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Moving to Mexico City

Costs, Checklists, and Tips

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Do you want to move to Mexico City? Whether it’s for the beautiful weather, amazing food or culture Mexico City has it all. Check out our guide where we will cover costs, checklists, and tips you’ll need to move to Mexico City.

Move to Mexico City Costs

On average you can expect to pay $2750 – 5500. Depending on whether you’re moving from the West or East coast of the USA the costs will differ. Since you are leaving the USA, it will take 2 weeks to a month for your belongings to arrive.

West Coast 20ft40ft
Full Container Load (FCL)$2200 – 3000$4000 – 5500
Less Than Container Load (LCL)$1000 – 1800$2200 – 3500
East Coast 20ft40ft
Full Container Load (FCL)$2500 – 3500$4500 – 6500
Less Than Container Load (LCL)$1200 – 2000$2500 – 4000

Moving Companies to Mexico

We know that moving can be a stressful and costly experience. Check out our top two international movers to Mexico. By requesting 5 free quotes you’ll be able to compare costs and find the best international mover for your needs.

1. SDC International Shipping

SDC International Shipping is an international shipping company providing stress free global moving with rapid response times and competitive pricing for Americans moving to Mexico City.

Services provided:

  • National & International moving
  • Excess baggage
  • Car and Vehicle transport
  • Piano transport
  • Art transport

Pros

 Packing of furniture
 Efficient
 Communication

Cons

 Planning

2. International Movers Network LLC

International Movers Network LLC is a New York based moving company that specializes in door to door moving services ready to help you move to Mexico.

Services Provided:

  • National & International Removals
  • Car & Vehicle transport

Pros

 Price
 Professional
 Communication

Cons

 Communication

Living In Mexico City

Living in Mexico City can be a lot cheaper than most US cities while offering all the comforts that you’re used to.

Cost of living in Mexico City

Moving to Mexico City offers a much more affordable cost of living compared to the USA. Let’s take a deeper look into New York VS Mexico City to compare cost of living.

Cost CategoryNew York NYMexico City MX% DifferenceDescription
Monthly Transit Pass$130.43$20.74-84.1%Monthly Pass
Utilities$174.79$51.89-70.3%915 sq ft apartment per month
Meal$25$8.7-62.5%Inexpensive meal at a restaurant
1 Bedroom Apartment$4063$917-77.4%1 bedroom city centre

Housing in Mexico City

If you’re wondering what the average rent in Mexico City is check the table below for a rough estimation.

Apartment Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment (City Center)$600 – 1000
2 Bedroom Apartment (City Center$900 – 1500
3 Bedroom Apartment (City Center)$1200 – 2000
Single Family Home (City Center)$1500 – 3000

Where to live in Mexico City

We know that safety might be on your mind, and we’ve got you covered. These are the best neighbourhoods to live in Mexico City. These neighbourhoods also have some of the highest numbers for Americans living in Mexico City.

  • El Centro: The historic heart of Mexico City, El Centro is a bustling district featuring iconic landmarks, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life.
  • Polanco: An upscale neighbourhood renowned for its luxury boutiques, fine dining, and cultural attractions, combining modern elegance with historical charm.
  • Juarez, San Rafael & Narvarte: A diverse area encompassing Juarez’s commercial hub, San Rafael’s artistic scene, and Narvarte’s local charm, creating a dynamic mix of culture and commerce.
  • Roma Norte & Roma Sur: The Roma districts are trendy and bohemian, characterized by tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere, attracting a creative and cosmopolitan crowd.
  • La Condesa: A hip and leafy neighbourhood known for its parks, Art Deco architecture, and a lively cultural scene, offering a blend of residential tranquillity and trendy hotspots.

Moving to Mexico City Checklist

Moving to Mexico offers a lower cost of living with some amazing weather, culture, and food. However, we know that you might want some more practical information before you move to Mexico City.

Visas in Mexico

Before you move to Mexico City, you’ll need to make sure you get a visa. Below you’ll find the most common visas in Mexico.

Visa Type Description
Temporary Resident VisaIdeal for individuals planning an extended stay, valid for up to 4 years.
Permanent Resident VisaFor those intending to live in Mexico on a long-term or permanent basis.
Work Visa (Employment)Necessary for individuals seeking employment in Mexico.
Student VisaFor Americans enrolled in educational institutions in Mexico.
Family ReunificationAllows family members to join a resident in Mexico.
Retirement VisaSpecifically designed for retirees meeting certain criteria.

Visa Requirements in Mexico

When moving to Mexico there are some visa requirements that must be followed.

  • Visa Application document
  • Valid passport/identity card
  • Photograph
  • Document that proves financial solvency
  • Document that proves legal stay

When moving to Mexico there are 4 financial qualification criteria that prove your financial solvency. You must meet 1 of the 4. For a temporary resident visa, you need to have an overall balance of $45,000 over the last 12 months or pay stubs for the last 6 months with over $3000 each month.

If you are looking for a temporary visa in Mexico, you can also use a capital investment into a Mexican company on the Mexican stock exchange. You will need to invest a total of $220,000. Another method for acquiring a temporary visa is if you have a home in Mexico. The value of the home must be at a minimum of $440,000.

For a permanent resident visa, you’ll need to have an overall balance of $180,000 over the last 12 months or pay stubs for the last 6 months over $4700. For more detail check this guide.

✍️ Check out Mexico’s page on Immigration, Visas and stays in Mexico

Banking in Mexico

Tax

The next thing you’ll want to do is set up your finances in Mexico City. For Americans Living in Mexico City, you’ll need to make sure you have gotten your RFC (Mexican tax ID number). Check out this guide on acquiring your RFC.

Banks in Mexico City

Another important step is getting a new bank in Mexico City. Below are the top 5 Mexican Banks for Americans living in Mexico City.

Money Transfer to Mexico

Before you move to Mexico you might want to consider transferring your USD into Mexican Dollar. This will not only help you save on those pesky transfer fees.

Healthcare in Mexico

For many of the expats in Mexico City and Americans living in Mexico City getting healthcare is essential for a smooth move to Mexico City. For anyone living in Mexico the main healthcare will be the IMSS (Mexican Institute of Social Security). We’ve compiled the key information to make it easy for you to get healthcare in Mexico City.

  • A copy of either your Permanent Residency or Temporary Residency visa;
  • Two copies of your passport and immigration documentation;
  • Three passport-sized photos;
  • Two copies of a recent utility/telephone bill or a lease agreement displaying your full name;
  • If applicable, two copies of your marriage license.
: You will need to pay a yearly fee for the IMSS of MEX$ 1000 – 3000

Jobs in Mexico City

Mexico City has become a hub for people getting away and working online or offline. Here are some helpful places to find jobs in Mexico City for English speakers.

Language

If you are planning on moving to Mexico for a while, then learning Spanish can really enhance and make your life easier. Check out the best websites for learning Spanish online. But don’t worry getting around speaking English in Mexico City also works as its learnt in school from a young age.

Education in Mexico City

If you’re moving to Mexico City with kids, then finding the right international school in Mexico City will be a priority. Check out this list of the top international schools in Mexico City.

: Ensure adequate time to find and register for a school as spots will be limited

Moving to Mexico City

We hope that this article sheds some light on moving to Mexico City. Feel free to come back and use this guide when you’re moving. If you’re still curious to learn more check out the articles, we’ve handpicked for you below. We wish you luck in your move to Mexico City.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mexico City a good place to move to?

How much money do I need to move to Mexico City?

Is it hard for an American to move to Mexico?

Where do most American expats live in Mexico City?