In conversations with several Americans living in Mexico City, CNBC Make it I learned that the city is cheaper, offers 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 Mexico’s crime rate is much higher than in the United States.
True 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 her affection for the city was deep-rooted as she harbored a desire to live there for a longer period of time. In 2019, Moran fulfilled her dream and moved to Mexico City, where she has since resided permanently 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 is crucial to speak the language fluently, have friends there, and fully participate in the local culture. “If you 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 to be with her now husband Victor in 2011, 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 appreciate that my daughter is growing up with that kind of mentality: there is an us, there is an us. We have to look out for each other.”
Cost of living in Mexico
The cost of living in Mexico offers significant savings compared to Spain. For a family of four, the estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, are approximately €2,049.3 (MXN38,795.0). In contrast, a single person can expect monthly costs of approximately €569.7 (10,785.0 MXN), again excluding rent.
Rental prices in Mexico are also remarkably affordable, averaging 31.4% lower than the cost of renting in Spain, further improving 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 the global ranking of the most expensive countries, Mexico ranks 89th, while the United States ranks much higher at 8th.
Average prices in Mexico
Meal, cheap restaurant 150.00 MXN (8.34 US)
Domestic beer (0.5 liter draft) 40.00 MXN (2.22 US)
Cappuccino (regular) 51.89 MXN (2.89 US)
Cola/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 19.67 MXN (1.10 US)
One-way ticket (local transport) 10.50 MXN (0.58 US)
Taxi 1 km (normal fare) 21.87 MXN (1.22 US)
Gasoline (1 liter) 22.95 MXN (1.27 US)
