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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Ajijic 2024
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Cost of Living in Ajijic

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Ajijic helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals Rental prices in Ajijic can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $500 to $700 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can range from $800 to $1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of buying an apartment in Ajijic can also vary greatly. A small one-bedroom apartment can start at around $100,000, while a larger, luxury apartment can cost upwards of $300,000. It's important to note that property prices can fluctuate and may be subject to negotiation.
Transportation Public transportation in Ajijic is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around $0.50, while a monthly pass can cost around $20. Taxis are also affordable, with a start fare of around $2 and an additional $1 per kilometer. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are around $1 per liter.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Ajijic is generally lower than in many Western countries. For example, a liter of milk can cost around $1, a loaf of bread around $2, and a dozen eggs around $1.50. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also quite affordable.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Ajijic can cost around $5 to $10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $30 to $50. A regular cappuccino can cost around $2.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $50 to $100 per month. Internet can cost around $30 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school and the age of the student. Preschool can cost around $200 to $400 per month, while elementary school can cost around $300 to $500 per month. Middle school and high school tuition can range from $400 to $800 per month. These costs can also include additional fees for books, uniforms, and other school supplies.
Please note that these are average costs and actual prices may vary. It's also important to consider other living costs, such as healthcare, entertainment, and personal care items, when calculating the cost of living in Ajijic.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ajijic

"The cost of living in Ajijic is considered to be relatively low compared to many places in the United States and Canada. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside of the city center can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Ajijic are also reasonably priced. Local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy products at lower prices than one might find in a typical North American supermarket. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing significantly less than it would in the U.S. or Canada. Transportation costs are also low in Ajijic. Gasoline prices are cheaper than in many parts of North America, and public transportation is readily available and inexpensive. Healthcare in Ajijic is also quite affordable, with costs for both routine and emergency care significantly lower than in the U.S. Many expatriates living in Ajijic choose to purchase private health insurance, which is also more affordable than similar coverage in the U.S. Overall, the cost of living in Ajijic is one of its major draws for expatriates, with many finding that they can live comfortably on a modest retirement income," said one expat living in Ajijic.

Can I live in Ajijic on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Ajijic for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the U.S., but it's not as cheap as some other parts of Mexico. The key is to live like a local as much as possible. For example, eating out at restaurants can be expensive, especially if you're going to places that cater to tourists or expats. But if you shop at the local markets and cook at home, you can save a lot of money. The same goes for entertainment - going to the movies or bars can add up, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do, like hiking, visiting the local parks, or just enjoying the beautiful weather by the lake. As for housing, it really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a modern, luxury condo with all the amenities, you're going to pay a premium. But if you're willing to live in a more traditional Mexican house, you can find something quite affordable. I live in a two-bedroom house in the village, which is a bit more rustic but still has all the modern conveniences I need, and I pay around $500 a month. There are some neighborhoods that are more expensive than others. For example, La Floresta is a popular area with expats and has a lot of high-end homes, so you might want to avoid that if you're on a tight budget. On the other hand, neighborhoods like San Antonio Tlayacapan or Riberas del Pilar are more affordable and still have a lot to offer. One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare can be a significant expense, especially if you have any chronic conditions. The good news is that healthcare in Mexico is generally much cheaper than in the U.S., and the quality of care is excellent. But it's still something you'll need to budget for. Overall, I'd say that living in Ajijic on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some careful budgeting and a willingness to adapt to a different lifestyle. But in my experience, the benefits of living in this beautiful, friendly community far outweigh the sacrifices," commented an expat living in Ajijic.

Can I live in Ajijic on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Ajijic for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern two-bedroom house in a safe neighborhood for around $800 to $1,000 a month. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable, usually costing around $100 to $150 a month. Groceries are also cheaper, especially if you buy local produce and products. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make. For instance, imported goods, especially electronics and branded clothing, can be quite expensive. So, if you're used to buying the latest gadgets or designer clothes, you might have to cut back on that. Healthcare is also something you need to consider. While healthcare in Mexico is generally cheaper than in the US, it can still be a significant expense, especially if you have any chronic conditions. It's a good idea to get health insurance, which can cost around $200 to $300 a month for a comprehensive plan.In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend looking at properties in La Floresta, Villa Nova, or Chula Vista. These are safe, expat-friendly neighborhoods with modern amenities and a good community vibe. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Riberas del Pilar and San Antonio Tlayacapan can be a bit more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tight budget. Overall, living in Ajijic on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some careful budgeting and potentially making some lifestyle changes. But in return, you get to enjoy a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle in a beautiful, friendly town," said one expat living in Ajijic.

Can I live in Ajijic on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Ajijic for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Ajijic is a popular destination for expats, particularly from the US and Canada, and it's known for its affordable cost of living. The cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all significantly lower than what you'd find in most parts of the US. For example, you can rent a nice two-bedroom house in a good neighborhood for around $800 to $1,000 a month. If you're looking to buy, you can find houses in the $150,000 to $200,000 range. The cost of utilities like electricity, water, and internet is also quite low, usually around $50 to $100 a month. Groceries are also affordable, with fresh produce and local products costing a fraction of what they do in the US. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. The quality of healthcare in Ajijic is excellent, with many English-speaking doctors and modern facilities. A visit to a doctor can cost as little as $30, and even major procedures are significantly cheaper than in the US. As for neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking in areas like La Floresta, Villa Nova, or Chula Vista. These are all safe, expat-friendly neighborhoods with good amenities. I'd avoid the more touristy areas like the Ajijic Plaza, as prices tend to be higher there. Of course, living in a foreign country always involves some sacrifices. You might miss certain products or brands that aren't available here, and while many locals speak English, there can still be language barriers. But overall, I've found that the benefits of living in Ajijic far outweigh the downsides. The weather is fantastic, the local culture is rich and vibrant, and the expat community is welcoming and supportive. So yes, I'd say that living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Ajijic is not only possible, but very achievable," commented an expat living in Ajijic.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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