The REAL Reasons You Won't Make It in Mexico 🇲🇽 

My Website Full of FREE information www.josearteaga.com Easiest Way to Get Residency in Mexico! 🇲🇽 RNE Residency Program Explained by a Mexican Lawyer - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XH9lxrAehSU.html Living in Mexico for Only $525 USD a Month! 🇲🇽 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dOIZUUG6-N8.html What is The Gringo Advantage? 🇲🇽 Gringo Privilege in Mexico - ru-vid.com46WkwNQ2I_U

Hi Jose, great video as always. So in response to your request for people to give some idea of how they’re living here in Mexico financially I’m answering you. I happen to be in the age demographic that you mentioned, I’m 72 years old and I came to Mexico for the first time at 69. I would have loved to have come earlier, but things didn’t work out that way, still I’m very happy I made it and I’m not ever going to live in the US again. Okay, I only have social security retirement and I get less than what I’ve heard is the standard amount, but I’ve been able to live very comfortably on about $900.00 US every month and that includes everything including my prescriptions meds. I live a modest lifestyle I rarely eat out, I only occasionally drink, I have two beers in my fridge now, don’t smoke and I’m a vegetarian. I mainly shop at the little markets in whatever area I happen to be living in, I’ve lived in three different cities, and I only go to the Supermercado to get certain toiletries that the local markets don’t carry. I walk most everywhere too. And living this way has allowed me to save several hundred dollars every month and consequently I’ve visited several other countries since moving here, because I had that savings. In the states it was very difficult for me to save money, now I take it for granted. I learned some years ago that you can live on a lot less than you think. The US government has everyone thinking that they have to spend all the time, that it is their duty to spend so the economy will continue to run . I bought into that argument for a long time, but I had a family to support, so I had to buy and consequently I lived paycheck to paycheck and on credit cards when necessary. I learned my lesson the hard way, now I live debt free and stress free. I don’t complain and I thank Mexico for allowing me to live here. I feel blessed by the universe. I smile at the shopkeepers, say please and thank you and tell them I’ll see them later and I get great service and a smile in return. I’m working on getting my residency and then I’ll figure out how to get help learning Spanish. This is a great country and I don’t want it to change but only for the better. Oh and let me say, I came alone and I’m still by myself. I rarely ask for help, because I research everything so I can do it myself and ask for help only when I absolutely need it, like getting my temporary residency visa. Have a great day!

Mexico is not for lavish people. Mexico is for people that are humble

Our experience is that we came into it wanting to live like the locals. Anything more is just dreaming of a lavish lifestyle that they could never afford where they came from. After a couple of years, we’ve learned that our lifestyle is fabulous!!! As a couple, we live on $2400 usd per month but we save about $600 usd for emergency use and still live very well. We don’t keep up with the Jones’ Nor do we ever want to again! Life is fabulous when you absorb the culture and the economy and set your goals accordingly.

The comments about older people needing their hand held: I’m 62 and my husband is 71. We’re pretty resilient and flexible. But, most people we knew in our age group in the U.S. were not. They stay stuck in their old ways. They don’t adapt. But, most people in our age group that last in Mexico are more adventurous and flexible, or they don’t last. They head back to the U.S. or Canada. We actually feel younger since arriving here. Only 8 months here and we know we’re not going anywhere.

In the USA it's basically the land of the FEE, think about it, you're forced to have car insurance, house insurance, more or less health insurance too, I know it's not illegal if you don't get it, but realistically if you don't you're screwed royally if you ever need to go to the ER for something or you have heath problems in old age, there's cops around every corner to give you a ticket, and boy o boy do like like giving those tickets, if you live in the US and have to commute to work on a daily basis I would be shocked if you didn't get at least 2 tickets a year, it all adds up, and that's if you're never sued for something because boy o boy do Americans love their lawsuits I tell you. Come to Mexico, live a better and freer life, and leave all that behind.

I’m glad you are telling it like it is. Well done.

Those who complain about high Mexico’s living is because they want to bring the high cost of living from where they came from .

The voiceover videos where you are walking & talking, or riding, or driving are THE BEST!! Loving those views of Merida. Thanks for your work. 👍🏾

most Americans are used to over spending and living above their means. this is why so many live "pay check to pay check" and credit cards. but its because America is a consumer economy and the govt needs them to consume more then they're able to produce via labor, so dollars can then go abroad to provide liquidity to producer economies.

WOW! I gotta leave a comment! I've never seen another utuber respond to all of the comments both sincerely and with relevancy. I went through a Latin American adaptation in my late 30's. At first I thought I was chocking. After 3 months, I learned basic Spanish then 3+ more months later, I became fluent enough to converse like the locals and suddenly everything fell into place. So much so that when I returned back to my original home after close to 2 years, I felt homesick for it and would have gone back if I could. One last thing is that if one is moving to another country solely for financial reasons, that's probably all that one will get. The real reward of the venture only comes to those who (can) embrace the culture to be able to enjoy and bask in its offerings.

Thanks for keeping it real. You are one lucky dude!

A lot of it has to do with “privilege” and not having to struggle like other folks around the world. I’m making my move to MX with very few illusions. I figure if I can survive a military coup and a dictatorship, I’m thinking I’ll manage just fine. I also love how you’re not sugarcoating anything for us.

Food and rent is certainly cheaper but some stuff is about the same but I am really enjoying the humble lifestyle here in CDMX. Humble is the key here. I like it.

I know the cost of living has gone up in most of Mexico and the exchange rate sucks right now, but even when it was good, I couldn't have made it on what I get in SS. I have side gigs up here that I can do, but in MX, I won't have that. Less than $1,000 a month just won't cut it there. Meanwhile, while there are a lot of things wrong with the U.S., as a senior living below the poverty line, I can get a lot of benefits that put me in the $30,000 salary range, which isn't great, but it gets me a decent apartment, food, and everything else I need. I worked for 40 years and paid taxes to support things I didn't want to (like wars!) so I don't feel bad at all taking some of it back. BUT if I had enough money coming in, sure, I'd move to Mexico. It's a great place!

Most people need to adapt to the reality of their lifestyle. I love Mexico and looking forward to retiring there soon. Thanks for all you do...

You are absolutely correct, I was raised to appreciate the value of hard work, so I already live mostly like a Mexican, my older sisters are fru fru, they couldn't deal with seeing a piece of trash on the street, so they need to stay in their gated communities with high HOA fees, as for me, if I out live our mom, who I take care of, I hope to someday live there, I love the diversity in Mexico there is a happy place for everyone, I could be in a Mexican neighborhood and be fine.

Thanks for continuing to give the info you do…it gives me me hope that our two year plan to make the move is still in tact😊

You are so right. Most people did not save extra while they worked and they thought pension plus social security would give them enough to maintain their lifestyle but in reality pensions are half or less than half of their pay. Like wise Social Security is half (or less) of their pay. But expenses do not go down. Period.

I successfully received my residency through RNE

Thank you as always for sharing your experiences and wisdom. I appreciate you.

Good video Jose...!

Great content 🎉

Can’t wait to move to Mx

It's Jose , our Man in Yucatan, gracias Hombre .😊

Love your style!! You make me laugh so much! Love it! Thank you!

❤ the 25 minute remarks about "you old people ruined your own ...." Just blend in and relax.... Life is so good here.🎉

4:42 I saw one video where someone explained how the Mexican government helps people buy homes. THAT'S HUGE! When you have a government that supports you and your family, i would have loved to raise a family there as well.

Hey Jose, have you ever made a video on driving into Mexico? I was wondering if they search your car and also how many suitcases your allowed to bring via car? I watched some video's with people coming in RV's but they shut the camera off at the border dang it! ...lol. Really appreciate the help in getting us to Mexico. I plan on coming May-ish, in a car, with a few things from home. Berkey water filter (which is huge) and few other things hopefully. I'm an artist and have some artist things I would like to bring. Some kitchen things and a goose down...lol. I think you catch my drift. I'm trying to figure out how to bring only the things that could be explained for a long "vacation".

Awesome. 😊 I have not visited there as of yet!

$1,500 a month? Used Car payment is $400 a month, then Rent $900 ?? Then not much for food. Cost for kids to go to school. And for many expats, if they have to buy private medical insurance here it will cost them $500 a month. Then if an expat arrives without any stove, frig, furniture, washer, dryer,....they might have a $400 a month payment to furnish their house with even cheap furniture. It is true what you say about hand holding. See lots of Canadians that have trouble "figuring things out". I buy all my Iphone from "First Cash". Probably stolen but the pawn shops here have great deals. I love Mexico for being Mexico. Everything here is for sale. Wonderful place. Have problems? In the USA and Canada, have to go to the police. But here, we have private services to take care of ANY problem, ANY problem with anyone. Jejeje live it here. I have a lot of time in Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala,...all the same. All great places.

Holy cow watching you and Dave go through that fruit market again reminds me I got a wash everything. You guys rubbed your hands all over that stuff man.

I've heard so many differing 'regulations' and don't know who to believe. I saw one video of a couple crossing at Nogales, and 'bout 20 miles in pulled over to get their FMM card, paid a modest fee for their car and next door got their pesos. Is this STILL the way to enter? I'm planning on being 'settled' in Mexico before my 80th the end of May. I want a little house in the middle of 'La Colonia', living WITH the local people and embracing THEIR way of life!

Even here in the USA i am astounded by the long lines in the fast food restaurants. People need to learn how to cook, its a basic life skill. We have RU-vid, look it up. Someone will go through step by step on how to make food. Make your own coffee ☕. Seriously! What our country has portrayed as luxury is NOT. Luxury is being with family, teaching each other to to be kind to friends and family. Having respect for your neighbors and the neighborhood. This was s something that Hispanic people do so well.

4000 per month, wow, they live like a king ,cause 2000 it is a good life in mexico ,viva mexico

I LOVE This Video Jose...But You're HILARIOUS.🤣 You're Also Absolutely Correct! I'm Not In Mexico...I Exited My European Country For a Much Nicer, Slow-Pace, Friendlier, Healthier Living European Country! I'm Loving It; a Beach-Side Apartment With Balcony & Very Happy & Grateful For Everything! The People Are Really Nice and Kind. If They Don't See Me In 2/3 Days Outside, They Call Me! It's Wonderful.💙 Anyway, About SOME Americans In Mexico Who Complain...I Commented On a YTuber Video Last Week & Told Him He Should Be More Humble & Respect The People and Their Culture. Told Him HE Is The Immigrant Not The Mexicans. His Perspective & Tone Was So Rude and Disrespectful. He Moaned About His House Not Having a "Proper" Address and How The Officials Didn't Speak English... Until He Met One Who Did! I Was Horrified & Angry With Him (I Commented About It) Because HE MOVED TO MEXICO! No One In Mexico Owes Him ANYTHING! I Couldn't Believe How Disrespectful He Was! Anyway, I'm Glad You're Addressing This Issue! Love Your Videos!🌹 xox Have a Fabulous Day!❣️

When in Mexico, live like Mexican 😊

Where do you live in MX? I’ve lived/ stayed and researched several areas, it’s going up a lot, but I’m interested and open to all places! I love Mx, the pp are wonderful and yes. Live low key is the way to go. Simple life ❤

I was thinking it might make sense for you to get a real estate license and work as a broker. With all the people that are moving to Mexico, I think they need advice and guidance.

64byearold here. Thanks for another factual realistic video El Rey Jose. I get a little over 2k a month social security. My Mexican spouse and i pretty much live on it. If we go on trips we may spend a little more. She inherited a small Mexico City apartment we share with her brother. I lived in a rural midwestern state all expenses in Mexico are lower than there. I cant see complaining about paying half price. But just like in the States if you think your being misled overcharged just dont do business there again. No need for excessive emotion or drama. I watched you from when you first got to Merida and your takes strike me as the most accurate description of expat life on RU-vid.

My plan has always been to move to another country in order to learn another culture, another language and other people; I’m comfortable financially in the US so I’m not moving to Mexico for a lower cost of living, it’s just a bonus; if I wanted things in Mexico to be just like they are in the US, I would just stay in the US; it’s not fair to expect Mexico and Mexicans to change for you, you’re in their country and it’s up to you to adapt to their way of life, that’s the way it’s gonna be anyway so adjust or go back to where you came from or you will be frustrated and miserable.

Jose , what’s the area that you are filming called?

Got to love how Mexicans be living a good life on $1500 a month and people in the US almost living on the street with $4000 a month. Mexicans be like I'm going to by a 2nd home in 10 years, Americans be like I'm going to be losing my home to the bank or to the government when I can't afford the mortgage or property tax anymore after 10 years.

I love your rants Jose, and yes in reality complaining to people about your problems just doesn't help at all lol. Btw idk if you've heard that saying, "el peor enemigo de un mexicano es el otro mexicano" I guess that applies to expats to another expat🤣

yo me quede escondido en cdmx los polizontes ni me miran puedo respirar aire de libertad!🤣🤣🤣🤣

Oh boy! I love your personality, senior Jose Arteaga. 🎉❤😮We are being invaded by an "army" of "Movie Stars" from the West. And they have ruined many areas of Arizona...crying and complaining, overpaying, annoying everyone, in a state that used to be laid-back, kind and affordable. 🎉If you want some very nice people to join you, you may begin to see us from Arizona. But PLEASE, keep it our secret.🎉 O.K.? Deal? I'll be following you Keep up the great work.🎉 Gracias

I lived in Venezuela for two years and so I can't imagine I'd have much to complain about in Mexico.

If YOU'RE not happy with Mexico, STAY IN US! I live in Tucson, in a modest house, and my monthly UTILITIES are $600-$750.

When you say $1500 a month does that include rent? Ty and appreciate your channel…working my way down there someday…got my duel citizenship last year and just picked up my 10yr passport ($198).

The big difference is if you got a paid house or you rent

When in Rome, Do as the Romans do.

I believe I could get by on roughly $700 CAD a month in Mexico with everything considered, but I would need a bit of extra cash to get started. My original plan was to just work off of those online transcription jobs, but apparently I would need to get a job in Mexico or be making an income of over $5000 a month for them to give me temporary residency. They are also cracking down on expats by being stingy with tourist visas. Do Mexicans actually hire gringos who don't speak fluid Spanish yet? I really want to work towards permanent residency and leave this hellhole forever.

Video was spot on brother,any migrant that wants to move to Mexico it needs to be here for about 1yr to know if this country is for you , you can’t come here for 3-6 months and say that you hate the place come on now lol

I’m looking to move to Mexico and live like a local so I can save like Donald Duck 😂

Maybe some people moved immediately to an expensive area of Mexico City.??People should look before they leap.

People think it’s 1995….

im looking at and found a builder ins Merida if you offer any help with that let me know if you have consulting

Your right Jose I can’t make it too long in Mexico I have to go back to USA mostly bored pesos go fast and faster

Well I’ve lived in hoods my whole life in America surely I can adapt to Mexico. Viva Mexico cabrones.

Jose Everybody keeP saying that America is the land of opportunity but mexico seems to have more opportunities

❤

Jose I'd was in Monterrey,Mexico the lady had to call the plumber and charge her twenty five dollars about five hundred pesos, for one half hour and in the states just the phone call it's seventy three dollars just the call

Mexico has gotten VERY EXPENSIVE !!!!!!!! to qualify. to live there. Exchange rate.

This channel has sorta become the passive aggresive bash on the North Americans channel.

$30 mx probably is $6 USD, either that is Lb or Kg, I dont think it is super cheap now, inflation is hitting Mexico

I'll admit, I'm gonna have to check my spoiled American ways when I get there. It's the not being able to flush tp down the toilet and putting it into a stanky garbage that's gonna gross me out. I get grossed out easily and am sensitive to smells. 😩😩😩 Someone needs to invent quick dissolving/thin tp that won't clog the toilets.

You need 8k a month to live in Houston.

I was in a Starbucks once -'bout 30 years ago?

I'm in Vietnam now but I'll be back soon late Oct early November okay 👌 planing on comitan or San Cristobal de las casas okay 👌👍😁

People were very nice my expads had been nice

Wish city please 🙏🏿

I could be like.taylor swift there what doorts team shoud i see now im buying house there ty

Sorry Jose I can’t live in Mexico with a few bucks Merida was very boring for me too far to travel to California texas too far

hahaha if you can make it New York City you can make it anywhere lol!!

Can you have a real discussion about 1) crime especially cartels and 2) if Mexico is so great why do so many want to leave? I've not seen any videos that address these questions/issues in a real way. All I ever hear is "dont believe the US news," " Mexico is still safer than the US." That may be true but doesn't answer the very valid questions or address the very real concerns I and others have.

I'm guessing Americans come to Mexico with a lot of credit debt from the US trying to pay that off while thinking they can live the same lifestyle abroad🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

The USD 1500 you live on is just for yourself or for you and your wife?

TWO WORDS: Gringo Price.

Sorry, but you talk way too much and keep repeating the same thing over and over…

If it’s so great why are they coming across the border

Mexico is Way Way Way less expensive than the USA (There's no doubt about it). People are moving to Mexico hoping Mexico would change it's ways to their ways, Some People are upset that their neighbors have Roosters (This is Mexico) 🤦‍♂️. Like a Utuber "I Used To Follow," moved to Mexico (From the USA) and would complain about the littlest things in Life... 🤦‍♂️ I unfollowed him... 🤣

Bruh

Jose, we understand that mexicans only make 23K pesos a month, yet we get gringo priced on everything... we had fumigation come and paid 800 pesos, while after that we heard regular price was 500 or less... for us we have to put lots of effort on everything to find out what others pay and we speak some spanish (we are able to make a cita on whatsapp) but they immediately get that we are not mexicans (and if they see my hubby at 6ft 2in, they immediately raise the price). For instance the fridge broke, we find a company with high ratings online - ppl saying the company did great service and fair price - they come to us and fix the fridge but charge us 3600 pesos!!! then we find out we could of bought a similar small fridge for that! It's just exhausting all the price gauging we get! The moment we open our mouth or they see my hubby, it's twice what someone like you pays. We don't go to Starbucks or costco or eat out (we get coffees at chedraui) - we cook our beans/lentils/garbanzo... still 700$ usd a month for 2 people - almost no meat. We watch every peso...no luxuries here... we buy the cheapest beer (Superior) and a rum bottle for 50 pesos every 2 weeks. You probably don't understand b/ you speak Spanish fluently and your wife is Mexican. We rent a 2b 2b 700 sq ft - not big at all. There is a local market next to us, same prices as at Soriana. No savings there. We didn't get iphones, got androids 250$ ones on sale. No car. Still only can get to spend $2600 a month for basic necessities for 2 people (yes, we have health insurance). Add travel to that, money to translate birth certificates, marriage certificate (1400 each, nothing cheaper - and we got 3 quotes). Our dog needed lab/health stuff - $600 last month, surgery this month will be another $500-600usd this month... I need a tooth implant, will leave that for March, no money now... So yeah, with all these things we get to around 3,600usd a month... not complaining just saying ti how it is. Still runs us maybe 500usd to 1000usd cheaper than USA, maybe, not sure - cause in USA we would be on medicaid (eliminates all health stuff). Not sure, for now we are staying in MX, it's been 10months in MX for us... we will reevaluate in a year.

Most promiscuous use of “again” I can remember.

I’ll start by saying I’m a longtime subscriber and viewer. But to say that you’re only doing this for to help other people and that’s it is stretching it a little bit. And a video about people complaining by someone complaining like crazy about people is kind of funny. But I imagine all the weirdos you’re coming in contact with has to be stressful.

Not expats. Immigrants.

Gringo immigrants.