Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- 15,000-28,000 MXN
- One bedroom, suburbs
- 9,000-17,000 MXN
- Three bedrooms, city center
- 30,000-60,000 MXN
Country research
Retire in Mexico
Mexico offers city-level retirement planning choices across highland, coastal, and metropolitan markets. This profile combines comparable national indicators with local cost, healthcare, safety, climate, and residence information.
61Overall research score
45.7Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living36.8/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety45.7/100Safety index
Healthcare79/100Quality index
Average temperature21.2°CYearly average
Why Mexico
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Mexico may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety or proximity to North America, subject to neighborhood safety, local costs, healthcare arrangements, residence eligibility, and tax advice.
What stands out
- Low cost of living
- Private healthcare options; compare provider prices and coverage
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 4,000-6,500 MXN
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- 800-2,000 MXN
- Health insurance
- Approx. 2,000-4,000 MXN/month
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- Temporary residence based on financial solvency or pension
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by consulate and National Migration Institute
- Income tax
- Progressive up to 35%. CGT: 25% (Foreign resident) or 35% (Resident). Inherit: None.
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 45.7/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.249 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 21 days per year
- Doctor visit
- 500-1,200 MXN
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Mexico
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Mérida
Colonial city with strong safety reputation compared to many Mexican cities, Warm climate and flat, walkable neighborhoods
- Rent
- MXN 6,800-12,000/month
- Safety
- 75
Mexico City
Historic Center, Museums
- Rent
- 15,000-28,000 MXN/month
- Safety
- 55
Playa del Carmen
Beaches, Tourism
- Rent
- 9,000-25,000 MXN/month
- Safety
- 65
San Miguel de Allende
UNESCO-listed colonial town with vibrant cultural life, Established international retiree and expat community
- Rent
- MXN 13,500-25,500/month
- Safety
- 75
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Mexico
What is the cost of living in Mexico?
The relative PPP price-level score for Mexico is 36.8/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 15,000-28,000 MXN, while health insurance is Approx. 2,000-4,000 MXN/month.
Is Mexico safe for expats and retirees?
Mexico has a safety index of 45.7/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.249 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Mexico?
The healthcare system in Mexico has a quality index of 79/100. A doctor visit costs 500-1,200 MXN, and health insurance typically costs Approx. 2,000-4,000 MXN/month per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Mexico?
Mexico lists the route “Temporary residence based on financial solvency or pension”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by consulate and National Migration Institute. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Mexico?
Retirees in Mexico face income tax rates of Progressive up to 35%. CGT: 25% (Foreign resident) or 35% (Resident). Inherit: None.. Property tax is Predial varies by municipality and property value and inheritance tax is Generally no inheritance tax; income/reporting rules may apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Mexico?
Mexico has approximately 1,726,089 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Mexico City, Mérida, Playa del Carmen.
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Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
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Argentina
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