A comprehensive report, conducted in partnership with ExpatsinMexico.com and Far Homes, offers valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of individuals from various countries who have chosen to relocate to Mexico. Notably, 91% of the survey’s participants originated from North America, making it a significant indicator of the motivations and challenges expats face in Mexico.
Motivations for Relocating: Sunshine, Affordability, and Lifestyle
The survey’s findings underscore the allure of Mexico for expatriates, with weather emerging as a pivotal factor influencing their decision to move. A remarkable 86% of respondents cited favorable weather conditions as a key motivator for their relocation. Additionally, the affordability of living in Mexico, with 79.9% expressing this sentiment, and the rich culture and lifestyle it offers, as indicated by 74.1% of respondents, played crucial roles in their decisions to make the move.
Cost of Living and Work-Life Balance
The financial advantages of relocating to Mexico are apparent in the survey results, with 56.8% of respondents reporting an improvement in their financial situation since making the move. This contrasts with the 38.8% who experienced no significant change, while a mere 4.3% observed a decline. Moreover, a substantial 61% of respondents found that Mexico offered them a better work-life balance, a sentiment that resonated positively within the expat community.
Retirement Paradise
A significant majority of the survey’s participants (85%) identified themselves as retirees, with 95% of respondents aged over 55. Impressively, 96% of retirees expressed high levels of satisfaction with their retirement in Mexico, with 70.4% being “very satisfied” and 25.9% “somewhat satisfied.” This resounding satisfaction underscores Mexico’s growing reputation as a retirement paradise.
Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability
Notably, Far Homes previously reported an increase in medical tourism to Mexico due to the rising healthcare costs in the United States. The survey reflected this trend, with 32.4% of expats leaving their home countries primarily because of healthcare costs and quality concerns. However, an overwhelming 95% of respondents expressed contentment with their healthcare experiences in Mexico. Furthermore, a staggering 89% of expats in Mexico pay less than $285 per month for healthcare, compared to the U.S., where the average monthly healthcare cost exceeds $1,000.
Safety South of the Border
Safety concerns played a role in the decisions of 21% of expats to relocate to Mexico. Nevertheless, the majority of respondents (55%) reported feeling “very safe” in Mexico, while an additional 40.8% felt “somewhat safe.” Notably, no participants expressed feeling “very unsafe,” and only a minimal 4.2% felt “somewhat unsafe.” It is worth mentioning that crime rates in Mexico have been on a declining trend since 2016, as reported by Far Homes.
Top Concerns with Life in Mexico
Transportation and infrastructure emerged as the top concern for 30.8% of respondents, indicating that it is the aspect they dislike the most about living in Mexico. This insight provides valuable information for future expats considering a move to Mexico and offers opportunities for improvement in the country’s infrastructure.
General Contentment
In a conclusive analysis, Far Homes determined that the majority of expats in Mexico are content with their decision to relocate. An impressive 80.6% expressed “very satisfied” and 15.1% “somewhat satisfied.” Dissatisfaction was notably rare, with only 2.9% of respondents indicating “somewhat dissatisfied” and a mere 1.4% expressing “very dissatisfied” sentiments regarding their move to Mexico.
Far Homes CEO Chet Kittleson emphasized the significance of this survey, stating, “Our annual Expats in Mexico survey helps further clarify the sentiments of expats, but more importantly, it gives us insight into the concerns that people have after moving internationally.” He added, “This helps us to better serve our future customers. For example, now that we know that transportation and infrastructure are a key concern, we can educate clients on places in Mexico where improvements are being made, like the newly built Maya train.”
Methodology
The survey’s methodology included leveraging multiple sources to target expats living in Mexico, such as Facebook expat group members, ExpatsinMexico.com email subscribers, and various expat groups on social media. A total of nearly 200 respondents participated, and personal information was not collected. The surveyed group was evenly divided by gender, with 51% men and 49% women. The majority of respondents were over the age of 55 and retired or semi-retired, with 81% originating from the United States and 10% from Canada.
In conclusion, the 2023 Expats in Mexico survey offers a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, challenges, and satisfaction levels of expats who have chosen to call Mexico their new home. This data provides invaluable insights for those considering an international move and highlights the enduring appeal of Mexico as a destination for expatriates seeking a fulfilling and enriched lifestyle.
A comprehensive report, conducted in partnership with ExpatsinMexico.com and Far Homes, offers valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of individuals from various countries who have chosen to relocate to Mexico. Notably, 91% of the survey's participants originated from North America, making it a significant indicator of the motivations and challenges expats face in Mexico.
