We filmed this one in the car, on the way to Chapala to see a house. The owners are interested in hosting our relocation clients there, and when the home is not being used for relocations, we help list it on Airbnb so it can actually cash flow instead of sitting empty. That’s part of what we do for clients who want the “don’t make me figure out housing” option. We still scope everything out in person because Mexico rewards people who pay attention to details. You learn to develop a bit of an expat sixth sense.
And because we had a long drive ahead of us, we decided to answer the questions we get constantly about living in Lake Chapala, especially from people who are considering Mexico but want real, practical clarity. Not the dreamy version. The real version.
Cost of living in Lake Chapala
First, let’s be honest: this is not the Mexico of the 1990s, and it’s not even the Mexico of the early 2000s. The last five years changed everything. As more people went remote and started looking for an exit from high-cost, high-chaos countries, Mexico’s popular areas got a lot more expensive. In some places, rent has doubled and even tripled.
That said, Lake Chapala can still be very doable if you’re flexible about location and you’re not insisting on being right in the most concentrated expat pocket. Ajijic can get pricey, especially for homes that are fully furnished and positioned for foreigners. It’s not unusual to see $2,000 to $3,000 USD a month for a modest but “nice” rental in a prime expat area.
But outside of the most expat-central streets, things open up. In Chapala and especially as you move west toward Jocotepec, you can still find long-term rentals under $1,000 USD a month, sometimes furnished, depending on the setup and season. For context, where we are (closer to Jocotepec), you can live really well on a simpler monthly budget than most people expect, especially if you’re not trying to replicate a U.S. lifestyle dollar-for-dollar.
A realistic, comfortable baseline we often see for a single person or couple is around $2,000/month for a good lifestyle, especially if you’re cooking at home some, eating fresh local food, and not trying to force “luxury everything” every day. That number can go up fast if you want short-term rentals year-round, full-service staff, or you want to be in the most in-demand expat zone. But the bigger point is this: Lake Chapala still offers an incredible lifestyle-to-cost ratio compared to most of the U.S. or Canada.
Why Lake Chapala, and what it’s like day to day
We didn’t move here because of a spreadsheet. It kind of happened. We had flexibility, we tried it, and it worked. Lake Chapala is one of those places where daily life can feel like a beach town, but without the brutal humidity, hurricanes, and the party-tourism energy that can take over some coastal spots.
It’s calm. It’s beautiful. It’s easy on your nervous system. And in a world where people are chronically overstimulated, that’s not a small thing.
We’ve lived in cities and we’ve done the fast pace. But out here, it’s quieter. The views are unreal. You can find places with lake-and-mountain views that would cost an absurd amount in the U.S. The rhythm is slower in a way that actually feels healthy, not limiting.
One question we get a lot is about age groups. Yes, Lake Chapala still trends older. Many expats here are in their late 50s, 60s, and beyond. If you want nightlife and constant cosmopolitan energy, you might prefer Mexico City, Guadalajara, or somewhere like Playa del Carmen.
But the demographics are changing. We’re seeing more younger people move here, including people in their 30s, and more families too. Part of that is because infrastructure keeps expanding and more people are realizing that they don’t need a big-city pace to build a great life. They need stability, affordability, and peace.
We also get asked why we chose more of the Jocotepec side versus Ajijic or Chapala center. It’s simple: more space, more quiet, better real estate deals, and a lot of westward expansion. You can see it happening in real time. New stores open. Roads get improved. You start seeing the brands that only show up when an area is growing. That signals momentum.
Climate, air quality, and traffic
Climate is one of Lake Chapala’s biggest flexes. It’s January, “winter,” and the day we filmed this it was around the mid-60s Fahrenheit. That’s the reality here. The weather is one of the reasons this area has attracted people for decades.
Air quality is another question. Compared to Mexico City, it’s not even a comparison. Mexico City air can feel heavy fast. Lake Chapala is significantly better, and if you’re up on the mountainside, it tends to be even cleaner because you’re above a lot of what settles in the valley. Is it perfect air quality every day? No. You’re still in a populated region and you’re in a valley. But compared to many big cities in the U.S. and Canada, most people find it easier to breathe here.
Traffic is real during high season, especially through Ajijic and toward Chapala, because there’s essentially one main highway connecting the towns. It bottlenecks. That’s the trade-off. But if you’ve spent time in Guadalajara or Mexico City, Lake Chapala traffic feels mild by comparison. Parking in the town centers can be its own adventure, though. That part is true.
The biggest question: How do people make money after moving?
This is the one we get nonstop, especially from younger viewers.
The blunt truth is that most people do not move to Mexico and then get hired locally. It’s not impossible, but it’s uncommon unless you have a specialized skill and a company is willing to deal with the visa process. Plus, if you earn in pesos and spend in pesos, you lose the biggest advantage most expats are looking for, which is earning in stronger currencies while living in a lower-cost market.
So what do people actually do?
They build remote income. That could be a service business online, consulting, freelancing, content, digital products, a remote role, or some combination. Some people get into real estate, property management, and Airbnb operations because the opportunity is obvious once you see it. Mexico can be a growth market in ways that the U.S. no longer is, especially for people who pay attention and execute well.
But none of this works without the foundation, and that foundation is income you control.
Because here’s the other piece people forget: Mexico residency requirements are higher than they used to be. Temporary residency income thresholds have climbed, and it’s not unusual to see numbers around the $5,000 USD/month range depending on the consulate and timing. That’s why we tell people to treat this like a strategy, not a fantasy. Get your income plan stable first, then relocate from a position of strength.
And if you’re already in the Lake Chapala area and you’ve got a property that sits empty for half the year, you already know the frustration. That’s the exact gap we help solve, whether it’s relocation housing, Airbnb management, or just helping you understand what the local market is doing right now.
Your Move Abroad, Simplified
If you want a clear plan for Mexico, start with the free resources:
👉 Free Moving to Mexico Guide: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/mexico
👉 Free Moving Abroad Checklist: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/abroad
If you want us to handle the details of your move and build your roadmap with you:
👉 Apply for our white-glove relocation services: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/consult
And if you’re in the “I need remote income that actually works” phase:
👉 Expat Income Accelerator: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/income
👉 Get Your First High Paying Client Online Bootcamp: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/firstclient-yt
👉 YouTube Mastery Workshop: https://www.YouTubeMasteryWorkshop.com
👉 LinkedIn Mastery Workshop: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/linkedin
Freedom starts with a plan, and the sooner you start building options, the less anything back home can trap you later.
