Savings

Home Prices in the U.S., vs. Home Prices in Mexico*

Three-bedroom, Two-bath Condo in: Pleasanton, California Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Purchase Price US$700,000 US$125,000
Property Tax* $14,000 $375
Total Costs $714,000 $125,375
Total Savings in Mexico: US$588,625
Yearly Savings on Taxes: US$13,625
3-bedroom, 2-bath Home in: San Jose, California Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Purchase Price $900,000 $150,000
Property Tax* $18,000 $450
Total Costs $918,000 $150,450
Total Savings in Mexico: US$767,550
Yearly Savings on Taxes: US$17,550

*Note that the low cost of housing in Mexico can add up to an 80% savings!

*Property taxes vary by state; rate for this example: 2%

Cost of Living: Mexico is just more affordable!

Sample Cost of Living Chart

Expense Monthly cost
Utilities & Telecom (electricity, phone, internet service, cable or satellite television, cell-phone): $200
Gasoline and Auto Upkeep: $100
Groceries: $300
Domestic Help (maid and gardener): $200
Entertainment and Leisure (including dining out, cinema and concerts): $300
Healthcare (two people at $240 per year for IMSS insurance, plus $80 per month for private-care incidentals): $100
Household Items (including kitchen utensils and other home necessities, clothing): $100
Total $1,300 per month

Total: $1,300 per month, or around $15,600 per year, for two people and all that they need to live well. You can hardly beat that in the States.