What Are the Chances..
That you could actually live in Mexico on less than $1,000 a month?
When I first started this whole experiment, I wasn’t chasing some digital nomad fantasy. I was trying to survive. My savings were running out, jobs were hard to land, and the cost of living in Atlanta just wasn’t sustainable for me anymore. So I packed up my SUV, my two dogs, and drove to Morelia, Mexico—hoping to stretch my money and buy myself a little time to figure things out.
Spoiler: It’s worked better than I expected.
The Rent Gamble
I booked my Airbnb shortly before I arrived, so I didn’t have much time to shop around. Still, I managed to land an all-inclusive apartment in a lived-in local neighborhood just a five-minute walk from the historic center. At $693/month, it’s higher than some—but it came fully furnished, dog-friendly, and included everything: utilities, 5G internet, and a full kitchen (not just a hot plate).
Food, Markets & Muffins
I eat once a day, more out of habit than budget. Groceries run me $100–$150/month (including dog food and paper goods), and most of what I buy comes from Chedraui or the local tianguis. I stock up on things like fresh tortillas, chorizo, avocados—and cheese. Lots of cheese. Also? The 50-cent triple chocolate muffins are dangerously good.
Getting Around Without a Car
My car’s been parked since the day I arrived. Between walking, 50-cent combis (local vans), and comfortable coach buses to nearby towns, I rarely spend more than $20 a month on transportation—and most months it’s less. That run-in with police on day one might’ve influenced things a bit, but mostly? I just haven’t needed to drive.
Healthcare and Prescriptions
I take thyroid medication that costs about $30/month here—roughly the same as in the U.S. The twist? I forgot the bottle back in Georgia and had to scramble to get it filled without a doctor. That story’s coming in next week’s Blog.
Entertainment, Events & Everyday Life
Life here isn’t all about tightening the belt. There are free concerts, low-cost museums, and things like a $3 gazpacho fruit cup with cayenne and cheese (it sounds weird, but trust me—try it). I even attended a wine, cheese, and bread festival for under $10. Most of my money goes to experiences, not stuff—and honestly, I’m loving that shift.
A Few U.S.-Based Costs Still Linger
My budget doesn’t include a few things you might not need: a storage unit in Atlanta, U.S. car insurance, and my American phone plan. But if you were starting fresh here, your actual cost could be lower than mine.
So, can you live in Mexico on less than $1,000 a month? Yes. Is it for everyone? Maybe not. But for me, it’s been more comfortable—and more intentional—than I expected.
🎥 Watch the full video below for the full cost breakdown, location insights, and how I made it work.
Next week, I’ll share how I managed to get a prescription filled in Mexico—no doctor visit, no appointment, and no idea how it was going to turn out.
💬 Have any budget-saving tips? I’d love to hear them—drop them in the comments. Let’s make this a community, not just a channel.
“Want more details? Watch the full video for extra insights and details.”
“Curious about my border adventure,? Learn how I ended up playing a game I call ‘Border Pong’ – and get tips on to how to avoid playing yourself!”
“Missed the first part? Here’s how I ended up heading to Mexico in the first place!”
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