What is retirement life like in Mexico? The 50-year-old shares her story
Retiring at 50 sounded like a dream, but the rising cost of living in San Francisco made it seem unattainable.
Retiring early in the US seemed too risky, even if I moved to a cheaper city, because the cost of health insurance alone — especially in the event of a serious diagnosis — could quickly eat up my savings.
That's why I expanded my search beyond the country's borders, looking for a place to live that was safe, inspiring and, of course, affordable.
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I still wanted to be able to visit family regularly, so it couldn't be too far from San Francisco.
One day, as I was talking about my frustration with finding the perfect place to retire, a friend recommended Ajijic, Mexico, pointing out its favorable weather, rich culture, and natural beauty. It's also only about a four-hour flight (plus a short commute) from San Francisco.
Although I was concerned about the language barrier – I only know a little Spanish – he assured me that English was widely spoken there.
As I began to research more about Ajijic, I realized that it could be the perfect place for me to retire. It is a popular place for emigrants from the USA, Canada and other countries the Mexican government even gave it the title of “magic city” for its culture, heritage and infrastructure.
So in 2023, I quit my job, packed two suitcases and flew abroad to start the next chapter of my life.
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Living in Ajijic has made me appreciate everything it offers
It didn't take long for this town, situated approx. 1.5 thousand m above sea level with approx. 11 thousand I was completely enchanted by the locals.
Above all The subtropical climate is mild and comfortable most of the year.
The city lies on the picturesque shores of Lake Chapala – Mexico's largest natural lake – and is surrounded by the foothills of the Sierra Madre, a mountain range with many hiking trails.
It's a truly beautiful place – I love watching the sunrise over the lake from my roof, listening to the roosters crowing heralding a new day.
Ajijic is also famous for its cultural life – there are art exhibitions, concerts and festivals throughout the year. My favorite is the pre-Lent carnival, which fills the streets with colorful floats, school orchestras, and men in funny wooden masks dancing in the Sayacos tradition.
There are many restaurants in the town, and in the evenings live music spills out onto the streets, which makes evening walks even more enjoyable.
The lower cost of living made my early retirement comfortable
I usually see that renting a two-room apartment in Ajijic costs around PLN 1,000. hole. per month (approx. PLN 3.6 thousand) – about one third of the prices I saw in San Francisco.
My monthly bills, including internet and phone, dropped from about $350. (approx. PLN 1,260) to USD 110 (approx. PLN 400). Dinner at a good restaurant here costs about $20. (approx. PLN 72) per person, whereas previously I spent about USD 60. (approx. PLN 216) for going to a restaurant in the USA.
Before moving to Ajijic, my biggest concern was access to healthcare. So far I have been reassured by my experience here.
In 2023 in San Francisco, I was quoted $12,000 for two dental implants and a bone graft. hole. (approx. PLN 43.2 thousand) – even with insurance. In Ajijic I paid about PLN 2.6 thousand. hole. (approx. PLN 9,360) without insurance.
A recent ER visit after a fall—which included a consultation, X-ray, and splint—cost me less than $150. (approx. PLN 540). Even with insurance, I would pay at least three times as much for a similar visit in the US.
These savings allow me to live comfortably long before Social Security payments begin.
Financial freedom has allowed me to live a fuller life
I moved to Mexico for financial freedom, but the greater reward was the transformation that came with early retirement.
Having more time, I started gardening and painting garden murals – passions that I had wanted to develop for years.
Since moving to Ajijic, I have completed two novels, started writing film scripts, and won a partial scholarship to a writing workshop in France. I spent two weeks traveling around the French countryside by car – something I never would have expected before.
Inspired by creative energy, I auditioned for a local theater and landed a role in the play. Acting was my childhood passion, and returning to the stage after college revived that dream.
Over the past two years, I've joined an improv group, performed at community events, and even sang with a local band.
Retiring in Mexico did more than stretch my budget for me — surrounded by Ajijic's cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-covered walls, I was encouraged to live a life richer, fuller and full of new possibilities.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
