ENSENADA MEXICO 🇲🇽

Hi , Welcome back to our "realistic cost of living series" where I share different people's budgets across Mexico. Today, I want to share an anonymous post. She is 60, single and living in Ensenada, and she’s not trying to live on a tight budget. In fact, she told me: “I have a larger pension so I am not on a budget… I don’t believe my answers are typical.” And that’s exactly why this is so helpful to see. Because not everyone moves to Mexico to save every dollar.  Some people come for a better lifestyle which might mean spending the same amount as they did in the US. Her Monthly Costs Here’s what her real monthly spending looks like: 🏡 Housing Rent 2 Bedroom in a gated community, 24/7 security: 18,500 MXN ≈ $1,040 USD ≈ $1,415 CAD ⚡ Utilities Electricity: $65–$85 USD Gas: $15–$20 USD Water: $8 USD Drinking water: $6 USD ≈ 1,900 MXN ≈ $107 USD ≈ $145 CAD to give you an idea of a rental going for $18,500 MXN today, here are some examples below: 🚗 Transportation Gas (new car): $25 USD Car-related costs: $180 USD ≈ 3,640 MXN ≈ $205 USD ≈ $280 CAD 📱 Internet & Phone Extra fast data: $42 USD (Still keeps a U.S. phone plan) ≈ 750 MXN ≈ $42 USD ≈ $57 CAD 🛒 Groceries ≈ 7,110 MXN ≈ $400 USD ≈ $545 CAD 🍽️ Dining Out ≈ 3,550 MXN ≈ $200 USD ≈ $270 CAD 💊 Medical Medication in Mexico: $50 USD (Also keeps a private U.S. plan and goes to San Diego if needed) ≈ 890 MXN ≈ $50 USD ≈ $68 CAD 💇 Personal Care & Services Housekeeping: 3,600 MXN Spanish tutor: 1,500 MXN Manicure/pedicure: 1,300 MXN Massage: 1,000 MXN Total: 7,400 MXN ≈ $415 USD ≈ $565 CAD 🎭 Entertainment Movies, hiking, pickleball, etc.: 1,500 MXN ≈ $85 USD ≈ $115 CAD 🧾 Miscellaneous 500 MXN ≈ $28 USD ≈ $38 CAD 💰 Monthly Total ➡️ ≈ 45,700 MXN/month ➡️ ≈ $2,545 USD/month ➡️ ≈ $3,500 CAD/month What Kind of Lifestyle Is This? This is what I’d call a comfortable-to-upscale lifestyle in Mexico. You’re looking at: Living in a secure gated community Owning a car Hiring help regularly (cleaning, tutor, services) Eating out often Not worrying too much about budgeting It's also important to notice that she still keeps ties to the U.S. healthcare system, which is something a lot of people do, especially if they move close to the border as is Ensenada. Why People Love Ensenada If you’ve never been, Ensenada is one of those places that surprises people. Here’s why: Only about 90 minutes from San Diego — super convenient if you want access to the U.S. Cool coastal weather year-round — no extreme heat like other parts of Mexico Wine country nearby (Valle de Guadalupe) 🍷 Strong expat community Laid-back lifestyle with ocean views and fresh seafood everywhere It’s a great option if you want Mexico… but still want to stay connected to the U.S. But as you can see, life in Mexico isn’t just “cheap” or “expensive.” It depends on how you want to live. Her lifestyle is comfortable, flexible, and secure, but it comes at a higher monthly cost than many expect. And that’s why I always say this: 👉 Mexico can be more affordable… but only if your lifestyle matches it. READY TO MOVE TO MEXICO? NOT SURE WHERE TO START? Now, if you’re trying to figure out where you fit in Mexico, this is one of the many reasons why we created the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.  Starting next month, the cost of renouncing your U.S. citizenship will go down dramatically—a boon for people already shouldering the burden of paying for a major overseas move. Those wishing to formally shed their American citizenship are required to obtain a form called a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN), and right now it comes with a whopping $2,350 fee. In April, that fee will drop by 80%, to $450