If you’re thinking about moving to Mexico, you’re not alone. In recent years, a growing number of Westerners—particularly Americans, Canadians, and Western Europeans—have been exploring life beyond their borders. With economic uncertainty, rising costs, and political polarization in their home countries, more people than ever are searching for new opportunities abroad.
Why Moving to Mexico is Gaining Popularity
Just recently, CBS ran a feature on the growing number of Americans retiring abroad. Meanwhile, YouTube is flooded with channels run by expats sharing their new lives in countries like Mexico. Amanda and I are among those who made the leap, and since moving to Mexico, we’ve found a life that not only costs less but also comes with fewer daily worries.
Here are 11 things we no longer stress about since making Mexico our home.
1. The High Cost of Living
One of the biggest advantages of moving to Mexico is how affordable life becomes. After handling visa paperwork and initial relocation expenses, we quickly stabilized our monthly cost of living at around $2,000 USD for the two of us—and we live very well. We have a spacious multi-story home, domestic help twice a week, and access to everything we need within walking distance. For comparison, our lifestyle would easily cost five times that in a major U.S. city.
2. Hustle Culture Burnout
The pressure to hustle 24/7 just doesn’t exist here. Mexico has a more laid-back lifestyle that emphasizes community, relationships, and balance. Without constant pressure to compete or keep up, we’ve been able to work smarter, not harder, while actually enjoying life.
3. Healthcare Costs and Accessibility
Healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for those considering moving to Mexico. Fortunately, Mexico offers high-quality private healthcare at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the U.S. Mexico also accounts for 40% of the world’s medical and dental tourism, thanks to its affordability and quality of care. Doctor visits can be as low as $10, and specialists typically charge under $60—with no insurance hassles. For emergencies, we pay just $100 per month for comprehensive private insurance.
4. Random Acts of Violence
Contrary to popular media portrayals, random violence is not something we worry about since moving to Mexico. Crime does exist, but it’s typically isolated and targeted. We’ve felt significantly safer here than in some U.S. cities, where random acts of violence, homelessness, and mental health crises are increasingly common.
5. Isolation and Disconnection
Living in Mexico means being part of a vibrant, welcoming community. People here value personal relationships and social time. We’ve met friends at meditation classes, networking events, and even during everyday errands. Social life here is natural, not forced or transactional.
6. Tax Burdens
Thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), many U.S. citizens living abroad can significantly reduce their tax liability. Mexico also has a tax treaty with the U.S. to avoid double taxation. While we always recommend consulting a qualified tax advisor, moving to Mexico has allowed us to keep more of what we earn.
7. Political Polarization
In Mexico, we’re free from the constant political drama and polarization that dominates life in the U.S. Families here aren’t torn apart over who they vote for, and politics rarely dominate social conversations. It’s a breath of fresh air.
8. Chronic Anxiety
Moving to Mexico has helped ease the background anxiety that seems ever-present in U.S. life. People here smile at each other. They talk to their neighbors. There’s less stress, more kindness, and a stronger sense of community.
9. Car Dependency
In our walkable neighborhood in Guadalajara, we don’t need a car. Everything from grocery stores to cafes to medical clinics is within walking distance. When we do need to go farther, rideshares like Uber are incredibly affordable.
10. Toxic Food Supply
Food quality is another major reason why moving to Mexico has improved our lives. Many food additives and preservatives allowed in the U.S. are banned here. Portions are more reasonable, ingredients are fresher, and our health has noticeably improved.
11. Poor Work-Life Balance
Mexican culture encourages enjoying life outside of work. Whether it’s a family gathering, a local fiesta, or just a quiet evening with friends, people here understand that there’s more to life than your job title or bank balance.
Why Now Is the Time to Consider Moving to Mexico
There’s never been a better time to explore your options abroad. Countries like Mexico are offering modern amenities, high quality of life, and affordable living without many of the stresses that come with staying in the U.S.
Whether you’re looking to retire, start an online business, or just enjoy a more balanced lifestyle, Mexico offers countless opportunities. And if you’re concerned about real estate, healthcare, taxes, or anything else, you’re not alone. We’ve helped many others make the transition and are happy to help you too.
Next Steps for Moving to Mexico
If you’re ready to explore what life abroad could look like for you, download our free Moving to Mexico guide. It covers the essentials and gives you a taste of the opportunities waiting for you. For personalized guidance, book a relocation consult with us at EntrepreneurExpat.com/consult.
We’re building a platform designed to help people like you not just survive, but thrive abroad. With resources, community, and on-the-ground contacts, we make moving to Mexico (or beyond) as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments. We’d love to hear what excites you (or concerns you) about making a move. And of course, don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update.
We’ll see you on the next video—or maybe right here in Mexico.