How I Left the U.S. and Moved to Mexico with Just $1,500 — And Built a Life I Love
A few years ago, I packed a suitcase, and boarded a one-way flight to Mexico with only $1,500. No savings cushion. No backup plan. Just faith, exhaustion, and a fierce desire to reclaim my peace. I didn’t move because I was adventurous or fearless—I moved because I was tired. Tired of chasing the American dream that seemed to always stay just out of reach.
Fast forward to today, I’m living in comfort in Mexico, with a housekeeper, a gardener, and a private driver—all for less than $22,000 pesos a month (that’s under $1,126 USD). My mental health is stable, my income is steady, and my life finally feels like mine. But the journey to this point? Let me tell you the whole story.
Why I Chose Mexico
When I decided to leave the U.S., Mexico felt like the most logical and affordable option. It’s close to the States, the cost of living is significantly lower, and as a Black woman traveling solo, I had read countless stories of other women finding peace, healing, and opportunity here. Mexico was never the “backup plan”—it was the reset I needed.
Landing in Querétaro: Not What I Expected
I landed in Santiago de Querétaro—a beautiful colonial city full of history, cobblestone streets, and sunshine almost year-round. It wasn’t overrun with tourists, and it felt safe and clean. But here’s the part most influencers won’t tell you: the people were stand-offish. As much as I tried to connect with locals, it was difficult.
I’m naturally warm, open, and friendly—but in Querétaro, the social culture felt more closed-off. Most people kept to themselves. Making friends was tough. I often felt like an outsider, and that loneliness hit hard, especially in the first few months.
But maybe that was a blessing in disguise, because it forced me to do something I hadn’t done in years: focus entirely on me.
The Power of House Sitting
One thing that saved me financially—and gave me time to get grounded—was house sitting. I found house sits through platforms like TrustedHousesitters and Facebook expat groups. Not only did I save money by not paying rent, but I also got to experience different parts of Mexico, live in beautiful homes, and care for sweet pets.
It gave me time to settle in, explore, and figure out where I truly wanted to live long-term. House sitting bought me time when money was tight, and helped stretch my $1,500 in ways I didn’t think were possible.
Starting Over & Starting a Business
Once I had some breathing room, I started freelancing. I took my skills—writing, content creation, and digital marketing—and turned them into income streams. Eventually, that grew into a small online business. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t working to survive—I was working to build.
No commute. No toxic workplace. No corporate politics. Just my laptop, my vision, and a peaceful view outside my window.
Renting My First Place
Once my income stabilized, I decided to find a long-term rental. Here’s how that process looked:
Finding an Agent – I connected with a local real estate agent through a Facebook expat group. Agents are the norm here, and they don’t cost you anything as the renter—the landlord pays their fee.
Requirements – I needed my passport, proof of income, and sometimes a guarantor (aval). If you don’t have a local guarantor, you can often pay a few months upfront or use a service like a rental bond.
The Apartment – I found a 2-bedroom modern apartment in a quiet, safe neighborhood for $9,000 pesos a month (roughly $540 USD). It had a pool, 24/7 security, and a view that made me cry the first morning I woke up.
Utilities – Water, internet, and electricity cost me less than $1,500 pesos a month combined (around $90 USD).
Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly):
Rent: $9,000 pesos
Utilities: $1,500 pesos
Groceries: $2,000–$2,500 pesos
Dining out & entertainment: $2,000–$3,000 pesos
Housekeeper (biweekly): $800 pesos
Gardener (monthly): $600 pesos
Private driver (2–3x/week): $2,500 pesos
Total: 18,400–21,900 pesos/month (approx, $1,121 USD)
Compare that to what I used to spend just on (rent only) back in the States? Night and Day.
Getting Legal: The Temporary Residency Process
You don’t have to overstay your welcome in Mexico. I applied for a temporary resident visa, which allows you to live in the country legally for up to 4 years. Here’s how it works:
Start in Your Home Country – I made an appointment at the Mexican consulate nearest me in the U.S. They required proof of income (bank statements showing around $3,500 USD monthly for the past six months) or savings.
Get Approved & Enter Mexico – Once approved, you get 30 days to enter Mexico and finalize the process at an immigration office (INM) near your new home.
Final Steps in Mexico – You’ll have a biometrics appointment and receive your residency card within weeks.
The Safest Cities to Live in Mexico
Mexico is huge, and just like the U.S., safety varies by region. Some of the safest and most expat-friendly cities include:
Querétaro – Clean, developed, but a bit reserved socially
San Miguel de Allende – Popular with expats, artsy, walkable
Mérida – Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico
Ajijic/Chapala – Great expat community, especially retirees
Puerto Escondido – Relaxed beach town, growing digital nomad scene
Life in Mexico vs. Life in the U.S.
Let me paint the picture clearly:
In the U.S., I was overworked, underpaid, and constantly stressed. My rent alone took half my paycheck. I never had time for myself. I didn’t feel safe walking at night. And mentally? I was hanging on by a thread.
Now? I wake up to sunshine, sip coffee on my patio, and feel safe. I have help around the house, time to build a business I love, and enough peace of mind to think about the future—not just survive the present.
The Truth: The American Dream Is Alive—Just Not in America
I see the struggle on social media. People working two jobs and still can’t make ends meet. Paying $3,500/month for a tiny apartment. Living in fear of layoffs, medical bills, or just being priced out of their cities. And I think to myself—I used to be that person.
Now I’m watching from the outside in. I want people to know: you have options. You can create a life that feels rich—even on a budget. You don’t have to suffer endlessly just because it’s what you’ve always known.
I found the American Dream in another country. And I’m not alone. I’ve met dozens of expats—Black, white, retired, young, solo travelers, families—who all came here looking for something better. And we found it.
So if no one’s told you yet: yes, it’s possible.
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need a vision, a bit of courage, and a willingness to start over.
Because sometimes, the life you’ve been dreaming of is just one flight away.
I’d love to hear from you.
Have you been thinking about relocating? Already made the move? Drop your questions or share your own experience in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going. Your story might be the inspiration someone else needs today.
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