Cost of Living Info

Mexico Jerry kindly supplied me with the info that prompted my article for today and even supplied us with cost of living info in his area.

Hey Cathy, I told you that my readers are usually very happy to share their experiences!  

Jerry has sure proved my point and has not let me down!  Jerry also confirms my writtings! Sometimes people find the cost of living in Mexico a bit unbeliveable, but, well, read for yourself below.

Not too much more to add, other than, you will surely notice he’s not concerned a bit with his safety.  Things are truly getting worse in Mexico…it’s spread all over our TV and newspapers…impossible to ignore!  

Bike - a usual sight

But, I just discovered a most interesting fact, and I know it’s important to all of you:  that 98% of the crime in Mexico is criminal against criminal.  But that left over 2% is a big figure if it happens to involve you or your family. Now, the crime is spreading to include the good people who are fighting the drug lord situation – it is a war.  Just be careful, and be aware…everyplace.  Another reason to not flash cash – don’t wear showey/expensive jewelry – don’t leave big tips – don’t wonder into unfamiliar areas by yourself – etc., etc., etc. – use your common sense! 

Now, read some major reasons you should move to Mexico – especially in retirement with Mexico’s good cost of living – if you follow our cheap / frugal folks’ rules: 

E-mail from Cathy, to (Mexico) Jerry’s first blog response, cc’d to me:  

Hello Jerry, 

I’ve been doing some research on different areas of Mexico.  I’ve also been in contact with a couple that moved to Merida and have been there for a couple of years and love it! I find the culture exciting and hope to experience it as they have.  

I would have some cash to live on for a while, but would have to find a way to make some money after a few months.  We all start somewhere, and it is great that people like you are willing to share what you have learned along the way.  Maybe I’ll be able to do the same for someone else someday.  

Any information you can share is much appreciated. Thanks, Cathy 

Jerry Draughon’s reponse to Cathy, cc’d to me, including info on his cost of living::

Cathy, you don’t need much to live on here. 

I walk to the plaza and get two tacos for just 6 pesos each.  That is often my supper  I might  just have a hamburger or a hot dog. Yes, I go out to nice restaurants too, it’s just not that expensive 

Food is cheap, especially if you shop where the Mexicans shop. (Barbie’s note – which I stress constantly in my articles)  I guarantee that your veggies will probably be more flavorful and tastier than the ones that you buy where you live.  Most farmers here don’t have the extra money to pay for chemicals to throw on their gardens.  

Mountain view

Dr’s are cheap and highly trained.  My Dr charges me 100 peso’s for a visit.  He speaks English too.  You can go to the central salude (clinic)  for nothing or next to nothing.  

Prescriptions are much cheaper here.  I leave all my stuff like TV, lights and fans on all day long well into the night and my electric bill is VERY high, it never (so far ) has gone over $40 USD per month.  You pay the electric every two months and as you use more, you will be charged the highest rate per kWh.  I am in the high usage and you see what I pay. 

I have a friend that moved to Meridia and she tells me that it is both very hot there, as it is sea level, and very expensive. I lived a year in Mazatlan and while it was very pretty, when summer came, all the gringos left for cooler climes.  That’s why I came to the Chapala area as it is the same height as Denver, Co.  She also told me that it is very pretty too.  

I hope you find what you are looking for but don’t be too caught up on how much money you have.  I know people who live here on  a SS check of $350 USD per month. 

Write me if you need more info. Nos vmos ( see ya!)  Jerry 

So, for cost of living info, and a whole lot of goodwill, you and I can almost always count on my Expat readers ! I thank them from the bottom of my heart!