Guadalajara, Mexico - A Lower Cost of Living is STILL possible here in 2024

[@MelaninManTravels]

I only accounted for my expenses while in Mexico. I obviously have other expenses in the States, such as my mortgage and other house expenses. Also, I have expenses when I am visiting the states. These costs are covered by the savings I have by living abroad as well as rental property income. The exchange rates have been moving favorably for Mexico in the last year. When I decided, in January of 2023, that I would relocate to Guadalajara, the exchange rate was 20 pesos to 1 dollar! That has now dropped to 17 pesos per dollar. Although this change has brought about an increase in my expenses, for me, living in Guadalajara is still better and more affordable than living in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Maybe it can be for you too!

[@cwisaac22]

Awesome information! I moved to GDL in October 2023. I have never seen so much wealth in a city!! And all of those fancy cars we see have a huge markup! For instance, the Broncos are almost double. A base model in the US is $45,000 and here they are $88,000 USD! I was curious so I ran the numbers. I made the choice not to have a car as well. I live in Colomos Providencia and my basic monthly expenses are: Rent $18,500 pesos/$1,100 USD with exchange rate today, Electric $6.50 USD, Water $7 USD, Internet $39 USD and Gas $12 USD. I have not tracked my other expenses yet. I love the weather here! It is similar to when I lived in San Diego. Thanks for the comparison costs. 😊

[@MelaninManTravels]

Thank you for sharing as well. It helps viewers get a well rounded idea of the costs here. Providencia is a very nice area and your rent is less expensive than most of my friends who live there.

[@cwisaac22]

@@MelaninManTravels I used a realtor. The rentals listed on the internet are significantly higher in cost. Have a great day!!

[@cwisaac22]

@lucianjj Yep, way less stress, for me, minus the car and expenses that come with it. You'll be here soon... so excited for you!!

[@MelaninManTravels]

@lucianjj Hey Lucian. We will see you when you get here

[@cwisaac22]

@lucianjj Yes, for sure you can!! I just tried to send you a link here, but my message was deleted by YT. Is there a way I can send you a message elsewhere? I looked for a rental for a friend the other day and you definitely have options!!

[@tracystjohn1957]

Thanks for posting informative and relevant content👍. I just discovered your channel so I'm going to binge watch a few of the older episodes. I retired a few months ago and currently I'm in Chicago. I've really been thinking about moving to Las Vegas. I'm determined not to do another winter in Chicago

[@MelaninManTravels]

@@tracystjohn1957 Thanks Tracy and congrats. I moved to Vegas from LA before Guadalajara. It was a good move, financially and otherwise.

[@tracystjohn1957]

@@MelaninManTravels I was in the Bay Area, prior to moving to Chicago. It was a good move financially; but my quality of life was sacrificed. Now I have to do a Guadalajara versus Las Vegas scenario

[@aliciamuratalla3025]

Good morning my dear friend, nice to meet you, welcome to Guadalajara, very nice place to live, I live in Chapala, Jalisco, near Guadalajara, it is a place where there are many Americans.

[@AliciaHawkins4]

Thanks for sharing your fresh perspective of living abroad in Mexico! Love that you are able to shifts some of your expenses to invest more which is essential

[@MelaninManTravels]

Thanks for watching!

[@HS-ho6pz]

Smart choice!

[@cloudnationmedia8326]

Wow! Paying that much for rent would defeat the purpose of moving to Mexico.

[@MelaninManTravels]

@@cloudnationmedia8326 It depends on where you’re moving from. I lived in LA where rents are very high!

[@kristinekieswer7058]

Hello! Visiting March 23-30. Can anyone recommend a safe, reliable driver they know personally? For airport pickup, tours, etc. Thanks!

[@MelaninManTravels]

I don’t know one personally but will ask my friend

[@RexPonder-y6b]

We found a very expensive place and the new government is very scary now be careful things are changing in Mexico

[@jguzman713]

Where are you working in GDJ ??

[@MelaninManTravels]

I am retired

[@aliciamuratalla3025]

Eres un gran hombre

[@KennyG944]

Mexico is great. No welfare and no rap music.

[@lbs7774]

You don't know Caló? 😂

[@hoppeanofasgard1365]

I don't see why you would need a VPN abroad if you don't think you need one at home.

[@t78907]

Ummmm….if you are from the US and want to watch US Neflix shows but live in Japan you won’t be able to. Certain websites use your location to determine regional access. You’d need a VPN to make the website think that you are in a different country.

[@hoppeanofasgard1365]

@@t78907 Ok, that makes sense, but he was saying it had something to do with security. It's like if you don't care about the additional security in the US why care about it else where. I guess that was my point.

[@MelaninManTravels]

@@hoppeanofasgard1365 Thanks for your question. It is important at home as well. When traveling/living abroad, we tend to use public Wi-Fi more often than at home. That is one of the reasons for extra security. Keep watching!

[@FeddiewantMillions]

Why are you talking like a robot?😂

[@MelaninManTravels]

@@FeddiewantMillions LOL. It’s closer to a teacher as that is part of my background.

[@priscillacatalina1065]

I am so tired of these types of videos. The expats that gentrify areas. We need to see more everyday Americans living amongst locals and speaking the language. I am searching for a place to live in Guadalajara and this video is the reason things are so expensive. Expats have Mexicans thinking every American has money and money to splurge thus the market is so high pushing locals out of their homes and making it hard for people like me to be able to afford an apartment. This video is nothing but boasting on what he can afford🙄

[@MelaninManTravels]

@@priscillacatalina1065 I understand what you mean. Gentrification is real and I experienced in Los Angeles. But you’re making a LOT of assumptions. I am learning Spanish “pero necesito aprender mas Español”. I live in a local Mexican neighborhood and am welcomed by the residents. People assume that all Mexicans are poor. This is not true! I RARELY see non Mexicans in my neighborhood and I can’t afford most of the housing in my area. So, who is this housing for? It is for local Mexicans because that’s who rent and own the property. I am not gentrifying my neighborhood. I’m just grateful that I am able, allowed and welcomed to live here. If you are not in GDL yet, you need to visit. If you are here, then you need to expand your knowledge of the various communities to see what can work for you. Please come with a positive outlook. The right doors will open for you. Be blessed!