Living in Mexico
Rent, health cover and ways to get residency for a foreign retiree in Mexico, checked 2026-09-26.
Rent for a one-bedroom flat
| City | Centre | Outside centre |
|---|
| Mexico City | MX$19,242 | MX$12,196 |
| Playa del Carmen | MX$18,606 | MX$6,878 |
Roma, Condesa and Polanco in Mexico City rent well above the city average.
Healthcare
Residents can join the public IMSS voluntarily, with waiting periods for some conditions. Many also buy private cover.
- IMSS voluntary enrollment: $460–$1,100 a year
Residency routes
- Temporary residency (Anyone): About US$4,200 a month in income over six months, or about US$70,000 average balance over a year. Varies by consulate.
- Tourist entry (Many nationalities): Up to 180 days, at the border officer’s discretion. Not a basis for living there.
Tax on a portfolio
- Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
- The cost of shares is adjusted for Mexican inflation before the gain is worked out, which lowers the gain. Not modeled.
- IMSS social security (a few percent of salary) is not modeled.
When can you retire? · Where to retire