💰 Oaxaca City Cost of Living: We Break Down Our Monthly Expenses 💰

[@CK9mum]

Gina and Mark, thanks for the indepth overview of your costs in Oaxaca! I know it must be a bit of a pain to keep track of all of that but it's so worth it as you try to narrow down your search for a forever home (and it's great for us too!).

[@GringosRUs]

It really does help us when we are looking for a home as well. It is just like anything else, habit, habit, habit! We are so used to recording all of the expenses that it really is second nature now. Glad that you liked it.

[@trevorwhite5127]

Thank you very much for the video. I really enjoyed it.

[@GringosRUs]

Glad to share with you Trevor. We did like Oaxaca and boy was the food sooooo good.

[@cindyk3076]

It sounds like you did well again per month there! It's great that you were able to walk as much as you did, saving gas etc for your car.

[@GringosRUs]

It really wasn't bad, even considering that the Airbnb was higher than most places. The car only left the building maybe 3 times in the month we were there. Puebla is a very walkable city that was much larger than we anticipated. Thanks Cindy.

[@Wilfredos_]

Hope everything goes well with your appointment🫶❗️Hope you guys can come down sometime soon to Queretaro to do your canje.

[@dianaj3139]

I always enjoy the cost of living videos . I actually look forward to them and with all the amazing places you have traveled to this gives others the opportunity to think about more than just the place. It's great to do some planning ahead. I am finally here in Mexico... but dealing with a cold/flu bug... getting caught up on youtube videos though.. so yeah upside to everything. I guess. Thanks for all you share!

[@GringosRUs]

Glad you are back in Mexico Diana. I think that you will recover quickly, we sure do down here. Thanks for the kind words. We are glad that we are back in Queretaro and taking a short break from the travels. I know that 6 months doesn't sound like a long break, but it is needed for us to recharge the batteries. Hope to see you tomorrow night on our 2024 year in review live!

[@Wilfredos_]

Nice take on Oaxaca! I feel the same way, DEFINITELY LOVE❤️ IT❗️I just do not know if I were to live there it will meet what we are looking for at this time. A couple of years down the road, when our goals change it may be the best city to live in. It is definitely in my top 3.

[@GringosRUs]

It is always hard to tell. Especially when looking down the road a few years and the needs morph into something else. That is one of the things that bothers us about what we are doing. Is the place still going to be the same as it was when we visited? No real good answer, so we just truck on down the road and make the best decision that we can when that time finally arrives.

[@MikeS-sc5qv]

Thanks guys!

[@GringosRUs]

You bet! Hope the breakdown was helpful.

[@MikeS-sc5qv]

Very helpful! I love all your content!!

[@tino1761]

Great vlog Mark & Gina! Talking about Oaxaca food being great is an uderstatement. The Oaxaca cheese is my favorite hands down. On another note, when you notify Schwab about your travel dates, do you provide an extended period i.e. 6 months or do you add travel notifications multiple times a year? Thanks

[@GringosRUs]

Thank Tino. We don't even bother to notify Schwab anymore and we have not encountered any problems at all.

[@ThePugdaddy21]

Tello is a good choice for US people who want a U.S. telephone number. It’s about 6 dollars a month US. Works on wifi and off the Telcel network when your out and about. I switched from Mint mobile because they were way too expensive.

[@GringosRUs]

We'll need to take a look at that. Thanks Sloppy Joe!

[@o2bkjohn]

Are you talking about the Ooma Telo? If so we've used Ooma for the last 15 plus years. I also use the app when we're traveling out of the country to call back to the US. Love it!

[@o2bkjohn]

I have T Mobile 55 and over Magenta plan. Two lines unlimited calls in Canada, US, and Mexico. I use a VPN if I'm on public Wifi.

[@lindylee1139]

Interesting video! What are your top 3 cities so far?

[@GringosRUs]

Hmmmm, for me, Mark, I would say Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Huatulco. Gina's results may vary. LOL

[@tonygauthiertravels]

⁠@@GringosRUsI hear the food isn’t as good in Queretaro. Is this true?

[@GringosRUs]

@@tonygauthiertravels You know, when we first got to Queretaro when we started this journey, we though that the food was great. @ years later, after having been to 14 different cities now, I think we have a better understanding of what they mean. There are parts of the country that are known for different foods and Queretaro sort of borrows from all of them. They don't have that signature dish or flavor that they are known for. Trust me, you won't starve here by any means, but it isn't Oaxaca either.

[@SiameseAmerica]

Maybe Merida will be a good first stop, Oaxaca could be a good place to go to get away from the humidity in Merida during the hottest months there. Six Siamese cats are coming too - can’t really tell if they own me or if I own them. 😁

[@GringosRUs]

That sounds like a good plan. It is definitely doable and you would get to experience some really good foods in both locations.

[@blevins-share3918]

what car insurance company do you use?

[@GringosRUs]

US or Mexico? State Farm in the US and I am not sure which here in Mexico. We utilized the Mexico Relocation Guide and there are plenty in there. They were all about the same rate and most of the benefits were similar.

[@winstonmcgill6667]

Terri and I felt there was an edge also. It would definitely be a place that I would consider if Hualtuco wasn't number 1

[@GringosRUs]

Definitely a different vibe from Huatulco. Didn't feel threatened, but just had a slightly different feeling. It was even more pronounced when we got to Puebla.

[@winstonmcgill6667]

@GringosRUs interesting

[@GringosRUs]

@@winstonmcgill6667 OK, let me clarify my comment. I reread it and realized that it could be taken two ways. The edge was more pronounced when we got to Puebla due to Puebla being so laid back and accessible. Not that there was more of an edge in Puebla than Oaxaca.

[@julietschida9114]

Hi guys. I keep forgetting to ask you. When you stay in an Airbnb for a month or more, have you been supplied with clean sheets and towels or is it hit and miss?

[@GringosRUs]

Good question Julie. All of them have had a supply of sheets and towels. Most of them we have had to launder and change ourselves. No big deal. There were a few that did include a cleaning service that also took care of the linens. We travel with two sets of sheets and 4 towels that we really like. You never know what quality you are going to find, so these are our backups when needed.

[@CL-rv9ti]

How much does it cost to stay at a hotel vs Airbnb in Mexico?

[@GringosRUs]

Are we talking Hyatt Regency or Motel 6? Studio apartment or 5 bedroom hacienda? It really is difficult to compare the two as there are so many different options. Hotels would not work for our extended stays as we have too much stuff, and Gina needs a place to work and we like to cook.

[@paulyeatman303]

So why do you stay in airbnb's if it's double?

[@GringosRUs]

We are halfway through a 4 year tour of Mexico looking for our retirement home. We stay in each city from one to three months so we can get a good feel for that location. With the stays being so short, we don't have many options regarding housing. We will be very happy when we pick a location and then are able to get a real lease and our expenses go way down. Thanks Pauly!

[@KatKatz11]

Hi Gringos R us! I was chatting with you yesterday on Erines live video on banking....I thought of one more very important question to ask you guys. Since I'm going to use my virtual email with traveling mailbox (instead of my physical Mexican address) to avoid issues with Schwab and my credit cards, how do you move money from Schwab to your Mexican Bank account? I don't want to put up a red flag and move money with Wise or Schwab to the MX bank account because they may cancel me. Also, if I move money with my Schwab card two Mexican bank account won't they ask if I'm living in Mexico? I'm thinking I'm better off getting cash out of the ATM with both cards and depositing it into the MX bank. Let me know what you guys do please...thank you!

[@GringosRUs]

Morning Kat. We are going to be opening our bank account here in Mexico during our extended stay in Queretaro. We currently just hit the ATM to withdraw from Schwab. If we needed to do a deposit, when we get our account open, we will then deposit the cash into the ATM. I think that you are on the right track with your thinking.

[@Sheilas_empty_nest]

I haven't tried to use my Google Voice phone number while out of the country, maybe that would be an option for cutting out your American phone altogether?

[@GringosRUs]

We have to keep the US number as long as Gina is working. Because of her working in IT for healthcare she has to do 2 factor authentication. It is a steep price, but a small price to pay for her to keep working. Thanks

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

AirB&B needs to be reeled in somehow.

[@GringosRUs]

We damn sure are for that Annie. LOL

[@tomm9540]

Another informative Video Gina and Mark, and would like to visit there one day. I think for me Guadalajara/Ajijic/Chapala Area seems to be what would work for me. If You want the big City Guadalajara is right there, for a Pueblo Magico you have Ajijic and for a great authentic Mexican town Chapala fits the bill! You can have your fill of wonderful Mexican culture and speak Spanish everyday or if you need to be by Gringos for the day you have Ajijic and the Lake Chapala Society. Again that Area seems to fill all the boxes.......Safe Travels and pretty sure I will see you both in SMA at the end of January. Abrazos

[@GringosRUs]

Thanks Tom. There is validity to what you are saying and that is why Ajijic is on the list to visit sometime in the future. I used to know the rotation but with the alterations and massaging that we have done, I can't honestly say when we will be going anywhere. LOL

[@tomm9540]

@@GringosRUs I totally understand why You and Gina want to stay in Queretaro for six months possibly longer after two years of a whirlwind trek around Mexico. Great now Gina got a new Gig and you Guys can chill and take it easy, and not have to pay those high Airbnb rents. Yea no packing and unpacking the car!!!!

[@GringosRUs]

@@tomm9540 To be fair, the stress level has dropped dramatically now. You have to remember, she has not worked since we saw you in Progresso. Now we have settled in here in Queretaro for a while and it is a great feeling. PS, Check your Whatsapp. We booked the house and sent you a link to it.

[@selfscience]

Another gringo video speaking about imaginary crimes. You should be more carefull and only tell the story of what really happened. If nothing happens tuy ou you say that Nothing bad happoened to me. Period.

[@GringosRUs]

OK, we have a friend that we interviewed there in Oaxaca that was held up at knife point in broad daylight on a Saturday afternoon. Specific enough for you.

[@selfscience]

​ @GringosRUs No, " I have a friend" is not what happened to you in the last month. Don´t stress it, you are just a tourist, you don't know better.

[@GringosRUs]

@@selfscience You are right. We have lived here for two years now. We speak very highly of Mexico and we commented that we felt an edginess in Oaxaca that we haven't felt anywhere else in Mexico. Our opinion on how we perceived it from a couple of "tourists".

[@shaneorr7293]

You guys talk about how more expensive air bnbs are yet you continue to use them. Why? So many better options. So Silly. I don't know why anyone would take your advice

[@GringosRUs]

Because Shane, we are touring the country staying in cities between one to three months in each. It is not possible to get a lease for that short of time. We are looking to find out where we want to retire to. Does it make sense now?

[@gerardoluna9682]

​@@GringosRUs ok now that you mentioned it, I recomend Morelia, Querétaro, Aguascalientes or La Paz. There are other major US citizen communities in San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic or Puerto Vallarta but now these places are more expensive and overcrowed.

[@GringosRUs]

@@gerardoluna9682 We are back in Queretaro for a second stay. We love it here. La Paz is on the schedule along with about 10 more. We have to do the west coast swing before ending up in BCS. Then we will make the final decision. All of those cities do offer a lot.

[@gerardoluna9682]

@@GringosRUs in the west coast, Mazatlán, Los Cabos, San Carlos are good options. These places are expensive, however the beaches there are very beautiful

[@GringosRUs]

@@gerardoluna9682 I know that Mazatlan is on the list. We agree on Los Cabos, that is why we decided to experience La Paz. It has been a fun tour so far and after this 6 month break here in Queretaro, we are looking forward to seeing them all.

[@elsaibarra9134]

🙋‍♀️

[@GringosRUs]

Thanks Elsa.

[@G.I.N.N]

$3485 USD Wow !!! TOTALLY INSANE ... $2369 USD IS STILL CRAZY......I've been living in Mexico for almost 3 years now. I've never paid this .." Ever " ....Not even close.

[@brendafader1146]

Do you live there or are doing the same as Mark & Gina, traveling around the country and doing short term stays in various cities? If living in one location you are definitely not comparing apples to apples.

[@GringosRUs]

Yeah, Airbnb makes it expensive. There are also other requirements that raise our costs. We have to have a place for our car, we need a place for Gina to work from and we also need at least a queen, but really prefer a king size bed. All of those limit our options greatly and so we are forced to spend more. Plus it also comes down to what your expectations and needs are. We tend to look at a little more of the higher end, so we pay accordingly. Hope that helps to explain.

[@GringosRUs]

Thanks Brenda. I do get tired of typing the same answer to that question all the time. Appreciate the assist greatly.

[@suwitzig4544]

Oh hi👋🏻 Next live soon? Not to be weird but I Just heard about another American couple killed 🥺 I know it’s everywhere. Just unnerving.

[@GringosRUs]

This Wednesday at 7 eastern / 6 central. Haven't heard any news on that. Have to see what we can find. See you Wednesday night.

[@aliciapimentel5228]

Nobody should think of living in Oaxaca. I'm mexican, and I know Oaxca people defend their territory like nobody else .. stay away from Oaxaca. Go visit Oaxaca but don't live there.

[@GringosRUs]

We did enjoy our time in Oaxaca, but I hear what you are saying Alicia. Thanks.

[@aliciapimentel5228]

@GringosRUs I'm glad to hear that.. Mexico is a very friendly and happy country. We love having tourism and welcoming people who decide to live in Mexico. My suggestion is to stay away from some areas of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and even some areas in Puebla. The biggest concentration of pure indigenous people live in those states, and it will be the biggest resistance to gentrification. I have to mention that those states are probably the most mystical and keep a lot of ancestral knowledge very guarded. Mexico is a very mysterious place, and when we think we know almost everything , we will be surprised again and again. Enjoy Mexico. ❣️🌄

[@GringosRUs]

@@aliciapimentel5228 We did notice that when we went to Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas. Especially the mountain areas of Chiapas. It truly was lovely, but there was just a little different vibe there. We didn't feel that in Huatulco, but that is being engineered as the next Tulum by the government. We did get a sense in both Chiapas and Oaxaca that the people are a resistant to even the Mexican government and are very protective and proud of their way of life and are quite happy without outside interference. Thanks Alicia.

[@aliciapimentel5228]

@GringosRUs My pleasure!. 💫 Yes, Oaxaca and Chiapas are in the same channel. Yes, Huatulco, Salina Cruz, and other couple towns are OK to live there..✨️😎🌴