phone stolen, knock on wood,” he said. “The most dangerous things I’ve experienced are the riptides and the [merchants] who try to overcharge me.”