Thinking about moving to Mexico? Or maybe you’re just curious about what life is really like beyond those dreamy vacation photos? I get it. When I made the leap and moved to Mérida, Mexico, I had a lot of the same questions — and some nerves, too. That’s why I sat down with my friend Roshida, from Shida’s On The Loose, to have a real, no-fluff chat about my experience living in Mexico. We covered everything from daily life to the cost of living, and let me tell you — it was eye-opening.
If you’ve ever thought about living abroad or you’re just curious about life in Mérida, this video is for you. You can watch our full conversation here.
What You Can Expect Living in Mérida, Mexico
When I first moved to Mérida, I was honestly surprised by how much my monthly expenses dropped. We’re talking about saving nearly $1,800 a month compared to my life in the U.S. That alone was a huge deal! But beyond the money, it was the lifestyle shift that really stood out.
One thing Roshida and I talked about in the video is how safe Mérida feels. It’s often ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico, and I felt that from day one. Walking around at night? No problem. Taking an Uber an hour away? Easy and affordable. That peace of mind made such a difference in my day-to-day life.
Speaking of affordability, we got into the real numbers in the video. Rent, utilities, groceries, dining out — everything is so much more budget-friendly. I was living in a comfortable apartment in the center of town for a fraction of what I’d pay back home. And don’t even get me started on the food! Fresh fruits, panuchos on every corner, and meals that won’t break the bank.
But, like any move, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Adjusting to a slower pace of life took time. Things like setting up internet or getting a plumber could test your patience. That’s something Roshida and I laughed about in the video because we’ve both been there. If you’re planning a move, patience and flexibility are key.
Community is another big part of the Mérida experience. Whether you’re looking to connect with other expats or immerse yourself in the local culture, there’s a place for you. I found an incredible community that made me feel at home, and we talked about how important that support system is when you’re starting fresh in a new country.
So, if you’re curious about moving to Mexico or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what life in Mérida is really like, check out my conversation with Roshida. We kept it real, shared the highs and the hiccups, and gave you everything we wish we knew before making the move.
Click below to watch the full video
Got questions about life in Mérida? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to chat!
Other posts that might be helpful
- How to find an apartment or home in Mérida, Mexico
- Don’t travel to Mexico without downloading these apps first
- The best co-working spaces in Mérida, Mexico
PLANNING YOUR MOVE TO MÉRIDA, MEXICO?
- MexitPlans has an entire course that lays out everything you need to know about moving to Mexico. You can take the full course or month-by-month.
- Bundle and save on your flight & hotel with Expedia
- Use code WORLDOFAWANDERER and save 5% on select Expedia hotel bookings when you book by August 2025 and travel by August 2026. Terms apply.
- Book your temporary accommodations with Vrbo or Hotels.com and earn OneKeyCash with every stay!
- Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing. You never know when you might need it. Lost luggage, trip cancellation, accidents. Better to be safe than sorry.
- Don’t forget these packing essentials