39 Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico (From Someone Who Lives Here!)

Considering a move to Mexico?

If you’re thinking about packing your bags and heading to the most southern country in North America, you’re not alone.

An increasing number of both Americans and Canadians (not to mention expats from other countries) are making the big, warm move down to Mexico.

Visitors are drawn in by the country’s affordable cost of living, rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches.

And it’s becoming quite the destination for retirees and digital nomads alike.

But as many advantages there are to planting roots in Mexico, there are a few drawbacks as well.

So, let’s dig into the pros and cons of living in Mexico, as decided by yours truly — a Canadian expat who lives in Mexico!

Pros and cons of living in Mexico

1. Pro: The weather is AMAZING!

Chances are one of the biggest draws of Mexico for you is the climate. The weather really IS amazing. But while many of us associate Mexico with a warm, tropical climate, the weather does vary depending on where you were.

That said, if you’re coming from Canada (like me) or the United States, most of us aren’t wrong that this country that’s considerably closer to the equator does often bring warm weather.

If you’re thinking about moving to Mexico, chances are the weather is a big draw.

Here on the Gulf coast of Yucatán, the weather hovers between 28 and 33 C (82 to 92F) most of the year.

The lowest I’ve seen the temperature is 26 C (78F), though the humidity does bring in the heat in the summer. And the highest has been a smokin’ hawt 40 C (104F)

This sub-tropic climate is a big draw for those of us that love the warm weather. Particularly if you wouldn’t mind being able to suntan poolside year round. For the record, I have!

It’s worth noting that because Mexico’s hella hot, you’ll want to avoid chub rub.

🏖️ Body Glide is my go-to anti-chafing product for those of us with big thighs☀️

2. Con: Hurricane season is a thing

Hurricane season (or “wet season”) starts in June but doesn’t really pick up until mid-to-late August and usually shows it’s full force in September. With it comes tropical storms, including cyclones and hurricanes. Not to mention lots of rain and wind, especially if you’re on the coast.

But hurricanes and cyclones make landfall and affect many areas of Mexico, not just on the coast.

Thankfully, large, fatal hurricanes don’t happen everywhere every year. But they are something to be aware of if you’re looking at the pros and cons of living in Mexico. Make sure you thoroughly research your destination and check out what kind of weather you could be looking for.

Other climate-related issues to consider include:

• Earthquakes: Every year Mexico records around 30,000 earthquakes, the severity of which varies depending on where you are
• Sargassum: A brown, smelly microalgae that plague the Mexican coast on the Caribbean Sea from April to October – not necessarily harmful to humans but gross
• Red Tide: A harmful algae bloom that turns the coastal waters a dark red and is harmful to both ocean life and humans

3. Pro: North American time zones

This one’s big for digital nomads working for North American companies — Mexico is in North America, which means the same time zones. You find every time zone from PST to EST in Mexico. This makes it easy to stay in contact with friends, family, and your boss.

But make sure that you have a lock on the timezone you’re going to be living in — as of 2023, most places in Mexico DO NOT observe daylight savings. Notable exceptions include some places in Baja California and other American-bordering cities and states.

Here in the Yucatan we observe CST, which aligns us with the Canadian province of Saskatchewan and a handful of US states (some of which are only paired with us half the year courtesy of daylight savings).

4. Con: Expensive to call into Mexico

While it’s great that your mom can call during her regular waking hours, it’ll probably cost her a lot of money. Most phone companies in Canada and the United States charge an arm-and-a-leg (figuratively, of course) to make international calls. So, your mom will probably need to call you via Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime (my top Apple-loving pick).

5. Pro: Phone and data plans are cheap AF!

However, YOU can call your mom for really cheap because phone plan costs here are AMAZING!

Both phone and data plans (and internet, for that matter) are ridiculously inexpensive compared to their North American counterparts. And ALL you need is a Mexican SIM card.

My cellphone plan from Telcel includes:

• 3 GB of data
• Unlimited calling in Mexico, Canada, and the USA
• Unlimited texting in Mexico, Canada, and the USA

… and it only costs $11 USD per month.

You can get a Telcel card before you even leave home 📱

Better yet, I have a second cellphone with Pillofon that acts as a backup internet provider. This way I’m always connected for work and my plan there costs $30 USD per month.

What do I get, you ask?

• 100 GB of data (50 GB at the fastest speed, 50 GB at the second fastest)
• Unlimited WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other social platforms (this doesn’t count towards data usage)
• Unlimited calling and texting in Mexico, Canada, and the United States

Sweet plans, right?

6. Con: The Internet CAN BE is unreliable

If you’re a digital nomad (or simply an avid internet user) you’ll probably want backup internet access while you’re living in Mexico.

While a lot of places (including out here in a seaside village) now have fibre optic, they don’t bury the cords. That means that these delicate cables aren’t as protected as they should be, and can frequently get damaged and customer service (for some companies, in particular) leaves you wanting. Honestly, I’ve been without my fibre optic internet for the last few days and I have no idea when it’ll be fixed.

This is all to say, the internet can be awesome when it’s working but the reliability is questionable. I NEED the internet to run my business, so I use a DIY pocket wifi system to cover me when I’m having issues.

7. Pro: Cost of living is cheaper

Living in Mexico is considerably cheaper than most major cities in both the United States and Canada. In most places, that is. While the cost of living varies, all three of the houses I’ve lived in were cheaper than my downtown Calgary apartment:

• $16,000 pesos ($800 USD) for a 2 bed/2 bath oceanfront home with swimming pool that’s kind of dated and sparse but all-around enjoyable in Chelem during the off-season (December to June)
• $18,000 pesos ($900 USD) for a 2 bed/1 bath house with a pool 1 block from the ocean in Progreso during high season (July to August)
• $25,000 pesos ($1,275 USD) for a modern 2 bed/2 bath, 2-story oceanfront home with a swimming pool that was built 5 years ago in Chelem during the off-season (September to June)

These numbers aren’t necessarily affordable to everyone, and not to many of the locals in the area. But if you’re moving out of a metropolitan area somewhere else in North America, you’ll likely find that your cost of living decreases.

8. Con: Other things can be expensive

While housing is often more affordable, the same can’t be said for everything. If you’re big on imported things, especially luxury goods, it’ll be VERY expensive (I’m lookin’ at you, Apple devices).

Of course, there are stores that carry your back-home favorites, like Kraft Dinner Mac & Cheese! But if you’re shopping at these expat-focused stores (Walmart, Costco), expect to pay a pretty penny. The cheapest version of Mexico is going to be living like a local.

This is all to say, be prepared to switch brands, sacrifice some goods, or simply pay a little extra. But in my books it’s a small price to pay to live in a place this beautiful in my books.

9. Pro: Overall better-for-you food

Let me premise this by saying that I’m not a medical professional or nutritionist. However, based on my limited experience the food in Mexico is better for you because it’s less preserved.

Unlike back home where cheap food usually comes processed and in a box, the “cheap” stuff is the stuff that’s good for you. I can grab a decent amount of fresh fruit and veggies for what it costs to grab a box of the Mexican version of mac and cheese, and the things you need to make it.

Not to mention there’s WAY more prominent signage and less overall availability of stuff that’s bad for you. You want juice crystals with sugar in them? Good luck! But fresh melon to make your own juice is plentiful.

10. Con: Food goes bad faster

As a by-product of the food being less juiced-up here, it goes bad much faster. You can take a head of lettuce home back in Canada and eat it for a week (sometimes two!), but here you only have a few days.

You only want to purchase what you’ll be able to eat in the next few days. So, trips to the grocery store are more frequent. Which I guess means that it’s easy to waste food here in Mexico if you’re not careful.

11. Pro: Laid-back lifestyle

Mexico’s work culture and that of the other North American countries are hot-and-cold. While Mexicans are some of the hardest working people I’ve met, they also have a very lassie-fair culture. Nothing’s urgent, taking a break in the middle of the day isn’t unusual, and vacations are for — get this — vacation!

12. Con: Mexico time is different

But Mexico’s laid-back culture also means that time goes by much differently.

“I’ll be there in an hour” actually means “I’ll be there sometime today.” Likewise, “I’ll drop by tomorrow to do that” means “sometime this week I’ll stop by, but I’m not sure when.”

It can be a little frustrating for those of us that are used to rigid schedules and appointments. This can also be a concept that’s represented while you’re driving in Mexico too, so be prepared!

13. Pro: Spanish is a gorgeous language

Spanish is a truly beautiful language. Considering it’s widely spoken around the world, knowing it can make travel to some truly lovely countries much easier. Plus, there are a ton of affordable ways to learn (like iTalki).

14. Con: You HAVE to learn Spanish (no, really)

The thing is, you kind of have to like Spanish because you’re going to need to know it. Once you head outside the resort districts (and even sometimes in them) there’s no guarantee of finding an English speaker.

Here in Yucatan, English speakers are far and few between. And while you can use Google Translate, it will really only get you so far. If you’re trying to have more complex conversations, you’re going to need to be speaking the same language.

Learn a new language from native speakers 🦜 try iTalki ➡️

15. Pro: Service is above and beyond

The service in Mexico is great, and you can pretty much find someone for everyone. Do you need a taxi? There are plenty around. Need help cleaning a pool or simply want to go out to eat? Much of Mexico’s GDP (8.5% directly) rests in tourism, and it really shows.

Most of the people I interact with on a daily basis are very service-orientated, and it’s much appreciated. Especially for someone who’s not so keen on interacting with people a lot. With that in mind, you want to remember to tip!

16. Con: Watch out for scams

Scams in Mexico are a real thing. It’s unfair to say everyone here is out to scam you (please don’t say that, it’s not true). But it’s not uncommon to come across a scam.

It’s important that you’re alert and discuss pricing BEFORE anything takes place. For example: don’t get in the cab until you know how much it’s going to cost, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

One place where I’ve noticed a lot of scams as someone on the ground running is in real estate. If you’re planning on purchasing a house in Mexico, make sure you do your research on EVERYONE involved in the transaction.

17. Pro: Money goes further

Because things are less expensive and the Mexican peso is worth less than many competing currency (for example: USD and CAD), your money tends to go further here. If you make an average American or Canadian salary, you should be able to live a comfortable life in Mexico.

It’s worth noting that some days are better than others to transfer cash. While the Mexican Peso is worth less, it’s been fairly strong lately. Make sure that you check around and look for the best currency exchange rates, I use Wise to do mine.

18. Con: It’s a cash-based society

But be warned that Mexico is a cash-based society. This was a big shock to me considering I’ve historically used almost all electronic payments and cards.

It’s not uncommon to pay your rent in cash (seriously, I paid 25,000 pesos in monthly rent in cash for six months), and I’ve even heard of people paying for an entire house in Mexican pesos. Imagine handing over 4-million pesos in cash for a $200,000 house!

19. Pro: The food is amazing

Mexican food is amazing, she says as she takes a bite of spiced chicken. I even find their American dishes — pizza, pasta and burgers — to be utterly delicious.

What’s better yet is that every region has its own food. Tortilla soup from the Mexico City region is utterly delicious, and here in the Yucatan, people love dishes like Queso Relleno and Huevos Motuleños.

20. Con: Not all water is potable

While the food here is great, the same can’t always be said about the water. Much of Mexico’s water isn’t potable. There are some instances where homes have a separate filtration system built in, so you can drink it. However, you usually have to get bottled water.

It’s actually not that the water isn’t drinkable. But the high temperatures and the water storage (tanks on the roof), bacteria grow considerably faster. That means that it’s not guaranteed to be safe. So, we all drink from (refilled) bottles called garrafones!

🚰 My favorite water bottle is made by Hydrate Spark, it reminds you to drink! ➡️

21. Pro: Amazon delivers

Yes, Amazon does deliver!

And so long as it’s coming from inside the country (Amazon Mexico) it’s pretty fast — even way here in the more remote parts of Yucatan. Honestly, a lot of expats warn you against purchasing imported goods, but I did a whole house glow up this fall and had no issues with anything imported.

There’s also a second Amazon-like option in Mercado Libre. However, I will say that purchasing there is a bit more complex!

22. Con: Not much else does

But while Amazon delivers, many other companies don’t. I have managed to find a few plus size clothing companies that I can buy from. However, it’s a bit touch-and-go for finding stuff that you can purchase online.

The good news is, major cities in Mexico (including Merida) have pretty much everything you’d want. I’ll also add that in the two years that I’ve lived here, I’ve seen changes in this area as well. In the past year, even Old Navy has opened online sales to Mexico!

23. Pro: Large expat and nomad communities

In Mexico, you’re really never too far from another foreigner.

Its beautiful climate mixed with its affordable cost of living make it a popular destination for digital nomads, retirees, and young families simply trying to escape the rat race.

If you’re looking to hang out with other nomads, you might want to consider a city. This will give you an opportunity to find local groups and coworking communities.

24. Con: You’ll never be Mexican

While Mexico is a truly welcoming country filled with friendly people, you’ll never really be Mexican. Even if you become a permanent resident or a full-on citizen, you still be an outsider. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s simply something that’s true.

25. Pro: Utilities are (relatively) inexpensive

Like other aspects of Mexico’s cost of living, I find the utilities to be fairly reasonable. This depends on where you come from and the house you move into.

But even with a house with a pool and air conditioner, I still managed to pay less than $95 USD for 2 months.

Likewise, the bottle of gas that powers the hot water (that I don’t use) and stove top cost $35 USD to fill. And the house internet is roughly $20 to $30 per month.

26. Con: Electricity is unreliable

While the electricity is affordable, it’s a little unreliable. Again, this is particularly an issue if you live right on the coast. But, generally speaking, the Mexican infrastructure does leave you wanting a bit.

Power outages aren’t uncommon, and in my first month here I was 48 hours without power due to a line issue. However, that was the exception. In most cases, the power goes off right after a storm and might be off for 2 or 3 hours. So long as your iPad or laptop is charged, or you have a pool, you can keep yourself occupied!

27. Pro: Cheap places to stay

The housing in Mexico is affordable, and so are the short-term living costs.

When I first arrived I stayed at a gorgeous hotel in Merida called Mansion Lavanda Boutique Hotel. I absolutely loved it, and it cost less than $40 per night. It came fit with a massive bathtub and a princess bed!

So long as you’re saying off the resort rows in most touristy Mexican cities, you can find some seriously affordable places to stay.

28. Con: Property needs to be purchased in full in Mexican pesos

Assuming you have daydreams about purchasing a Mexican beach house (#guilty), you’ll need to be prepared to do it in Mexican pesos. And it might even be in cash!

There are many places in Mexico with beautiful properties that are perfect for retiring or just settling down. But they need to be purchased in full (mortgages and financing are hard to find) in Mexican pesos. With cold-hard cash being a fancy little bonus.

29. Pro: There are plenty of things to do

Surf, swim, boat, eat, play — whatever you want to do, chances are you can find it here. From exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do in Mexico. Again, this is an area-dependant comment because not everywhere has ancient ruins or a thriving nightlife, Mexico is filled with cool activities.

In Progreso, you’ll find an active nightlife just off and even on the beach — especially during high season in the summer. You can check out the flamingos in the sleepy town of Celestún, visit the piglets at Pig Beach or check out the dinosaur statues at Sendero Jurasico. It really depends on what kind of explorer you are!

30. Con: Touristy destinations (can) cost more

Unsurprisingly, the touristy hot spots cost a little more money. That’s not to say they’re not affordable (they still are), but you will pay a bit more than other attractions. This isn’t straight across the board, and it is on par with everywhere else in the world. But it’s worth throwing a little mention in.

31. Pro: Healthcare is accessible and affordable

Healthcare affordability depends on where you’re coming from. In Canada, we have universal healthcare that’s free but our dental and drug costs are incredibly high. And our American counterparts have a wildly bloated and costly system.

While doctor’s visits cost more (around $20) than in Canada, all-around I would say healthcare is more affordable here. You can see a dentist without having to sacrifice a full pay check and most medications don’t cost the equivalent of a smartphone.

The other big thing is the accessibility of Mexico’s private healthcare system. To clarify, they do have a public healthcare system that can be accessed at little to no cost. But like Canada, it’ll take you months to get the appointments you need.

The private healthcare system is nothing like that. You can have a test done today and the results done tomorrow, so long as you can afford it.

✈️ Don’t take off without looking into travel insurance ➡️

32. Con: … but that really only describes private healthcare

Like I said, it’s the private healthcare in Mexico that’s affordable and timely for those of us not from here. But that’s not the case for everyone living in Mexico, as many locals can’t afford the same kind of care.

Here in Yucatan, I pay 400 pesos ($20 USD) to see a doctor. Unfortunately, the minimum wage here is a daily rate of 143 pesos ($7 USD), which means a local might have to work 3 days just to pay for a doctor’s appointment.

33. Pro: It’s a dog-friendly place

I find Mexico to be a very dog-friendly place.

Now you can’t bring your dog to the movie theater or hang out at a restaurant. But everyone seems to have one and no one seems to be bothered by them.

Most of the rentals that I come across are also dog-friendly, which is ideal. Also, here in Yucatan, you can walk your dog on the beach or play in the ocean. I used to watch a dog and his family kayak and paddleboard (he had his own!).

34. Con: There are dogs everywhere

While I love dogs, not everyone gets jazzed about them — and in Mexico, they’re everywhere. There are many-a homeless dogs with no place to go running about the street, getting into your trash can, and pooping everywhere.

I’ve never run into any dangerous ones, but I’m sure they’re around. But if you’re very against dogs, this might not be your ideal tropical destination.

35. Pro: Visas are inexpensive and accessible

Getting a residency visa in Mexico is pretty easy compared to other destinations. Most need to apply through the Mexican consulate in their home country for a 1-year visa and pay the fee.

But there’s a little-known program that came out of COVID that I got into. It granted me a 4-year visa for less than $1,000 CAD. That fee included the payment for my lawyer and the fine for staying in the country past my tourist visa’s expiration — which I had to do to get the visa.

Regardless of how you get your visa, it tends to be easier to obtain and less costly than other destinations that I’ve looked into. Though it’s not the only affordable visa around. Especially as other location are vying for digital nomad dollars to recoup from COVID’s lack of tourism.

36. Con: Bureaucracy is terrible!

But while the visa is easy to obtain and affordable, the bureaucracy in Mexico is nothing to write home about. It’s complex, frustrating, and takes forever. Not to mention, impossible to get through if you’re not fluent in Spanish. I highly recommend getting a lawyer — which is wildly affordable — to get the help you need.

37. Pro: Easy to Travel Around the Country

I find traveling around Mexico to be pretty easy and affordable. Whether you’re taking a bus or plane, you’ll often get to where you’re going speedily and not pay a ton to do it. With the opening of Tren Maya (expected sometime in 2024), it’ll be easier than ever to zoom around the Yucatan Penninsula!

38. Con: It has a bad rap for safety

When I decided to move to Mexico, I got a lot of are you sure looks. Everyone was instantly concerned about my safety because Mexico is “unsafe.”

For the record, bad things DO happen in Mexico, I had my wallet stolen within my first week of getting here (it was such a pain). But it’s not nearly as bad as you think. If safety is a big concern of yours, I highly recommend checking out the state of Yucatan.

In my mind, staying safe in Mexico is similar to staying safe anywhere else. Be smart, be vigilant, protect your belongings and lock your doors at night.

I’ve been living here long enough that I decided to get myself a guard dog — I rescued Romi, a 4-year-old Rottweiler, from the streets of Progreso. She’s a total sweetheart but she won’t let anyone in the yard that’s not supposed to be there, and she’s got a BIG loud bark.

39. Pro: You’ll love it here (at least I do!)

I LOVE Mexico, as do most of my fellow ex-pats. I came for 4 months and ended up with a 4-year visa. It’s been truly a long time since I’ve felt as relaxed and healthy as I have here in Mexico. If you’re looking for an affordable, tropical destination to work and play in, I would highly recommend you check it out!

Living in Mexico FAQs

Final thoughts: Pros and cons of living in Mexico

I’ve lived in Mexico for two years, and I can say that any con you might come across is going to be far outweighed by the copious amount of pros. It’s a beautiful place to live, whether you’re coming to stay or you’re just passing through.

However, before committing to live full-time in Mexico, you’ll want to pop by and check it out. I don’t mean book a two week resort stay, I mean getting out of the touristy section and checking out real Mexico. Off-the-beaten-path is where Mexico really shines. Whether you want remote seaside or the hustle and bustle of a city, there’s somewhere in this beautiful country for you.