Why I Moved to Mexico as an American
A few years ago, I started feeling trapped by the rising cost of living back home. Rent was insane, groceries were pricey, and it seemed like I was working just to pay bills.
After a ton of research (and reading guides like Living in Mexico: Pros and Cons), I decided to take a leap and move to Mexico. Guadalajara immediately caught my eye — a big city full of culture, but without the overwhelming chaos of Mexico City.
Today, I live in a beautiful one-bedroom apartment in the Americana neighborhood. I’m paying $580 USD a month for a newly renovated place with a rooftop terrace — something that would’ve easily cost me $2,000 USD back home!
First Impressions: Affordability from Day One
From the moment I touched down, I was shocked by how affordable everything was.
At my local mercado, I bought a giant bag of fruits and vegetables — enough for the whole week — for just $14 USD.
A cappuccino at a trendy cafe in Chapultepec costs about $2.50 USD, and a full sit-down lunch at a casual restaurant? Around $6-8 USD.
Taking an Uber across the city cost me $3-5 USD. Compared to the U.S., everything felt like I was living on sale — but with better weather and way better tacos.
The advice from Mexico Travel Tips proved completely true.
My Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here’s what a typical month looks like for me living in Guadalajara in 2025:
- Rent (1BR, Americana neighborhood): $580 USD
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): $75 USD
- Groceries (shopping local markets): $180 USD
- Transportation (Uber, buses, metro): $25 USD
- Healthcare (private insurance + doctor visit): $90 USD
- Dining Out/Entertainment: $120 USD
Total: Around $1,070 USD — for a fun, comfortable, urban lifestyle with money left over for weekend trips to places like Tequila and Lake Chapala!
Rent Costs in Different Cities
- Guadalajara (Americana/Providencia): $500-1200 USD for a stylish 1BR
- Beach towns like Puerto Vallarta: $900+ USD
- Pueblos Mágicos like Mazamitla: $300-400 USD (see Things to Do in Mazamitla).
Utilities: Electricity, Water, and Internet
My monthly bills usually come out to $75 USD. That covers:
- Electricity (heavier in the summer): about $30-40 USD
- Water and gas: around $10-20 USD
- High-speed internet (200 Mbps): $20 USD
No snow, no heater bills — just a few fans or occasional AC use in hotter months.
Groceries: Shopping Local vs. Supermarkets
Most weeks, I shop at Mercado Juárez and the local tianguis markets. A standard shopping trip costs me around $40 USD and gets me:
- 1 kilo of fresh strawberries: $2.50 USD
- 1 kilo of chicken breasts: $4 USD
- 12 eggs: $2 USD
- A week’s worth of vegetables: around $8 USD
If I hit Walmart or Costco instead, it’s about 25–30% more expensive.
Transportation: How Much I Spend Getting Around
Transportation in Guadalajara is so cheap and convenient that I sold my car back home and never looked back.
I mostly use a mix of Uber, Didi (another rideshare app), and the city’s public transport:
- Uber ride across town (15 minutes): $3-5 USD
- Local bus ride: $0.50 USD (9 MXN)
- Light Rail (Tren Ligero) ride: $0.50 USD (9 MXN)
Some months, I spend as little as $20 USD on getting around. If I’m going out more often, it creeps up to $30 USD — still a fraction of what I used to spend just on gas alone!
I also bought a rechargeable transit card for $2 USD, making it easy to hop on buses and trains without fumbling for change.
Public Transportation Costs
The bus system covers most of the city, and although it’s not the fanciest, it’s reliable. The newer Mi Macro BRT lines are fast and cost just $0.50 USD per trip.
Guadalajara’s light rail system is expanding too, and it’s super safe and clean — a monthly pass costs around $17 USD (290 MXN).
Owning a Car in Mexico: Is It Worth It?
In Guadalajara, you don’t really need a car unless you plan lots of weekend trips outside the city.
- Gasoline costs about $4.40 USD per gallon (76 MXN).
- Car insurance (good basic policy): around $35 USD/month.
Parking downtown can be a nightmare, so I stick to Uber and public transport without regrets.
Healthcare in Mexico: Affordable and High Quality
Healthcare was one of my biggest worries before moving — but honestly, it’s been a huge relief.
I pay $90 USD/month for private health insurance through AXA, which covers emergencies, specialists, and regular check-ups.
When I actually go to a doctor? A private consultation costs about $30-40 USD cash, no insurance needed.
For smaller things like dental cleanings, I pay around $30 USD — and the quality of care is fantastic. Clinics in Guadalajara’s Providencia and Chapalita neighborhoods feel just as modern as anything I had back home.
If you’re worried about healthcare, definitely read Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?, which reassured me when I was still on the fence.
Public vs Private Healthcare Costs
- Public system (IMSS/INSABI): practically free if you qualify, but longer wait times.
- Private care: extremely affordable, faster service.
Many expats (myself included) prefer private insurance just for the ease and peace of mind.
My Experience with Local Clinics and Hospitals
Last year, I had a minor ankle sprain while hiking. I visited a private hospital, got an X-ray, a doctor consult, and a brace — all for under $100 USD.
Back home? That would’ve easily been $800+ USD.
Entertainment and Leisure: Living the Good Life
Living in Guadalajara isn’t just affordable — it’s fun. The city is packed with festivals, concerts, bars, and amazing cultural events all year long.
Dining Out: Street Food to Fine Dining
Some nights, I grab a few tacos al pastor at my favorite corner stand — three tacos for $2.50 USD total!
If I’m feeling fancy, a full dinner at a trendy restaurant on Avenida Chapultepec costs about $18-25 USD for an appetizer, entree, and a drink.
A date night with drinks, dinner, and a movie? Still less than $40 USD for two people.
Nightlife, Movies, and Cultural Events
- Local beer at a pub: $2.50-3.50 USD
- Cocktail at a nicer lounge: $6-8 USD
- Movie ticket (regular seat): $5 USD
- Live music show entry fee: often $10 USD or less.
Events like the International Film Festival (FICG) or Mariachi Galas are usually free or ridiculously cheap.
There’s always something happening here without draining your bank account.
Hidden Costs You Should Know About
Even with Mexico’s low cost of living, there are a few sneaky expenses that caught me off guard when I first arrived in Guadalajara.
Visa and Immigration Fees
If you’re planning to stay longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for residency.
As of 2025, here’s what it cost me:
- Temporary Resident Visa application: around $317 USD (5,450 MXN)
- Annual renewals: around $200-300 USD depending on the year
- Translation and notary fees: about $100 USD
I ended up spending about $500 USD total during my first year sorting out immigration paperwork. It was well worth it, but definitely something to plan for ahead of time.
Unexpected Costs: Tips, Donations, and “Propinas”
Tipping culture is real here. You’re expected to tip:
- Waiters (10–15% of the bill)
- Grocery baggers (5–10 pesos)
- Gas station attendants (5–10 pesos)
- Parking lot helpers (10–20 pesos)
I set aside about $30-40 USD each month just for tips.
It’s small change daily, but it adds up fast over the month if you’re dining out or taking taxis frequently.
Comparing Costs: Mexico vs My Home Country
When I compare my life here in Guadalajara to my old life in Austin, Texas, the difference is honestly mind-blowing.
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