Retirees know that they need to make every dollar count, and with today’s uncertain economic times the prospect of retiring to Mexico has become increasingly popular among North Americans. The main reason is that the country offers a lower cost of living, allowing the means for retirement money to go much farther without sacrificing any modern conveniences. On average, the cost of living in Mexico is about 30 percent less than it is in the U.S. Medical care and property taxes are much lower everywhere in Mexico.
In 2015, Mexico was ranked in the third position by International Living, a company that offers information and services to people looking to retire overseas. Mexico’s national health plan, which includes care and medications, starts as low as $300 per year for one person. For private insurance it can go from $500 to several thousand dollars each year. These prices are much lower than you would have to pay in the U.S. Mexican cell phones are about $10 per month and rent includes water, Internet, gas and garbage removal. You also have many healthy options for food with an abundance of fresh locally-grown fruit and vegetables.
Mexico provides the services and goods you are accustomed to with plenty of American brands, chains and supermarkets offering many of the same products that you buy back home. You also have services such as telephone, cable, internet to stay in communication.
Here’s some examples of prices differences between Texas, the Riviera Maya and Yucatan:
Cost of Living | Austin, TX. | Riviera Maya | Yucatan |
Housing (3 bedroom apartment in downtown) | 2,748 | 1,000 | 300 |
Taxi (price per mile) | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.00 |
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, cable TV, Internet) | 200 | 100 | 100 |
Maid: 8 hours rate | 64.00 | 13.00 | 10.00 |
Groceries (Monthly) | 520 | 240 | 240 |
Entertainment (dining out for two in a mid-range restaurant) | 50.00 | 32.00 | 20.00 |
Movie Theater | 10.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
Draft Beer | 3.00 | 1.50 | 1.30 |
Cappuccino | 4.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Living in Mexico can be a great way to make your pension stretch much further, with a better quality of life than back home. As a retiree you can live the high life on a modest budget. Over a million Americans have chosen this beautiful country as their retirement destination, and the numbers are growing every year. Mexico´s rich culture, beautiful beaches and a wide variety of standard amenities make this a popular retirement haven. It´s no wonder that Mexico is home to such a large number of U.S. and Canadian expats.
Read more about Retiring in Mexico
If you are retired and considering making the move to Mexico why not join us for one of Top Mexico’s Live It Tours? It’s a great way to get to know the various properties and neighborhoods down here and enjoy a nice vacation at the same time. To book yourself in for the next tour and see the Top Mexico Real Estate representatives . We will be happy to assist you and help you find your very own piece of paradise.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We make it happen!