Monthly Expenses Breakdown: a Budget Traveler's Guide to Mexico SD 480p

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I have mobility issues and I will be 89 in a few months so I cannot travel. So may be you can imagine how I love to see Mexico through your eyes ! Every time you come to another enchanting town or location I think; ‘’oh I could live here’’ ! Thank you for sharing your beautiful camera work ! ❤❤❤

[@elvaplascencia6810]

I’m 63 years young ready to visit next week my budget is $800 dls. a month I’m going to stay at a friends house she’s single like me the reason for my visit is to look for affordable place for me to rent looking to pay $300 rent n I’m frugal as well she thinks I can make it there plus I will collect my social supplement in Mexico since I have double citizenship. Lived in 🇺🇸 45 yrs n want to go back . Your videos are very inspiring. I might go to Morelia loved that video n how afirdable it is for one .

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you. I'm the same way: every time I see a new place, even if it's on TV, I try to imaging living there :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@MoraMargaret]

Oh good! I hope you have a successful trip. Sounds like you have a plan, and I think you can make it, too.

[@andreabalanzariogutierrez6767]

Hi Yvonne, you´d be very welcome in México.

[@margal3120]

Do you think you would’ve done this journey if you didn’t have dogs? Does having them with you make you feel more safe? Just curious as a solo traveler ❤

[@shulamitweinstock6649]

I am Mexican, born and raised here if you ever need anything don’t think twice I’m here

[@mexipatti]

The rental properties you showed are beautiful. I retired at 55 and built a small house on the pacific coast, I have a ten minute walk to a beautiful beach. I've been here 15 years and I am so happy I made this decision.

[@MoraMargaret]

That is awesome! Sounds wonderful.

[@chrisdamas8362]

Hey Patti, could you divulge how you built a house in the beach corridor given the bank trust rules?

[@TheEsteban1979]

Thank you for sharing your travel expenses. I was recently in Mexico for the 4th time and i was thinking about moving at least temporarily. All your videos are helpful and enjoyable to watch. Best of luck!

[@EveryoneSaid...]

Once again, your energy and spirit shine through. This is excellent, right in line with what we have anticipated. . BTW, all of your videos are created so professionally, they are a pleasure to watch. Cheers...

[@MoraMargaret]

That's so kind of you, thank you. Next week I'll talk about the difference in cost, now that I'm stationary for a while, and I think it's a big difference! Thank you for the invitation. Please let me know when you're in the area :)

[@EveryoneSaid...]

@@MoraMargaret We look forward to watching your next video. And we anticipate meeting you sometime in November...

[@lailja21]

What a pleasant surprise...was not aware you had a website. 😊 This present location near Pátzcuaro looks lovely and inviting for the three of you. Enjoy!

[@Yolanda-fy5we]

Once again, thank you so much for sharing your journey to Mexico. It is a great pleasure to read about your adventures, and you seemed to enjoy every bit of it, from learning about Mexican culture, and people's way of life. So, experiencing your travels via narratives of places you have visited and enjoyed, is like I experienced and enjoyed the adventure/journey through you. Bless you🙂

[@MoraMargaret]

I'm so glad you like them. Thanks for saying so :)

[@bernardpaulsen825]

Love your channel. My wife (62) and I (66) are going to retire early next year. We will sell our business and all our stuff an will put our California home on the market in spring. Once escrow on our home closes, we'll pack our 2 dogs and head down to Mexico in a vehicle we specifically purchase for this trip, most likely a Honda Odyssey van, a Toyota FJ Cruiser, or a Honda Element. We have RT and we plan on traveling for close to a year to different locations to see which one will be the best fit for us. Of course, the Lake Chapala area is high on our list, but it is also the most expensive one. Queretaro is nice but too much desert for us as we love nature. SMA is great, but the steep hills combined with the cobblestone roads makes it not an ideal retirement destination. Looking forward to seeing Cuernavaca and Oaxaca. If after a year we both still think Mexico is the place we want to retire, we'll settle and buy a house eventually. If not, we'll be heading to North Carolina where our daughter lives. We'll get only about $2,300 per month in Social Security, but can spend another $2,500 (4% rule) from our nest egg without ever risking running out of money. Plus we have money to buy a home outright pretty much anywhere. Seeing your budget makes me feel good about being able to enjoy retirement in Mexico. Keep up the good work!

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you. Please see my next video when I talk about the difference in costs, traveling in Mexico vs living in one place for a few months. It's even lower. Just one thought: I drove my old Lexus down here and it's a great car, but I've only seen one other Lexus in all these months, in all these areas of Mexico. I don't think I've seen any FJ Cruisers at all. I've had no issues about being noticeably different in my car, but sometimes wish I had a Honda or something to blend in better. I wish you the best and a wonderful year of exploration!

[@bernardpaulsen825]

@@MoraMargaret . . . we want to purposely buy a car that "blends in," has space for our dogs and our "stuff" and can be easily repaired should it break down. FJ Cruiser may not be ideal. We'll be in GDL for 10 days, starting 9/20 and we'll pay close attention on what cars would work best. Still thinking a Honda Odyssey or Toyota RAV4 or so will be good choices, but we'll see. Only good thing with your Lexus is that it's (1) not that old (2), pretty much bullet-proof, and (3) basically a Toyota underneath.

[@dianaj3139]

Another channel " 2 Gringos on the Gulf" from Canada are great at providing Budget of the month videos.. I love them, so I was excited to see you are also providing your budget. THANK YOU !!!

[@MoraMargaret]

You're welcome. I'm not sure my budget will change enough to make a monthly video about it, but that may change when I start moving around the country again. Thanks for watching!

[@Cuernavacachica02]

Your dogs have done great while you’ve been traveling!

[@cindyk3076]

You have done really well with your budget, considering how often you have moved around. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@MoraMargaret]

Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiareese2425]

Thank you Mora, I can't tell you how wonderful and helpful your vdeos are. I will be traveling much like yourself (solo female driving w a large dog) . I'm checking your website next.

[@daviddennstedt9191]

I like your channel. My daughter lives in Morelia. I visit often. I hope you’ll visit Tacámbaro and talk about it in a future video.

[@MoraMargaret]

I'll look into that. Thank you!

[@julietarbuck9140]

Hi Mora, I'm commenting on the website, now that I've figured out how to do it. Love the videos and the beautiful views of Mexico I didn't see from the boat. Safe travels. Hugs to Viggo and Olive. 🐾🐾

[@MoraMargaret]

I can't figure out how you do it! Do you put comments in the contact field? Or respond to the email that you get? I haven't enabled comments on the website (I figure I get enough here) so I'm amazed to get comments from you there. But I really appreciate it Julie! Give Waffles a kiss for me!

[@cltinturkey]

I'm a saver too. Travel is my one extravagance, and I think it's so worthwhile. In my travels, I've learned you can spend TIME to do something or get somewhere, or you can spend MONEY to do it faster. Sometimes I spend extra money on travel, and sometimes I take more time to do something economically. Don't know if that's your experience, but I'm finally forcing myself to spend extra money when it makes sense. Happy travels!

[@MelanieLichtinger]

Very helpful, re: your encouragement to ask owners for discount as solo traveller. Thank you, Mora!

[@MoraMargaret]

Any time!

[@angiegracie6954]

I’d love to live in Mexico 1/2 the year. If you end up coming back to the states, check out coastal Mississippi. It took me a long time to find this place and I love it here. So affordable and the people are super friendly and helpful. This place will remain my base however, no place is perfect and it is crazy hot here in the summer but it’s still worth it and I can always go somewhere cooler for a couple months. Your videos are great and I’ll enjoy following your travels.

[@robertl2227]

Leasing for longer terms will drop your rent significantly and splitting costs with a spouse/partner can be beneficial financially and emotionally

[@walkerskii]

Driving a Lexus SUV sends the wrong message of perceived wealth, like flashing jewelry or fancy clothes? If you're going to stay in Mexico (so you'll need to buy a car there) maybe get a LOW mileage but older Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda C5, or Subaru Forester... take off the plasti-chrome badges, so it blends in & looks a bit more like a Chevy or Ford. Tint the driver & passenger windows, so people can't see it's a lady driving

[@guadalupesosa4761]

I,m spending 1400 $ a month so is realy good ! we cook and we go out too, we travel alot to the pueblitos. we are realy happy.

[@MoraMargaret]

That's great! I'm happy for you :)

[@ljones98391]

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. Lovely places that you found.

[@MoraMargaret]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikesvacation]

Hi Margaret, thank you for your excellent videos! How are your dogs? I am thinking about moving to mexico also. Thanks again!! 👍🙏

[@MoraMargaret]

The dogs are fine! I think they like it that we stopped traveling for a while. Thanks for your comment!

[@mikesvacation]

@@MoraMargaret you are welcome. 🙏👍

[@cltinturkey]

Thank you!

[@USA-RE3]

Thank you Mora!! Nice video and great info!! 💫🙌🏻💫

[@MoraMargaret]

Gracias!

[@USA-RE3]

@@MoraMargaret Gracias a Tí, Mora!! 😊

[@scotverdin9401]

Ask and you shall receive! Thanks so much.

[@margal3120]

Do you feel like you need a car for this type of experience or could one travel by bus or Ubers? Just curious your opinion based on solo female traveler without doggies

[@abey3845]

How safe is it to drive throughout Mexico?

[@pedrozatravel]

I wish I could have such a low budget. This month I had to pay property tax, HOA, and mortgage and it was $3,600 and that doesn't include utilities or food.

[@boilingfrogs9993]

How did you find the best and most safe routs to travel? I hope to establish residency soon and travel my vehicle into Mexico.

[@MoraMargaret]

I hear about current and recent travelers having any problems mainly on Facebook groups like "On the Road in Mexico". There are two groups with the same name, join both. Also, obviously, research the news, but remember things can change fast. I wouldn't drive through Sinaloa now.

[@ocrudyrizo]

Nice video

[@juanarmendariz3099]

Thank you😊❤

[@joanlovelace7338]

Hello Mora, Greetings from 🇺🇸 Good to see you,what a pretty dress. Your cost in various locations shows you don't want to be too close to the expensive hot spots for sure. Some of the beautiful areas you've been to seem very reasonable. How's Olive been handling storms? Did you Google and find the items for frightened dogs,anything catch your eye? Well, I can't wait for the next video. Be Safe Joan

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you! I'm waiting for a thunder coat to deliver. Olive seems to be handling it better, but she still runs for cover at the crack of thunder. Next week I'll talk about what it costs here while not traveling for a while. Thanks for your comment Joan!

[@gerberfamify]

Hello Mora. Thank you so so much for your videos. They're absolutely beautiful and the information you shared is so helpful. I want to explore Mexico so much more. I really only know the coast of Baja and mainland Mexico because my husband and teenage boys serve but I want to explore the inland cities and towns. You decided to get out of the rat race for a while and explore and enjoy life.

[@maniizz]

Great video! Do you think a single frugal lady and 2 small dogs can make it with 1600 per month and perhaps staying a month or more in each place?

[@MoraMargaret]

Most likely, but it would depend on your housing. As you can see from mine, it can vary a lot and be expensive. Now that I'm in one place for a while my housing cost has dropped dramatically! But when I was moving a lot it was more expensive. Take a look on airbnb and see what accommodation costs in the area you're interested in, and be sure to put in at least a 28 day stay so you can see the discount. Good luck!

[@maniizz]

@@MoraMargaret Thank you 🫶🏼

[@rubensantamariaortiz8326]

Nice way of life !! congratulations !!

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you so much 😀

[@pat2row]

I am a single traveler heading to Sayulita in October. Looking forward to first morning of chilaquiles and cafe de olla. Was supposed to go back in January but it all fell apart due to Alaska Airlines 737 Max flight cancellations. I am curious about how different it is during low season. I contribute to Vallarta food bank and hear that they have more demand for services right now. Had to miss their Stars with a Heart fundraiser at Act2 MainStage.

[@marcoshazael3099]

This might helpful and not to late since you lost all that weight ask around for a good seamstress I am sure you will find one. Safe travels!

[@cltinturkey]

Hi Mora, If I may ask, what system do you use to get this much cash to pay bills? I think most ATMs will allow you to take out about $300 per day. Do you get dollars and then exchange for pesos? There must be a more efficient way than I'm describing. Please share your system if you're comfortable with that. Thanks, Courtney in Virginia

[@MoraMargaret]

Hola Courtney. I only use ATMs. The most I've withdrawn from one was $9000 pesos (about $450 USD) with about a $37 ($1.85 USD) peso fee. It's not ideal to keep paying fees but it's the best way for me at the moment. I don't deal with US dollars at all here. Check out this video I made with info about money in Mexico: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ7GcnWgd7KXnsk

[@MoraMargaret]

When I was traveling more I would use a credit/debit card to pay for airbnbs.

[@cltinturkey]

@@MoraMargaret Thanks so much. This is really helpful. FYI, in Spain and Portugal now, credit cards are widely used. It's good to keep 300 Euros on hand for emergencies. Your great videos have convinced me to return to Mexico to visit friends and see some new places. It really is a beautiful country and the people are lovely. Mexico City's high altitude and pollution are rough, but there are wonderful things to do there. The Museo Nacional de Antropología is spectacular. Chapultepec Park is similar to Central Park in NYC with many attractions. Casa Azul houses the Frida Kahlo Museum (do not miss it), and there are massive murals all around the city (and country).

[@MariE-go7ol]

Hi Mora, Really good information Mora. Wondering if you might do a video on traveling with your car and the legal process. I’m assuming you had to register your car as Mexico. Do you just keep your Oregon plates in case you left and went back to the states? Before you cross the boarder do wait until the morning so you can be more safe? Keep your videos coming! 😊

[@MoraMargaret]

When you get a temporary residency visa you can bring your foreign plated car if you get a TIP (temp import permit). If you want some more info you can get my free ebook on my website: MoraMargaret.com. It sounds complicated but it's not too bad. I left in the morning because I'm a morning person and wanted to be off the road way before dark ;)

[@danielsaldivar5622]

Where do you retire in Mexico? Looks real nice

[@MoraMargaret]

Currently in Patzcuaro, Michoacan. Very beautiful!

[@dougb8325]

Stumbled across your channel and enjoying it ever since! Just curious how your Spanish language skills are, and how you get by if you're just a beginner?

[@MoraMargaret]

Thanks! I'm still a beginner, and when I really need to be clear I use a translator app. I'm learning every day.

[@sandraluelmo4568]

Hello Mora, Sandra and Diego here from Florida. Loved your videos! We’ ve been in Mexico several times and had great experiences. San Miguel de Allende is in our bucket list. All the houses you show look really wonderful so we’ll appreciate if you could send some rentals referrals for San Miguel and any other near town worth to visit for 4 or 5 days at the time. Thanks a bunch in advance and best of luck in this journey. Congrats! Saludos

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you! I made a page on my website for rental referrals: MoraMargaret.com/rentals

[@sandraluelmo4568]

Thanks Mora, we’ll check it out and keep watching your excellent videos. Regards to Viggo and is it Allie? What a beauty they are! ,

[@MoraMargaret]

It's Viggo and Olive, Ollie for short :)

[@lindabarcellos5643]

thank you!

[@cynthiareese2425]

Do you get stopped by the police a lot and ssked for your TIP since you have out of country plates?

[@MoraMargaret]

No. I've only been asked once, in Sinaloa at a checkpoint. I reached for it to show him and he just waved me through. My car doesn't seem to draw much attention, I don't know why.

[@nncadi1]

how do you negotiate the price on airbnb when the number shown isn't the final amount?

[@MoraMargaret]

You just have to figure in the tax and fees and still make it under your budget.

[@sammyreyes63]

I don’t recall seeing in any of your videos what type of visa you’re using while you travel. Are you simply using the six month tourist visa? How are you planning to transition when you decide you’re going to move there? Apply for the temporary resident?

[@MoraMargaret]

I have a temp residency visa for one year, and my car has a TIP.

[@sammyreyes63]

@@MoraMargaret I guess I’m confused about the temporary residency visa. I thought you had to put your Mexican address in the application.

[@MoraMargaret]

You give them your address in Mexico when you do the final step for the visa in Mexico, and then when you move you have to update your new address.

[@sammyreyes63]

@@MoraMargaret So what should we do for an exploratory trip similar to what you are doing before we decide on where to settle down? A vacation before we apply?

[@MoraMargaret]

Have you been to Mexico before? If you've never been I think you should spend some time here before you apply, yes. If you've been and you know you like it, narrow down the regions you might want to live in. For instance I cut out the Caribbean coast because I already knew I didn't like it as much as the Pacific coast. If you can do an extended exploratory trip, it's the most fun and you see so much!

[@edexoarp3964]

Hi, are you planning to go to Merida?

[@MoraMargaret]

I have no plan for Merida. I don't think it's for me, but I'd like to visit sometime.

[@alanserjeant4947]

@@MoraMargaret Hi Mora. There is a town on the coast near Merida called Campeche founded in 1540 (nearly as old as me) !! It looks absolutely wonderful. Possibly worth a look.

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏🙏

[@julietarbuck9140]

🤗

[@RexPonder-y6b]

We're moving back to the United States.Its way to expensive in Mexico now. Most places are more than the United States and the new government is very scary now be careful things are changing in Mexico. Be safe.

[@SuzyRed6]

Really depends on where one chooses to live regarding rental costs, utilities and even the costs of food and entertainment...if you can make a life perhaps without a car or American-standard accommodation. Your willingness to learn Spanish? I am sorry to hear that you are leaving. I am also single with pets, live frugally, but still could not afford to live literally anywhere in America and the pets were a major problem. We are accepted here and are doing well mentally and financially - thank the Lord. Despite the things that I am not fond of here, the thought of returning to the constant stress (gun violence, political landscape, ever increasing costs of food (cat & human), all living costs of necessities, and the massive divide between peoples, neighbors & families, I would be afraid to go back. I feel that we escaped just at the right time 🙏 Best of luck to you! Be safe.

[@XXXManagement-y3m]

Why do your dogs look so sad? 🐕

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

those fees for Airb&b are stupid..

[@MoraMargaret]

Agreed! That's why I put some direct contact info for the rentals I've liked, so it's possible to skip the middle man. MoraMargaret.com/rentals

[@Melanie-xe1gh]

Do you speak Spanish?

[@edwinodus]

Its unusual for women to be travelling all over mexico. Women seem to be set on one city, for one reason or another, and stick to the plan. After this long in Mexico, you still havent found a place you want to settle in?

[@MoraMargaret]

There are many places I could/would settle in, but I love exploring and I haven't seen everything I want to see.

[@turnovertheleaf5505]

In the future, flip around the content. Share thumbnail, then "what's not included." Half way without title content is rough for a viewer. Js

[@elchupulooo8970]

❤I want to live in Mexico 🇲🇽 do you want a living partner and I can pay my share of money and expenses thanks again sweetie

[@silvag.r.4955]

i lie you

[@eprohoda]

enjoyed-you uploaded breathtakng video-work. Mora,

[@MoraMargaret]

Thank you very much!