Best Places To Live in Mexico

Lake Chapala and Ajijic

Chapala and Ajijic have been popular expat destinations for years. Retirees and expats older than 55 have been coming here for years! Most likely because the weather is spring-like year-round, it’s the largest American expat community, and the scenery is beautiful.

Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest lake, about 50 miles long. Its surface is shimmery during the day, and its backdrop has some impressive hills. The geothermal activity in this area provides this resort town with relaxing hot springs and baths.

With all the natural beauty and resort-like natural amenities, you can see why Chapala and Ajijic are among the best places to live in Mexico.

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Cost of Living in Chapala and Ajijic

The cost of living is generally higher in Ajijic than in Chapala. Ajijic is smaller, has a higher demand, and the real estate market is tight. Chapala is bigger in land mass and also in population, but still has a need for rentals. Both places have a competitive rental market, and finding an inexpensive place to rent can be a challenge.

Even with a competitive rental market, you can find a comfortable 2-bedroom house without breaking the bank in either one of these neighboring towns.

To give you an idea of the prices for goods and housing in Chapala and Ajijic, here are some averages:

• 1 Bedroom House in Walkable Neighborhood $700 USD
• Utilities (water, trash, electricity, gas) $150 USD
• Maid (per visit) $30-50 USD
• Groceries for the month (for 2) $350 USD
• Thermal Spa Day Pass $40 USD
• Uber trip (up to 3 miles) $8 USD
• Taxi to/from the Guadalajara airport $35 USD
• Taxi to almost anywhere in Chapala/Ajijic- $4-$8 USD
• Mid-range restaurant. 3-course meal (for 2) $40 USD
• Two Margaritas in a Mid-Range Restaurant $10 USD

Those are just some average prices for some everyday things in the Chapala area. Part of the reason this expat haven has steadily become so popular is the size and weather. Ajijic and Chapala are small enough that you can walk most of the time. That’ll minimize the additional expense of owning a car.

Weather in Ajijic and Chapala

At a constant 77-80 degrees year-round, you won’t have to worry about paying for air-conditioning. You’ll also never have to worry about shoveling snow or sweating your face off in Ajijic and Chapala. The constant average weather ranges between 77 and 81 degrees in the daytime, year-round!

June through October tend to be the cloudiest months. April through June tends to be the sunniest time of the year with very little rain in the forecast.

Living in Ajijic and Chapala

Transportation

Chapala and Ajijic are relatively small towns, so walking or taking the local buses is easy. Unlike San Miguel de Allende, both Ajijic and Chapala are flatter. So you won’t feel out of breath walking to the nearest farmers market or “mercado.”

The Central de Camiones (bus station) is in the center of Chapala, and buses leave every 15-30 minutes. It’s common to purchase a ticket online. If you buy a first-class seat, you can reserve your seat in advance.

You can also buy a second-class ticket, which usually doesn’t have reservations but is cheaper than first-class.

A bus ticket from Ajijic to Guadalajara costs approximately $40-$75 and takes an hour.

If you’re planning to use the local urban bus to get around, the cost is about $0.80, and you have to flag one down from the main road. Currently, there are no timetables online.

The nearest airport is in Guadalajara. It’s the 3rd busiest international airport in Mexico, and it’s only 38 minutes away by car. There are direct flights to San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, and Phoenix.

There are 4 ways to get to the airport:

• Bus (2.5 hours) $5
• Uber (40 mins) $25
• Taxi (40 mins) $23 + tip
• Driving (40 mins)

Medical

English is widely spoken in many places across Lake Chapala. For example, medical clinics and hospitals usually have English-speaking staff and doctors.

That doesn’t mean you should expect this and not learn Spanish. However, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to work as hard to be understood in this area.

Some of the top medical facilities are:

• Ajijic Clinic (Hospital Clinica Ajijic)
• Hospital San Antonio
• Hospital Ajijic
• Ribera Medical Center

You can also get an excellent dental cleaning and exam in one of Ajijic’s many dentist offices. Cleaning prices are extremely low compared to the U.S. You can get a deep cleaning and teeth whitening for under $50 without insurance.

Dental Express in Ajijic is one of the most popular dentist offices. They offer basic dental cleanings and whitening and have a surgery room for more complicated procedures.

Both Ajijic and Chapala are known to attract retirees and expats over the age of 60. Naturally, it’s essential to ask yourself who can help you when you are no longer able to. This is especially important if you move to any area of Mexico alone.

Luckily, Ajijic and Chapala have world-class assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and, in some cases, even hospice care. Here are some of them:

• Wellness Shepherd
• The Moon Independent Living

Although I have never been to one of these facilities or know anyone who has, they have many positive reviews on Google and Facebook. Plus, their fees are reasonable, and their grounds look beautiful.

Lifestyle

Chapala and Ajijic are laid back and quiet towns. Most of Mexico tends to be loud and have a constant party atmosphere. Especially during holidays and public celebrations.

However, Ajijic and Chapala seem to be quieter than most other Mexican towns. Possibly because of the culture that many expats have shaped here.

There is also a prominent art scene in Ajijic. Visit one of the many art galleries in town, and you’ll probably become friends with the artist. There is art everywhere, from restaurants to hotels, spas, and especially on the Tuesday Market.

The Tuesday Market was started by a group of American Expats many years ago. Today, it’s a large market where mostly American vendors set up a stand to sell their unique offerings. There’s even an organic section!

This whole area is small, but the community is enormous. People embrace newcomers, and you’ll never feel like an outsider if you don’t want to. There are newcomers get-togethers all the time. So, it’s easy to make new friends here!

Or head 40 minutes north to the 2nd largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara.

Guadalajara (aka GDL)

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico, has a large expat community, and still feels small enough. It is nicknamed Mexico’s Silicon Valley because big tech giant manufacturing plants call this city home. I believe some of the reasons many people choose Guadalajara are its beautiful architecture, business opportunities, its diverse population, and THE WEATHER!

Even though Guadalajara does see some very hot days in May and June, for the most part, it has some very temperate months almost all year long.

Guadalajara is the land of Marichi, Tequila, and Spanish Architecture. It’s a city that you’ll surely fall in love with. Some of the best hospitals in Mexico are here. And the best medical training program is at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara.

Here are some reasons why GDL is one of the best places to live in Mexico:

Cost of Living in Guadalajara

For many, the cost of living in Guadalajara is what draws them to this tree-filled city. You can live in a modern apartment in the city, have some luxuries like house cleaning weekly, and still live for less than you would in most U.S. cities.

To give you an idea of some expenses in GDL, here’s a brief list.

• 1 Bedroom Apartment $500 USD
• 2 Bedroom apartment in a trendy neighborhood $800-$1,200 USD
• Utilities (water, gas, electric, trash) $60 USD
• Groceries (monthly) for 2 people- $400 USD
• Restaurant mid-range (3-course meal for 2)- $30 USD
• Maid 1x week $5/hr. USD
• Museum entry fee (2 ppl)- $40 USD
• Gym membership (monthly for 1 person) -$25 USD

Similar to Mexico City, Guadalajara’s cost of living is higher because it is a larger city. As a couple, you can live very comfortably at $2,000/month.

This would include luxuries like renting a lovely duplex in a walkable neighborhood in the city, having a maid once a week, and eating out 3x/week.

You can live for less if you move out in the city’s outer parts and don’t splurge on things like house cleaning and a gym membership. A couple could live very well on as little as $1,500 a month.

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Weather in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is on the western side of Mexico. It’s a valley surrounded by hills. The soil is constantly moist because of the humidity in the air.

Look around, and you will see some people wearing jackets in the shade and short sleeves in the sun. Guadalajara’s average temperature is 70-85 degrees year-round. In the early morning, the weather is around 50 degrees and quickly rises with the bright sun throughout the day.

You always know what to expect in Guadalajara as far as the weather goes. From March-June, you can expect the hottest months. Right before the rainy season starts In July. From July to October, you can expect heavy rainfall in the early afternoon. And I’m talking about some of the heaviest rain you’ll ever see. But then the skies clear up, and there’s a coolness to the evening air.

Plus, if you’re a foodie, you can find it all in Guadalajara. I seriously understand why it’s one of the best places to live in Mexico.

Life In Guadalajara

Guadalajara’s infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up with the population growth. Buses can be overcrowded, there is traffic, and it can feel a little bit like New York City at times. But the good news is that the city isn’t terribly large like Mexico City. So, getting around is relatively easy if you follow a few tips.

Transportation

Walking is the best way to get around in GDL. You can find most things nearby unless you live outskirts of the city. Grocery stores, convenience stores, malls, movie theaters, mercados, salons, hospitals, etc., are everywhere within walking distance.

But, if walking is not your thing, there are Taxis everywhere too. You can flag one down on the side of the street or have the number to a taxi station saved on your phone to reserve one at a particular time. A taxi ride to just about anywhere within Guadalajara’s rings can range between $2-$8.

Buses are very straightforward in GDL. They come every 5 minutes and make several stops along the way. They can be crowded, but buses will be your best form of transportation if you don’t mind standing.

Driving can be hectic in GDL. Although relatively simple because the city isn’t too big in land size. You could drive from one end to the other in 20 minutes. It’s 1/10th the size of Houston and is about the size of Santa Fe, NM. The most significant difference is Guadalajara has 5 million people living in a land area the size of Santa Fe, NM. So, traffic can be bumper to bumper.

But you don’t have to own a car to be able to get around in Guadalajara. There is also a metro system known as a light rail. It has 2 lines and 19 stops all throughout Guadalajara. The rate starts at $0.40 per ride.

Medical

Guadalajara is the mecca of medical training in Mexico and has some of the best quality and specialized hospitals in the nation. There are various public and private hospitals, and some of the most renowned doctors practice medicine here.

If having quality medical care is a priority for you, Guadalajara is the place to be.

Many people from around the world end up in Guadalajara for medical tourism. One of the most popular hospitals, Hospital San Javier, has first-class emergency rooms, an intensive care unit, and great surgeons on staff.

A regular doctor’s visit without insurance will cost around $40 in Guadalajara. That’s about 80% cheaper than a doctor’s visit anywhere in the United States.

Lifestyle

Like most big cities in Mexico, Guadalajara has a lively main square in the evenings and on holidays. Mariachi was born here, and you can enjoy a live performance on the square on most evenings. Watch people dance with their significant others, or just people-watch while you eat some ice cream.

Because this city is surrounded by nature and forests, you can also do some hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the trails of one of the many parks outside the city.

To explore the city and everything it has to offer, you should visit some of the trendy neighborhoods like:

• Chapultepec
• Santa Tere
• Providencia
• Mexicaltzingo
• Chapalita
• Tlaquepaque Centro
• Zapopan Centro

If you want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, drink Tequila straight from the source, and watch how it’s made, then a trip to the nearby Tequila is a must. You can even take a boutique train directly to the distillery while enjoying some spirits aboard.

Medical, Transportation, Culture, and Weather are reasons why Guadalajara is known as one of the best places to live in Mexico.

Medical, Transportation, Culture, and Weather are reasons why Guadalajara is known as one of the best places to live in Mexico. Plus, there’s a well-known beach nearby….

Puerto Vallarta aka PV

On the Pacific coast in Jalisco state is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta. Made famous by the golden era of Hollywood actors in the 60s, this once sleepy beach area is now a booming beach resort city.

The nightlife is vibrant, the weather isn’t too hot, there aren’t any hurricanes, and the cost of living is a lot cheaper than any beach town in the U.S. It’s no wonder why Puerto Vallarta is well-known amongst American expats who can stretch their dollar while living in paradise.

But just how much does it cost to live here?

Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta

Although the cost of living in PV isn’t what it once was before it boomed, it’s still considered to be 50-60% less than almost any beach town in the U.S.

Rentals on the beach are still affordable; you can buy Food with very little money, and getting around on foot is so easy you won’t need a car.

To give you an idea of how much money you’d spend on some everyday things, here are some expense examples:

• 1 bedroom apartment in a walkable neighborhood $650 USD
• 2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment $1600 USD
• Utilities (water, electric, gas) $100 -200 USD
• Gym membership (1 person)- $30 USD
• Internet (60 Mbps download speed)- $25 USD
• Groceries and Food (monthly for 2 ppl)- $500 USD
• Mid-range restaurant (3-course dinner for 2) $50 USD
• Margaritas at a mid-range bar (for 2)- $15 USD
• Urban bus fare (one-way) $0.50 USD

Living in a beach town has its pros and cons in regard to the cost of living. Many things, like fresh tropical foods, are cheap and found year-round. On the flip side, keeping your apartment cool can quickly increase your electric bill.

For many, the higher cost of electricity to keep their houses cool is enough of a sacrifice to live on a beautiful beach resort with modern amenities.

Weather in Puerto Vallarta

Sun worshippers and beach lovers come to PV for the sun, the excellent fresh seafood, and the constant 80-100-degree weather.

Puerto Vallarta has two seasons: wet and dry.

June-October is the wet season. The average rainfall in these months amounts to 10-11 inches. It can be very humid around this time of year, but the temperature hardly ever gets above 90 or below 60.

The dry season is from November to May. The drier season is partly cloudy, especially in the early afternoon, and there are heavier winds. But again, the temperature hardly ever drops below 50 or rises above 85.

This is a place where you can expect to wear the same shorts and tops year-round. For those who love warm weather and sandy shores, Puerto Vallarta can be the best place to live in Mexico!

What will life be like for you when you live in Puerto Vallarta?

Living in Puerto Vallarta

Walk on the Malecon in PV in the early morning, and you’ll see joggers, early swimmers, surfers, and commuters. Walk around in the evening, and you’ll see bars starting to get half full, lovers taking a walk, and families out for an evening stroll.

The easy-going culture of PV is easy to spot. You will hardly see bumper to bumper traffic. People take their time when they are walking. You’ll hardly see the hustle and bustle of bigger cities in Puerto Vallarta.

This is a place you can come to relax fully.

Transportation

Most of Puerto Vallarta is concentrated in a small area near the malecon downtown and the hotel zone further north. You can drive most anywhere in Puerto Vallarta in under 20 minutes.

One thing is for sure in Puerto Vallarta, walking is a regular thing, as is taking the public buses. A car isn’t necessary here.

Buses stop by every 10-15 minutes and, in some cases, every 20-30 minutes. Most of Mexico doesn’t have bus timetables online or printed anywhere. It’s one of those things you have to learn by trial and error. Fun right? But I did find a handy schedule someone made based on their experience. The fares start at 25 pesos or about 1 dollar.

Taxis are also widely available in Puerto Vallarta. To hail a cab, just flag one down. If they’re available, they’ll likely park at the nearest corner. Make sure you ask your cab driver how much they want for your destination. That way, there are NO surprises. If you don’t agree to the fare, let them know, and they might negotiate with you!

When in doubt, get an Uber. Uber is a fantastic tool in Mexico.

Especially if you are concerned with having exact change or knowing enough Spanish to understand the fare. I can’t recommend Uber enough. However, keep in mind Uber tends to cost more than a taxi. So, get comfortable with some basic Spanish if you want to save some money.

Medical

Due to the large number of Americans living in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be able to find an English-speaking doctor. Some of the best hospitals for plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery are in Puerto Vallarta. Hospitals like CMQ and Med Assist offer 24/7 emergency rooms and specialized doctors.

Since many of the expats living in the area are retired, a handful of assisted living facilities have clean rooms and reasonable rates. Vida Serena was the most recommended option.

Lifestyle

Did I mention that Puerto Vallarta is laid-back?

Surely if you are thinking about living in a city where you can relax, Puerto Vallarta is it. The cost of living here may not be the least expensive, but what you get in return is a beautiful backdrop that meets sandy beaches and a vast ocean.

You will see cruise ships dock in PV. You’ll experience the fun nightlife if that’s what you’d like, as well as many outdoor sports. Whales from the Pacific Ocean come into the Bay of Banderas to give birth. There is incredible nature with the surrounding lush hills. It’s not only beautiful in PV, but it’s also comfortable. The weather is a constant 80 degrees on most days.