Low-Key, Low-Cost 10 Mexican Towns Perfect for Retirement

We explore 10 low-key, low-cost Mexican towns perfect for retirement and living. Mexico offers affordable living options for retirees and expats, where you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture, and warm climate without breaking the bank.
In this video, discover Mexico's best low-cost retirement towns, each offering a fantastic quality of life. From quaint colonial cities like San Cristobal de las Casas to quiet beachside escapes like Chacala, we highlight the best places to retire in Mexico on a budget. These towns are ideal for those who want to retire abroad with a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming expat community.
These charming Mexican destinations offer a serene escape with a low cost of living, ideal for those wanting to stretch their savings and enjoy a relaxing retirement. These spots allow for a stress-free retirement from hidden beach towns to tranquil mountain villages. Dive into our guide to discover why retiring in Mexico is a top choice for those seeking a high quality of life on a budget. From quaint beach towns to quiet mountain escapes, Mexico has a wealth of budget-friendly retirement destinations that allow you to stretch your savings while enjoying a high quality of life. If you’re looking to retire peacefully in Mexico, these 10 affordable Mexican places offer the perfect blend of low-cost living and relaxing. Join us for your ideal retirement in paradise!
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[@TravelDroner]

Find Best Car Rental deals- Search, Compare, and Save up to 70% BEST PRICE GUARANTEE www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=TravelDroner GET YOUR TOUR TICKETS HERE www.viator.com/?pid=P00175209&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

[@patborecky900]

Great video, many places I've wanted to retire to but only Chacala is on the water where you can swim. Show us more with beach access. Txs

[@TravelDroner]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words! You’re absolutely right-finding that perfect spot with swimmable beaches is a big draw for many people. If you’re looking for more beautiful beach destinations, I'd recommend checking out Barra de Navidad in Jalisco. It’s a small coastal town with great beach access, a welcoming vibe, and lots of charm-perfect for anyone dreaming of a retirement spot right by the water. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind and look to include more beach-access locations in future videos, but they are usually more expensive to live in. Thanks again!

[@robinsierra1029]

I know some of these places and it’s too bad you’re not talking about the downsides. In San Cristobal, there are a couple of heavy duty, rainy seasons. It gets very cold and the rain doesn’t let up and many of the houses have mold. I think you should give the whole picture if you’re going to promote these places. And Guanajuato has a cartel problem. Zacatecas also has a cartel problem.

[@TravelDroner]

Thank you for your feedback! This video focuses on the cheap places to move to, highlighting affordable living, great local culture, and hidden gems. Each location offers unique benefits for expats, like low costs of living and vibrant communities, but I appreciate your point on balancing this with potential downsides. Regarding safety concerns in Guanajuato and Zacatecas, it’s true that some areas in Mexico have issues with organized crime. However, it’s worth noting that cartels typically don’t target expats or tourists who aren’t involved in illegal activities. I have lived all around Mexico for the past 24 years and have never had any issues with the cartels. For those who stay mindful of local advice and stick to safe areas, these cities can still be wonderful places to experience. A separate video exploring the pros and cons of each location could give viewers an even clearer idea of what to expect, covering factors like seasonal weather changes, local infrastructure, and safety considerations. That way, we can provide a more comprehensive picture of each place so viewers can make informed decisions based on their own needs and lifestyles. Thanks again for the great suggestion-I'll keep it in mind for future content!

[@StartLivingNow1963]

Thank You Watching from Canada 🙂💙👍

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Hola 👋🏼👋🏼 from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico 🙏🏼❤️🇲🇽👋🏼👋🏼

[@TravelDroner]

Thank you for watching, all the way from Canada! Greetings from Cancun, Mexico! 😊🌴

[@rocambole93]

just retired to Sonora; I am glad I did after the elections earthquake in the US

[@TravelDroner]

That sounds amazing! Sonora is a beautiful choice, and I can totally understand wanting to settle into a peaceful spot after all the recent events in the U.S. I wish you all the best in your retirement-I’m sure you’ll love everything Mexico has to offer!

[@JocasKitchen]

Very nice. Thanks Tony 🤗🤗🤗

[@TravelDroner]

[@siouxrose7766]

Thank you for this tour--and information. With the current U.S election, my interest in relocating to Mexico to retire just intensified.

[@TravelDroner]

You're very welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful! With everything going on, it's no wonder more people are considering a change of scenery. Mexico has so many affordable and welcoming spots for retirees-I think you’ll find a lot to love here if you decide to make the move. Let me know if you have any questions or need more insights about living here! 🌞

[@siouxrose7766]

@@TravelDroner --Thank you. I feel like I have to get out fast to beat the rush to "the exits." The hardest thing may be choosing which spot to live in.

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Another great video my brother Anthony 👏🏼👏🏼💯 Thanks for sharing this with us all. Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico.🇲🇽✌🏼❤️

[@TravelDroner]

Thank you, bro. How are you liking Huatulco? I’ve heard amazing things about it-I hope it’s treating you well! 🌞🍹

[@sallypyle4365]

What would be your suggestion for an affordable place for someone who does not speak Spanish? Also looking for a place that we can walk to most things, since we most likely will not have a car.

[@TravelDroner]

Great question! From the cities mentioned in this video, Chacala, Oaxaca City, and San Cristóbal de las Casas could be great options. Oaxaca is very walkable, with most attractions, markets, and restaurants close by, and it has a vibrant expat community where English is pretty common. San Cristóbal is also affordable and charming, with a compact, pedestrian-friendly layout and plenty of cafes and markets within walking distance. While Spanish is widely spoken, both cities have welcoming communities that make it easier to get by as you learn. Hope this helps

[@RichardMctere]

sometime cities with foreigners can be more expensive but you can still find good deals if you look around .I think the area with the most Americans and Canadians in Mexico is Ajijjic and the Lake Chapala area followed by Puerto Vallarta , San Miguel de Allende and Merida . My advice do your home work watch some of these youtube videos about Americans living in Mexico .

[@TravelDroner]

@@RichardMctere Yep, you are spot on thanks for sharing this info

[@annasussman4411]

Very beautiful

[@TravelDroner]

Glad you liked it. Happy travels

[@thegreatestmantoevrwlkthep9986]

Ruined the secret

[@TravelDroner]

[@texasrefugee7888]

The truck driver from Thelma & Louise is back in the White House in the divided states. He's a horrible neighbor as you know

[@TravelDroner]

[@Peter-m5n7m]

@@texasrefugee7888, Hilarious! México should erect a border wall to prevent you foreigners from invading México!!!

[@mfeili]

Marco St.John ;-)))

[@MichaelFahrenthold-x6v]

Where did you get the idea that someone wants to "escape Trump"? I'm moving to Mexico but not for that reason. Don't assume that we all agree with your rude comments about our new President. Thank God for President Trump. And I am putting down your video.

[@TravelDroner]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I appreciate your perspective. To clarify, I was referring to recent data showing that Trump’s 2024 win sparked a 1,500% spike in Google searches for “leaving the US.” My intent is always to give helpful, balanced information for those interested in relocating to Mexico for any reason, political or otherwise. I’m glad to hear you’re considering Mexico, and I hope you enjoy all it offers. Thanks for watching, and best wishes on your move!

[@Lov17213]

Which of these locations you mentioned in this video are best for LGBQTI expats?

[@TravelDroner]

Great question! Mexico has some wonderful, welcoming places for LGBTQI+ expats. Of the locations in the video, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Oaxaca City are both generally inclusive and have open-minded communities. San Cristóbal has a laid-back, bohemian vibe, while Oaxaca is known for its vibrant arts scene and progressive outlook. Guanajuato also has a friendly, artistic atmosphere that’s great for LGBTQI+ expats. Beyond these, Merida and Puerto Vallarta are popular LGBTQI+ hubs known for their inclusive atmospheres and vibrant expat scenes, and Mexico City has a wealth of LGBTQI+ events, neighborhoods, and support networks. Each place has something unique, whether you’re after beach vibes, urban life, or a quieter experience. Thanks for watching, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

[@Lov17213]

@ thank you so much for getting back to me. I’m in the process of getting either temporary or permanent residency to live in Mexico. I’m unsure of the process though. I am accumulating my past 12 months of financial and banking documents and will have them all verified and signed by each financial institution. I had my Mexican visa photo taken today. I have reached out to the closest Mexican consulate via email to schedule the interview. Do you know how long it takes for most Mexican Consulates to respond via email and can you tell me anything to help me in my process? Thank you.

[@TravelDroner]

@@Lov17213 You're on the right track with your preparations for Mexican residency. Response times from Mexican consulates can vary, but waiting several days to a couple of weeks for an email reply is common. If you are still waiting to hear back within two weeks, consider following up or contacting them by phone. Typically, consulates require proof of a monthly income of approximately $2,500 to $3,000 over the past six months. Alternatively, showing a savings account with an average monthly balance of $43,000 to $52,000 USD over the past 12 months may suffice. Some consulates allow appointment scheduling through the MiConsulado system, accessible online or via phone/WhatsApp at 1 [phone]. Check if your nearest consulate offers this service. For the interview, be prepared to discuss your reasons for moving to Mexico, your financial situation, and your plans for your time in the country. Honesty and clarity are key during this interview. Once your visa is approved, you'll have 180 days to enter Mexico. After arrival, you must visit the National Migration Institute (INM) within 30 days to complete the residency process and obtain your resident card. I hope this helps

[@Lov17213]

@ wow thank you so much. This is very helpful. I want to retire in Mexico because the people are very friendly, the seem accepting of the LGBQTI community more than many countries, the food is amazing, healthcare is so much more affordable than in the states and the general cost of living is substantially more affordable in Mexico. These are my reasons. Do these seem like valid reasons to tell the Mexican Consulate personnel?

[@Lov17213]

@@TravelDroner I was also wondering about the financial/banking statements, do you have to show them your entire statements, all the pages which show what checks and deposits you made monthly and all your investments and trades for each month? Or, the cover page showing balances with a bank/financial officer signing and verifying your balances be sufficient?

[@jeffvaliquette75]

Escape Trump??? How weak is your mind. I want a country fir my grandchildren unlike you

[@TravelDroner]

I hear you-it’s a passionate time for many Americans with strong feelings on both sides. It’s astonishing to see the direction the recent vote has taken, especially considering the candidates’ backgrounds. For some, the choice to explore retirement options outside the U.S. is about finding peace and affordability rather than engaging in political strife. Mexico offers that for a lot of retirees who are looking to live well without the high costs and stresses that can come with political turbulence. Everyone’s path is different, but ultimately, it’s about finding a life that brings comfort and security. Wishing all of us the best in building the future we want for the next generations!

[@jeffvaliquette75]

@@TravelDroner engaging political strife is a choice, I myself will be retiring in Mexico next year!

[@TravelDroner]

@@jeffvaliquette75 That's fantastic! I've lived here in Mexico for over 24 years and absolutely love it. It offers a unique blend of culture, beauty, and a slower pace of life that’s hard to beat. Wishing you a fantastic retirement here-it sounds like you’ve got a fantastic adventure ahead

[@pmcgowanp]

Where in Mexico do you live???​@@TravelDroner

[@TravelDroner]

@@pmcgowanp I have lived in Cancun for the past 15 years