How Much Does It Cost To Move to Mexico From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for your move to Mexico from the U.S., with most of the costs coming from international shipping and airline tickets. Still, Mexico’s low cost of living – about $651 per month for a single person and $2,357 for a family of four – makes it a popular choice for expats.
Here’s a closer look at costs:
- International shipping: Sea freight shipments average around $3,000 in addition to standard moving expenses, while air freight will be much more expensive. The size, distance, and starting and ending locations of your move will affect your moving quotes.
- Living expenses: For the country as a whole, rent averages just $1,198 for a three-bedroom apartment, with basic utilities at $61.06. While Mexico’s cost of living overall is much cheaper than in the U.S., your costs will increase quite a bit in larger cities and popular beach towns.
- Healthcare: Temporary and permanent residents can apply for Mexico’s public healthcare system or purchase private insurance for higher-quality care. Private insurance averages $1,700 per year.
- Visa requirements & fees: Visas are required for U.S. residents for stays longer than 180 days. The cost of a temporary residency visa is a little over $300 for the first year, but renewal costs increase each year until you apply for permanent resident status.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you should expect for the cost to move to Mexico from the U.S., as well as how the cost of living compares between the two countries. We’ll also go over some of the top international moving companies and car shippers who can help you get your stuff there.
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Average cost of moving to Mexico from the US
The cost of moving to Mexico can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your move, where in Mexico you’re moving to, and the shipping option you choose. As with other international moves, sea freight takes longer but is less expensive, while air freight offers fast but costly delivery.
Sea freight costs from the US to Mexico
For long-distance shipments to Mexico, sea freight tends to be the most popular option because of its affordable pricing. Thanks to Mexico’s proximity to the U.S., sea freight isn’t extremely time-consuming, either – usually about one to two weeks from port to port. However, shipment schedules can vary depending on your location, meaning your stuff might have to wait at the port for a week or so before the next shipment.
While sea freight can be more time-consuming, it can be an extremely cost-effective shipping solution. The large space available in shipping containers also means you can transport most of your household goods, including bulkier items like furniture.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Merida | $2,086 | 8 to 10 days |
| New York City | Cancun | $2,086 | 8 to 10 days |
| Los Angeles | Puerto Vallarta | $2,086 | 5 to 7 days |
| Houston | Mexico City | $3,955 | 5 to 7 days |
*Based on a 20-foot shipping container. (source)
Air freight costs from the US to Mexico
Air freight is the fastest option to get your belongings from the US to Mexico, but it’s also the most expensive. Air freight allows you to get your belongings to Mexico in just a few days, thanks to relatively short and frequent flights. With air freight, you can be sure that your belongings will get to Mexico at the same time as you.
However, the added cost can be too expensive for most movers, unless you are only bringing a few items to Mexico. It’s also worth noting that air freight shipments have much less storage capacity than a sea freight container, which will limit how much you can bring.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Merida | $1,497 | 2 to 3 days |
| New York City | Cancun | $1,497 | 2 to 3 days |
| Los Angeles | Puerto Vallarta | $1,497 | 2 to 3 days |
| Houston | Mexico City | $1,497 | 2 to 3 days |
* Based on a 300 kg (about 661 pound) shipment
How much does it cost to live in Mexico?
For many Americans, a lot of the appeal of moving to Mexico is its lower cost of living. According to Numbeo, the average cost of living in Mexico (excluding rent) is 43.7% lower than in the US, while rent averages 63.4% lower.
Like in the US, these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. Tourist areas (where many expats choose to live) are much more expensive than the rest of the country, so your cost of living savings may not be as much as they’d be in less popular areas.
Of course, average monthly salaries are also much lower in Mexico, which is important to consider if you plan on getting a job. For American retirees and remote workers, however, Mexico’s low cost of living is a great way to make their money go further.
Housing costs in Mexico
Housing is cheaper in Mexico than in the US if you choose to rent, but if you want to buy, things get more complicated. Mexico’s Constitution requires foreigners to establish a Mexican corporation or buy property through a bank trust if they want to buy property within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of the border.
In part because of this, in many tourist areas, most Americans choose to rent. In Puerto Vallarta, apartment rental costs range from 27.6% cheaper to 3.8% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE, depending on their size and location. Buying in Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, can be as much as 89.5% more expensive.
| Apartment | Puerto Vallarta | Lincoln, NE | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $945.71 | $1,030.00 | -8.2% |
| 3BR rental | $1,894.03 | $1.825.00 | +3.8% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $329.10 | $173.67 | +89.5% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Puerto Vallarta and Lincoln (May 2025)
When you first move to Mexico, you should look for a rental, since buying a property in many locations is made more complex by the country’s Constitution. Realtor.com and Properstar are both considered reliable sites for finding rentals, though you can also use Airbnb or VRBO to find short-term options (especially in tourist areas).
Here are some of the top cities to live in Mexico:
- Cabo San Lucas: Located in Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is a popular area because of its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de los Amantes, as well as its water activities and active nightlife. The area is home to a large expat population.
- Cancun: This popular beach resort city offers water recreation fun like snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also relatively close to the famous Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. As a tourist destination, English is widely spoken in many areas, though it can get crowded.
- Puerto Vallarta: Combining safety and a low cost of living in a vibrant beach environment, Puerto Vallarta offers both family-friendly neighborhoods and livelier areas with restaurants, shops, and beach access.
- Merida: Merida is another safe and affordable city located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is growing in popularity among expats thanks to its access to Mayan ruins and cenotes (natural sinkholes) in addition to beaches.
- Mexico City: Mexico’s largest city and business hub is a good choice for professionals, with many job opportunities, cultural attractions, and activities.
Utilities costs in Mexico
Utilities in Puerto Vallarta are slightly cheaper than in Lincoln, NE, averaging 17% cheaper for basic utilities like electricity and water. Local communications services like internet and phone plans are even cheaper, averaging 44.1% to 54.6% lower than what you’d pay for a comparable plan in the U.S.
| Utility | Puerto Vallarta | Lincoln, NE | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $92.22 | $111.17 | -17.0% |
| Internet | $29.70 | $53.12 | -44.1% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $22.54 | $49.67 | -54.6% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Puerto Vallarta and Lincoln (May 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (May 2025)
Food costs in Mexico
When it comes to food, you’ll typically pay much less in Puerto Vallarta than in Lincoln, NE, with a few exceptions. Restaurant meals range from 16.5% to 29.6% cheaper in Puerto Vallarta. Grocery prices are mostly cheaper, with items like rice, apples, and oranges costing over 50% less. Milk and beef are among the few exceptions that are more expensive in Puerto Vallarta than in Lincoln.
| Food | Puerto Vallarta | Lincoln, NE | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $9.19 | $12.00 | -23.4% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $45.93 | $55.00 | -16.5% |
| Cappuccino | $3.41 | $4.91 | -30.5% |
| Imported beer (12 oz. bottle) | $4.21 | $6.00 | -29.8% |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $10.21 | $16.00 | -36.2% |
| Loaf of fresh white bread | $2.68 | $2.84 | -5.7% |
| Cheese (1 lb.) | $4.48 | $4.90 | -8.5% |
| Gallon of milk | $5.86 | $3.05 | +92.0% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.01 | $3.61 | -44.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Puerto Vallarta and Lincoln (May 2025)
Transportation costs in Mexico
If you plan on bringing your own car to Mexico, be prepared: gas prices in Puerto Vallarta average 57.6% higher than in Lincoln, NE. That being said, public transportation is readily available in most areas, with both one-way tickets and monthly passes averaging over 60% less than in the US. Buying a car in Mexico is also usually cheaper than it would be in the US.
| Transportation Mode | Puerto Vallarta | Lincoln, NE | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $0.51 | $1.75 | -70.8% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $10.21 | $29.00 | -64.8% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $4.72 | $2.99 | +57.6% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $22,626.32 | $24,789.78 | -8.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Puerto Vallarta and Lincoln (May 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (May 2025)
Education costs in Mexico
Many expats who move with their families prefer to enroll their children in private international schools. Fortunately, these schools aren’t going to break the bank! When compared to similar private schools in Lincoln, NE, the schools in Puerto Vallarta range from 67.6% to 78.8% cheaper.
| Type of Education | Puerto Vallarta | Lincoln, NE | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $348.75 | $1,076.67 | -67.6% |
| International primary school (annual) | $6,124.42 | $28,840.00 | -78.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Puerto Vallarta and Lincoln (May 2025)
Mexico’s visa & immigration requirements
US citizens can enter and stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residency visa. These one-year visas can be renewed for up to four years. After four years as a temporary resident, you can apply for permanent resident status.
The following are common temporary residency visa options:
- Employment visa: You must have a job offer from a Mexican employer. Your employer first obtains a Unique Processing Number, which they will provide to you so you can apply for a visa.
- Student visa: Students who have been admitted to a Mexican university must have a letter of admission and proof that they can financially support themselves.
- Digital nomad visa: Remote workers can qualify for this visa if they can prove monthly earnings of at least $4,300 per month over the last six months.
- Investment visa: You can qualify for this visa by investing in Mexican real estate or a Mexican business. Investment requirements can vary.
- Financial solvency visa: This option allows you to apply for temporary or permanent residency based on your passive income or savings/investment levels. This is a popular option for retirees. Financial requirements are higher to immediately qualify for permanent residency.
Moving to Mexico from the US
Moving to Mexico from the U.S. can be easier than other international moves, but there’s still a lot you need to do to prepare! After applying for a long-term visa, you’ll need to look for housing and work. Depending on which part of Mexico you’re moving to, you’ll also need to buy airline tickets or figure out driving arrangements. Finally, you’ll also need to decide how to get your belongings to Mexico.
Top international moving companies
Hiring a full-service moving company to transport your belongings to Mexico can make the moving process much easier. Not only can they handle loading, logistics, and tracking, but international movers can also manage customs requirements to get your belongings safely to their destination. For many households, they’re well worth the cost. If you’re interested in full-service help for your move to Mexico, we recommend the following movers based on their pricing, services, and customer feedback:
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Shipping your vehicle to Mexico
While you can drive your vehicle into Mexico, you might find it easier to ship your car instead, especially if you’ll be moving far from the border. Some international moving companies, like IVL or Allied, also provide car shipping services.
However, your chosen company might not offer car shipping, or it might be cheaper to work with a separate car shipping company. If you need car shipping to Mexico, we recommend the following options based on their pricing, delivery options, and customer reviews:
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Tips for moving to Mexico from the US
Moving to Mexico from the US can be easier than other international moves, but you still need a good moving checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind for your move to Mexico:
- Start your visa application early. It can take several months to process a residency visa application. Once you’ve decided to move, start by visiting your local Mexican consulate and gathering all the documentation you’ll need to complete the visa application.
- Look into housing options. Next, you’ll need to find a place to live. Remember, Mexico’s Constitution limits foreigners’ ability to buy property near the coast or the border, so you’ll probably want to look into renting.
- Decide how you want to move. Sea freight or air freight may still be needed for many moves to Mexico. However, some areas close to the border could be serviced by standard ground transportation. Decide what works best based on your budget, destination, and moving preferences (such as whether you want to pack everything yourself or use a pro).
- Downsize. Declutter as much as possible before your move. Homes and apartments overseas tend to be smaller, and shipping bulky items like furniture can get very expensive. Thanks to Mexico’s warm climate, you can probably get rid of your winter gear!
- Get multiple moving quotes. Once you’ve decided on how you want to move, get at least three quotes from reputable moving companies. This will allow you to compare costs, services, and availability to find the best option.
- Learn the language and culture. Even though English is spoken in many tourist areas, you should learn Spanish for your day to day activities. The better you learn the language and local culture, the easier time you will have adapting to your new area.
FAQ
How much money does an American need to move to Mexico?
The cost for an American to move to Mexico will vary based on the size and distance of your move. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 for your move, including visa fees and travel expenses, with most of the costs coming from your chosen shipping method for your move.
Can I live in Mexico on $2,000 a month?
A single person can live in Mexico for much less than $2,000 a month, even when including rent. Excluding rent, the average cost of living for a single person is just $651.40 per month. Of course, your cost of living will vary based on where you live and your lifestyle preferences.
Do you have to pay US taxes if you move to Mexico?
You have to pay U.S. taxes if you move to Mexico. However, you will likely be able to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion, which allows you to exclude foreign earnings from the income you need to pay taxes on. Regardless of whether you owe anything, you still need to file taxes.
Where do most Americans live in Mexico?
Large American populations can be found in many parts of Mexico. Some of the most popular cities for expats include Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Merida, and Mexico City.
Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Mexico?
For a good balance of safety and low cost of living, Merida is a popular pick. Puerto Vallarta is another city noted for its relatively low cost of living and low crime rates.
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