What Mexico Actually Is: 130 million people; most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world?

130 million people; most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world

What Mexico Actually Is: Longest-established expat infrastructure in Latin America — Americans retiring here since 1950s?

Longest-established expat infrastructure in Latin America — Americans retiring here since 1950s

Temporary Resident Visa: ~$2,700-3,000/month income or $45-50K savings; 1 year + renewals up to 4 years

Permanent Resident Visa: ~$4,500-5,000/month income or $180-200K savings; no expiration

IMSS public system available to foreign residents at $300-700/year — quality varies by region

Major private hospitals: Hospital ABC, Médica Sur, Hospital ABC, AmeriMed, Hospitén, CMQ

Couple in Mérida/Chapala/Oaxaca: $2,000-3,500/month all-in including housing

Couple in San Miguel/Vallarta/CDMX: $3,000-6,000/month

Restricted Zone (50km coast/100km border): foreigners need fideicomiso (bank trust) — routine and well-tested

Outside restricted zone: foreigners buy directly as fee simple — no restrictions

Mexican tax residents taxed on worldwide income — different from Costa Rica's territorial system

Tax residency triggers at 183+ days/year OR center of vital interests in Mexico

Name: Mexico
Address: Mexico

Honest guide to living in Mexico for foreign buyers — 9 distinct regions from Yucatán to Pacific coast, residency pathways, and trade-offs.