I had a call last week with a family friend who wants to move to Mexico City.
His pitch: lower cost of living, decent quality of life, crush debt faster. I told him the opposite of what YouTube says.
I told him no.
Not because Mexico is “dangerous” or “third world.” Because the math, the policy, and the daily grind don’t add up if you’re coming here broke or “to figure it out.” Mexico City in 2025 is a world class capital with world class prices in the parts you actually want to live.
On top of that, your U.S. salary doesn’t follow you if you try to “get a job locally,” the bureaucracy will body slam you if you try to open something legit, and the business reality includes things influencers never mention/
So before you make the move…Read this.
The cost-of-living trap: Rents, utilities, and the “gringo math” that fails when the peso moves. Why $2,000/month is no longer “baller.”
Why “I’ll just get a job in Mexico” is a fantasy: You won’t like the pay.
Residency and “digital nomad visa”: Mexico has no special DN visa; you’re using temporary residency with financial solvency requirements that many can’t meet.
Starting a business the legal way: Its not just taxes and permits. Many end up having to navigate extortion.
Healthcare and insurance : Yes, it’s cheaper than the U.S., but “free” isn’t the model here. Once you get money, you plan for private coverage if you want speed and English-speaking providers.
The social and political issue: Protests, rent control talk, and why foreigners have become an easy villains
If you’re already turned off, that’s fine. But if you’re not.. read on