So how much does it cost to live in Puerto Vallarta?

Mexico is not solely viewed as a retirement destination. With the rise of remote work due to COVID, many individuals have become more mobile in their careers. Additionally, some are exploring other options for political reasons or as Cost of Living Refugees. As inflation erodes savings in Europe and North America, and as healthcare systems in Europe and Canada deteriorate or become prohibitively expensive in the USA, numerous people are contemplating relocating to Mexico, where living expenses are more affordable.

Although Puerto Vallarta isn't the most budget-friendly destination in Mexico, or even in Latin America, it is well-situated, English is fairly commonly spoken, and it remains affordable and comfortable. It is anticipated that hundreds of thousands will depart from their costly countries in the coming decades. Puerto Vallarta is likely to attract many of these individuals, especially since obtaining residency in Mexico is much simpler compared to countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and several other nations considered by expats.

For instance, a typical couple residing in the suburbs of San Francisco might own two nice cars and enjoy outings to San Francisco for baseball games or theater. They may also frequently travel to Napa or Tahoe. You understand the point: substantial mortgages or rents, car payments, weekend getaways, and the desire to "keep up with the Joneses" can quickly become costly.

"If You Can’t Win the Game You’re Playing, Find a New Game"

Many of you reading this have likely visited Mexico before and fallen in love with the country. You might be sitting on the beach right now, reading this and possibly working from your laptop, pondering: "Do I really want to be stuck in that Bay Bridge traffic on Monday?"

Numerous prospective ex-pats inquire, "What are the financial figures?" and "What is the actual cost?" These questions can be challenging to answer since many of these terms are quite subjective. Therefore, here is a basic breakdown of some fundamental aspects:

What about medical insurance? This is a topic that requires detailed research, but a typical option is obtaining it through a private company. A frequently encountered scenario involves a plan with a $5,000 USD deductible. Because routine healthcare in Mexico is relatively inexpensive, individuals with this type of plan usually cover costs out-of-pocket. For instance, a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, including X-rays and a radiologist's report, costs less than $40 USD. Essentially, you are purchasing catastrophic coverage.

Another frequent inquiry concerns the expenses related to groceries, dining out, entertainment, and gasoline. These are variable costs that can be managed by changing one's habits. However, this is more challenging in San Francisco. For instance, one might choose to shop at an upscale supermarket and incur higher grocery costs, or opt for the local or farmers market across the street to pay much lower prices. Unfortunately, this second option is not available in San Francisco.

To review a whole list of cost comparisons click here. Numbeo.com updates their figures regularly.

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Interested in moving to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? As a Canadian citizen and a US expat and a real estate professional, I can show you how easy it is to own and invest in real estate here in Mexico. Contact me. Selling your home? Contact us to find out ho much your home is worth.

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