Amy Talks Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta vs Canada

[@melann4065]

Good video would have like to hear more about monthly budgets included. That always helps. Thanks.

[@expatspanish]

My husband and I live for about $2000-2500 per month which allows us to eat out at low to mid-priced restaurants 4-5 times a week, have a car, medical insurance, buy whatever we want from the grocery store, and really spend without worrying to much about our budget. We enjoy many activities that are low cost like going to the beach to catch the sunset or going on walks or hikes. It would be very easy to spend much more than we do (fine dining, expensive excursions, and a house with a view), but also very easy to live on a lower budget of $1500 if you were very conscious of your spending.

[@melann4065]

@@expatspanish Thank you we are moving this winter and getting a little bit nervous over meeting our needs. We are a family of 3. Glad your move worked out well for you and thanks for sharing your info.

[@MarniTheViking]

@@expatspanish is that US$ or CDN$ ? Thanks!

[@expatspanish]

@@MarniTheVikingThat's in USD. After living here, I think in pesos, then convert to USD if needed :)

[@expatspanish]

Thanks for the fun interview, Brighton. It was very nice meeting you and having the opportunity to share my story. I hope it inspires some expats aspiring to make the big move. If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask :)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you Amy!

[@amyhollingsworth16]

Amy, did you purchase your mini-splits on Amazon for $420 USD? (115 volts,12,000 BTU).

[@realenglishconversations]

@@amyhollingsworth16 I think the 2-ton unit was 15,000 pesos installed (for the huge living room area). And the two 1-ton units were also 16,000 pesos installed. If you are in Puerto Vallarta, I know a guy who charges very reasonably. Maintenance is 600 pesos per unit to clean them which is recommended every 6 months or so due to mold from the moisture, dust, and cat hair in my case lol.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@amyhollingsworth16 Amy H - we'll see if the other Amy replies, but my experience was with hiring a local installer who directed me to the LG brand (I think) based on service/parts available in La Paz. It might be different on the mainland. But we had a Bosch dishwasher and it was crazy expensive to repair down here because the parts need to be imported from the US. Other brands are stocked locally.

[@RobotDad]

One of the better stories - proud of her

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks 'dad'!

[@RobotDad]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico proud of you too ‘son’ 😁

[@shannonhirsch3941]

So awesome to see Canadians moving to Mexico - it’s my 5 year plan!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Lots of Canadians down this way! I think you can do it in 4 years! ;-)

[@vivianhart8579]

I'm taking Amy's Expat Spanish course. Excelente!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Muy bien!

[@99eimy]

Amy is adorable, just as you see her. The best teacher you can have!❤️ Saludos desde Suecia!😘🇸🇪

[@fernandozome1750]

A los mexicanos, les encanta responder en Ingles 13:00, Pero usted siga practicando su Español ! Siempre le aseguro que las frases que usted aprenda en español , le va a llevar a una mejor experiencia .

[@TainoKnight1495]

But they will never be us. Latino

[@jeffho1727]

@@TainoKnight1495 We are jealous!!

[@MadeNCda]

I love Amy's outlook and vibe 🤗 And I also love the traditional Mexican style of her home. The rent is amazing and goes to show you can find gems outside the core. Thanks for this episode Brighton - I really enjoyed it.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad to share Kate. I have 3 more "gringo interviews" from PV coming up. Only one lives in a touristy location.

[@MadeNCda]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico So I'm not alone in my preference to live and be amongst locals. Hope you're feeling better Brighton!

[@gumbogirl8071]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm in the process of planning my exit from the states and your journey is inspiring

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can do it!

[@lisaw1085]

@expatspanish Thanks Amy for an interesting interview 😊 I was shocked when you said Kelowna! That’s where my husband and I live! How ironic that I would stumble upon this video as we’re considering moving to PV. 😅 Maybe a message from the Universe 👍

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So cool! I agree it’s a sign!

[@derrick8224]

I’m from Ottawa Canada. Your living my dream. I can’t wait to move to Mexico 🇲🇽.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for commenting Derrick - I hope to see you in Mexico soon.

[@kocreteify]

What a Great story! I want to get out of Canada too 😫

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

What’s holding you back?

[@kocreteify]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Excellent response 👏 I'll be looking in early winter! I love the Cabo area...and I am going to check out La Paz too!

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Great interview. She's super charming and very forthcoming with information that was very helpful to hear.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TomL2025]

Hi Amy, do you think I can live in PV with $1000 Canadian? If not what is the minimum amount ? Thank you

[@BibbyVelum1]

Great interview and lovely person. Thanks!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Teresita!

[@RobMoses]

Cool video. It's interesting to hear her story. And a funny twist for me is when she said she sold her house in Kelowna. I just happen to LIVE in Kelowna LOL. Man if she had just hung around here for another 5 years I bet she could have got double (or more) what she got for her house. But those last 5 years down there must have been awesome. :) I subscribed and I am looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Rob. It's hard to time the housing market. You get to look back and be happy or look back and cry ;-)

[@RobMoses]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico haha totally! I still own a place in Calgary even though I live in Kelowna now. When I bought that place like 3 months later the price of oil fell and so did the real estate prices! lol. I'm hoping the price goes up to at least where I bought it at so I can unload that thing. Maybe I sell both houses and just move down there. ;)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@RobMoses I hadn't thought about the connection between oil prices and house prices in Alberta. Lots of Albertans here in Baja California. Best of luck with your sales / move to Mexico!

[@stephanievalencia2939]

So cool! We were contemplating moving down to Puerto Vallarta, but chickened out after looking at school options. It wasn’t going to be as affordable as I had hoped. We’ll be vacationing for 10 more years.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Are you talking about bilingual schools? I'm hoping to interview some gringos who have kids in school for a future video. I'd love to hear what you found.

[@bewellstaywellnetwork]

Great to see people thinking out of the box at a younger age!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes! I wish I had figured this out sooner. At least I didn’t wait until 65!

[@catherinehall2072]

My approach is that 1. I need to do stuff, eat stuff, or buy stuff. 2. I have no problem appearing to be an idiot. I raised. 5 teenagers. So I am never embarrassed just trying, because I have already been called an idiot by people I love and no longer think I am an idiot. Thank goodness

[@davebaker489]

Sounds like an expression I wish I had coined. You never fail when you try. You fail when you fail to try. For what it's worth. Keep trying and showing the naysayers up . Dave of P n D

[@amandachevrier6741]

Thank you for creating this video!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LourdesAlfonsoReNuImage2]

Muchas gracias Amy😮

[@epidelacruz2364]

Hola Amy saludos dios te bendiga....soy Mexicano viviendo..en USA por..30@ños..pero ya me retiro pronto pa Mexico...cuidate dios te bendiga y Eres muy hermosa..💪🌍🇲🇽💪🤣🙈

[@FriedaArt]

Very good video on places that are affordable not close to a beach and very affordable! She has a beautiful old traditional style casuista.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - there are lots of places like this, but real estate agents don’t show these so it takes more effort to find them!

[@amyhollingsworth16]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico, as you mentioned affordable places are available, it just takes boots on the ground and word of mouth in order to find them. You just have to walk around the neighborhoods you’re interested in, call the phone numbers on the rental signs in the windows and talk to the neighbors. A little Spanish goes a long way!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Very true - this is a perfect example of why you should invest in Spanish lessons. The return can be huge when looking for housing.

[@BlissDecision]

this lady is full charisma and 100% KO'

[@reyhernandez4381]

I would love to rent a home similar to Amy's. Do you have a recommended realtor I can use in Puerto Vallarta. I do not want to live in an expensive area or close to the beach but in the same area Amy lives which is perfect for me. Thanks.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Homes like this are harder to find because realtors aren't likely to be involved with these. I'd recommend getting an Airbnb then starting to pound the pavement looking for a place to rent. Or looking through Facebook.

[@reyhernandez4381]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thank you

[@juanmespinoza65]

Great videos!!! Love both places LP and PV

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Agreed!

[@cynthialopez9950]

Omg! I thought I saw you in passing in Playa los Muertos😎 it was you!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yup - that was me out for an evening walk around PV!

[@maryfurman698]

I agree with you, I live in the US and here, we do equate certain things with being unsafe.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So true - I think we have a culture of fear in the US and we tie our fear to certain things ;-(

[@marianbrown1491]

Good morning very good video I would love you teaching me Spanish is it possible.

[@expatspanish]

Hola Marian. Absolutely, I would love to teach you :D My students are located all across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Let's meet in one of my free trial lessons. Here is the page to reserve your spot in an upcoming lesson: expatspanishlessons.com/events/free-online-spanish-lessons/

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Here's the link to Amy's classes: expatspanishlessons.com

[@michelleem5967]

Amy is great!! I'd love to connect with her. I'm starting my research and transition to move at the end of March 2023. I've been to PV a dozen times in the last 15 years and I'm ready. I'm a single professional with a cat....Definitely excited but nervous moving solo 🥰

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can reach Amy through her website: expatspanishlessons.com And check out another single woman. I just released this video today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnmVm2CugNyakJY

[@michelleem5967]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thank you SO much!!!!!

[@amyhollingsworth16]

Great Vlog Brighton. When I'm ready to take some Spanish lessons I'll definitely get in touch with Amy! How long will you and Kat be in PV? Just until your quarantine is over and test negative, or will you be staying longer?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Kat is already back in Portland. She left Saturday (the day before my positive test.) I'm just here through the end of my isolation... then I'm probably going to La Paz.

[@amyhollingsworth16]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico, sorry you weren't able to see more of PV due to being sick and quarantined. Next time you take a trip to PV let me know and I'll share some of our favorite places, cheap eats and things to do. Hopefully you'll be able to return again when it's not so terribly hot and humid.

[@ElreyRayo]

Gracias

[@maryfurman698]

Brilliant. I may look you up.

[@johndonohue5717]

I like her artitude. Going to Puerto Vallerta summer.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Enjoy PV!

[@irenemassey6292]

Amazing home love it, Mexico has beautiful color’s

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes! Our home in Portland is also colorful, so we feel very much at home in the colors of Mexico.

[@SuperFlatrock]

Why do you have bars on the windows?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Property crime is a problem in Mexico. Violent crime is limited to cartels/drug dealers. The average street criminal doesn't have a gun, so they aren't as into violence. But criminals will break into houses.

[@tonycollins1278]

Why did you chose puerto Vallarta for your home base. What does your hubby do?

[@eyesea123]

Really nice

[@blancagutierrez3861]

Almost retired in Mexico Expat Spanish lessons . She is so inspiring 😍 ! may I ask what area of pv this is in ? Example 5 dic, or ZR etc ?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hmmm... it looks like that part of the video where I showed a map cut out. Sorry about that. This is Independencia.

[@dreweunice]

Hello, my husband and I are Canadian and would love to find a safe place to go to in Mexico. Can you tell us who to contact to help with this?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I suggest talking to Greg Custer. He's in this video and in the description of that video, you'll find a way to book an appointment with him: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmjZdmCvqahkarc

[@mrdabolina7344]

What's up with the 10 cats?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Gringos in Mexico tend to collect pets. There are so many animals here that need homes and people from the US and Canada are suckers when it comes to dogs and cats. We currently have our dog, plus a foster dog.

[@SuperFlatrock]

It might be cheaper to live in another country but unless you are able to earn an income that allows you to live in Canada, you will never really be able to return to Canada. There are more affordable places in Canada than concrete jungles like Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You're right. Having a plan that allows you to return to your home country is important. And that involves having a nest egg that will last in a place where you burn thru money at a higher rate. But a lot of people just choose to grow old and die in Mexico. With residency, you'll never get kicked out. And it's not a bad place to grow old...

[@SuperFlatrock]

I will retire in a couple of years. I am actively looking for a condo near a beach. I will live there for the winter months and return to Canada for the rest of the year..@@AlmostRetiredinMexico

[@irenemassey6292]

That is extremely affordable, due to living in San Diego CA, I paid $1,575 for 1 tiny bedroom apartment

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

YES. We used to spend winters in Ocean Beach, but moved to Mexico to buy a house.

[@irenemassey6292]

We as Spanish speaking learn the English to make you feel welcome

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Aww! Thank you!

[@laura3619]

💕💕👌👌👍👍

[@FriedaArt]

I hate auto correct!

[@DMait-xw1tw]

Que es ella youtube?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Creo es: kzbin.info/door/d6Lgrt61abAX9mpldLjBRQ

[@storres1368]

❤️❤️🥂🥂

[@richardnelson8121]

🅿🆁🅾🅼🅾🆂🅼

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

❓

[@TainoKnight1495]

Now they're coming to Dominican republic. Makes me sick 🤢