Your Essential Guide to Moving to Mexico from the USA

Mexico is a popular destination for individuals or families in the United States who want to relocate for a more affordable lifestyle. It has perfect year-round weather, pristine beaches and a significantly lower cost of living than the United States. There are also many expat communities and affordable housing options in most major cities.

Are you planning on moving to Mexico from the USA anytime soon? North American Van Lines is here to lead the way. Our team is trained and certified to handle the complexities of international moves. From packing and planning to custom crating and affordable moving supplies, we're here to help you with every aspect of your upcoming relocation.

To help you get started, we created a guide to help you prepare for your move from the USA to Mexico. Here's everything you need to know:

How to Move to Mexico from the USA

Backview of Woman in Floral Dress overlooking an Old City in Mexico

International moves can get tricky. From navigating customs to finalizing VISA paperwork - you'll need to take some time to plan accordingly to ensure you achieve a stress-free move. Here's how to get started:

Set a Budget: International moves can get expensive. To ensure your move doesn't break the bank, you'll want to have a set budget you can use for moving expenses.
Start Planning Early: Give yourself at least three to six months to plan your international move from the USA to Mexico, as this will provide enough time to complete administrative paperwork, downsize and compare quotes between moving companies.
Invest in High-Quality Moving Supplies: Custom crates, specialty boxes and high-quality packing supplies will keep your belongings safe during your international relocation.
Review Custom Clearance Guidelines: You'll want to avoid packing items that can cause delays in the custom clearance process. Items like firearms, drugs and certain agricultural products should be left at home.

Benefits of Moving to Mexico from the USA

Mexico is a vibrant country with great food, culture, beaches and more. Whether you're moving near the beach in Los Cabos or ready to live in a bustling neighborhood in Mexico City, you'll find there are many benefits and advantages of choosing to call Mexico your new home.

Here's what you can look forward to before you relocate from the USA to Mexico:

Low Cost of Living

The cost of living is much lower in Mexico than in most cities in the United States. According to My Life Elsewhere, Mexico is around 37.7% cheaper than the United States. You can expect to pay less for restaurants, food, groceries, healthcare and weekend entertainment. Of course, this may vary depending on where you decide to move. That's why you should compare the cost of living from city to city.

Warm Weather

If you're moving from colder states like Ohio, New York, Michigan, or Idaho -- you're in for a treat! Mexico is known for its sunny, year-round weather. During the winter, most places don't get colder than 47 degrees. While the temperatures may drop at night, you'll find that the daytime is pleasant and manageable. This is why many tourists travel to beachside cities in the winter.

Spring and fall are known for their mild temperatures, which are usually around 65-85 degrees. Summers can get hot, and some places are more prone to hurricanes.

Affordable Homes

Whether you're renting or buying, there are many affordable housing options in various cities. According to Wise, the average cost of a one-bedroom flat in the city center of Mexico City is around Mex$9,000, which is around $464 a month. You'll find even more affordable options in cities like Cancun, Cabo and Guadalajara.

Simple VISA Process

Obtaining a VISA for Mexico is relatively easy. If you decide to stay longer than 180 days but less than four years, you can apply for a temporary residence VISA. If you plan on staying longer than that, you must apply for a Mexico Permanent Residency Visa. You can apply online or at your local Mexican Embassy.

Vibrant Culture and Community

No matter where you go, you'll be inspired by the vibrant culture and Mexican communities. You'll find that food, music, dancing and art are deeply ingrained in the culture.

Best Cities to Live in Mexico

Every city in Mexico is unique and culturally diverse. Before moving from the USA to Mexico, you'll want to take some time to explore the different cities to ensure you find a place that aligns with your interests and needs. The top five places for individuals moving from the USA to Mexico include:

Mexico City: Known as the sixth largest city in the world. Mexico City is a vibrant and walkable city filled with fun neighborhoods ready to explore. Some great places to consider looking for accommodation include Condesa, Roma and Escandón.
Cancun: Trade in your everyday life for a beachside lifestyle. Cancun is a popular tourist destination with affordable housing for retirees or digital nomads.
Los Cabos: Los Cabos welcomes a slow-paced lifestyle for individuals and families who enjoy spending their days at the beach and exploring Baja California. Los Cabos is also affordable and is a great option for individuals who work remotely.
San Miguel de Allende: A charming community with a vibrant culture. This city is known for its safe neighborhoods filled with breathtaking architecture.
Guadalajara: This welcoming city has many English speakers. It has a low crime rate and is considered one of the most affordable places to live for expats.

If you work remotely, you'll likely have more flexibility with where you live in Mexico. If you want to work and live in Mexico, you'll need to obtain a work permit and look for job opportunities in different cities to find one that suits you.

Cost of Moving from the USA to Mexico

The cost of moving from the USA to Mexico will vary depending on a few different factors. This includes:

Where you're moving to
Where you're moving from
What time of the year you're moving
What time of the week you're moving
How much are you bringing with you

To save on your move from the USA to Mexico, you'll want to:

Compare quotes between three to four international moving companies
Downsize before you move
Consider storing some of your belongings in a storage unit in the states

Request a Free Moving Quote Today

Ready to start planning your move from the USA to Mexico? North American Van Lines is here to help. For over 90 years, we've been helping individuals, families, and corporations relocate to and from Mexico. Our team is here to help you navigate the challenges of international moves and provide the support you need every step of the way.