When you travel to Mexico, one of the first things you'll notice is the low cost of everyday items.  We're not talking about gifts at the exclusive hotel shops, or dining at the posh international restaurants, but the cost of goods found in local markets.  The incredibly low monthly expenses of living abroad in Mexico is one of the major incentives cited by those who have moved to Mexico.

Disclaimer:  Of course, every budget comes with a disclaimer.  Ours is the ever-changing price of everything, the location you choose, and the lifestyle that pleases you.

Expat living means shopping where the locals shop, eating where the locals eat and finding your lifestyle merging with that of the locals.  If you shop at the American/Canadian/British stores, expect prices to be higher.  Shop Mexican for the most value.  

Use our budget as a guide.  Then, when you get to a specific area, or do more internet research, you can adjust to suit your family’s needs.

The bottom line, though, is it is MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE to live in Mexico than in the United States, Canada or Britain!

    BUDGET FOR A MEXICAN LIFESTYLE:
Prices are for a household of two, per month, U.S., based on a 13 peso/dollar exchange rate.

HOUSING:  
   Rent:                       $900
   Own:                          $75
(Trust fees if you are by the sea. Taxes.  Approx. .1% of  your purchase price if you are  inland)

UTILITIES:                $60 
Electricity, gas, water, sewer

HEALTH CARE:      $175
IMSS, private insurance, plus out-of- pocket for dental visits (roughly $15  per visit)

TECHNOLOGY:        $115
TV, internet, telephone, cell phone

CAR:                              $40 
Insurance plus repair fund.

GAS/PETROL:           $30
Public transportation is excellent in  most areas.

GROCERIES:            $300
Food, alcohol, cleaning supplies, household supplies.

MAID SERVICE:     $100 
Twice weekly.

DINING OUT:          $130
Depending on your lifestyle.

FUN:                             $  50
Films, café gatherings

MISCELLANEOUS:     ? 
This is the number that has the most wiggle room.  Travel,  trips back home, clothing, visa renewals, gifts,  repairs...

There is a great deal of room for costs rising or being lowered.  Rent can be as low as $300 per month for a furnished apartment, or as high as you can imagine.  The miscellaneous category is defined by your lifestyle.

Health insurance costs can be cut considerably if you don’t carry it at all, and rely on out-of-pocket for medical visits.

For two people renting a lovely home, the monthly costs without miscellaneous, would approximate $1900.

For two people, owning a home, the monthly costs without miscellaneous, would approximate $1075.

The rest is reliant on your lifestyle, and where you feel comfortable adding or cutting.  Just know that two people can live very well in Mexico for under $2,000 per month!