Living on a Budget in Mexico

If you follow this simple guide, then you can easily live in Mexico on a budget of 500 USD per month. It does help immensely if you learn to speak basic Spanish and leave your American standards at home. This monthly budget will consist of housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.

Housing Budget in Mexico - Mid-sized colonial cities are the best places to live in Mexico. The rent is low and there are plenty of free activities to keep you busy. I suggest the following choices: Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Queretero, Veracruz, and Xalapa. If you look in the newspapers, you can get an excellent furnished apartment with utilities, including cable TV, for 200 USD. Location decides the price. Of course, gated communities and downtown locations cost more. So, get a place on the bus route. Make sure to check the area at night so you can see if it is safe and quiet. Visiting at night will give you an idea if you will feel comfortable living at that spot.

Food Budget in Mexico - A month's supply of food can be purchased for roughly 100 USD if you know where to shop. Get all your vegetables at the open air markets. They are usually cleaner, fresher, and, most important, cheaper. I find that Soriana is the best supermarket in regards to variety and price. They even have a points program. You earn points on all purchases that can be used to discount purchases that same day. All sugar products and imports should be purchased at Waldo's. All items have one price at a dollar per item. Everyone buys bottled water for drinking. When you rent your apartment you will usually get a free "garrafon," if you ask for it. A "garrafon" is a water container. It usually holds 20 liters and the water costs roughly two bucks. It should last between five and seven days. For convenience and ease, try to live by a store that sells them.