In conversations with several Americans residing in Mexico City, CNBC Make It learned that the city is less expensive, provides a more relaxed way of life, and is very vibrant both socially and culturally. In addition, some black Americans claim that the country feels safer and more welcoming, even though the crime rate in Mexico is much higher than in the United States.
Real-life stories
Kyla Moran
At the age of 33, Kyla Moran spent her first two-month stay in Mexico City in 2017. The former model claims that her affection for the city was deeply rooted, as she harbored a desire to live there for an extended period of time. In 2019, Moran fulfilled her dream and moved to Mexico City, where she has since taken up permanent residence with her Mexican partner Dai.
“The real richness of living here is how communal it is, how easy it is to know your neighbors,” says Moran.
As an American living in Mexico, Moran believes it’s critical to become fluent in the language, have friends there, and fully engage in local culture. “If you’re going to come here, make an effort to be here,” Moran says.
Caitlin Hutchins
Since 2011, Hutchins, 38, has made Mexico her home. The reason she decided to raise her daughter, Cora, in Mexico City was the strong sense of community Caitlin Hutchins and her husband found there. Before moving to Mexico City in 2011 to be with her now-husband Victor, Hutchins worked as a paralegal in North Carolina.
“We really appreciate that Mexico has a collectivist culture and not such an individualistic culture,” she says. “I value that my daughter is growing up with that sort of mentality that there is a we, there’s an us. We have to look out for each other.”
Cost of living in Mexico
The cost of living in Mexico offers considerable savings compared to Spain For a family of four, the estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, amount to approximately 2,049.3€ (38,795.0MXN). In contrast, a single person can expect monthly costs of about 569.7€ (10,785.0MXN), again excluding rent.
Rent in Mexico is also notably economical, with an average of 31.4% lower than the costs of renting in Spain, further enhancing the overall cost-effectiveness of living in Mexico.
Mexico vs United States – Cost of Living Comparison
The average cost of living in Mexico, at $911, is 61% lower than in the United States, where it is $2,317. In a global ranking of the most expensive countries, Mexico ranks 89th, while the United States ranks much higher at 8th.
Average Prices in Mexico
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 150.00 MXN (8.34 US)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 40.00 MXN (2.22 US)
Cappuccino (regular) 51.89 MXN (2.89 US)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 19.67 MXN (1.10 US)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 10.50 MXN (0.58 US)
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 21.87 MXN (1.22 US)
Gasoline (1 liter) 22.95 MXN (1.27 US)