As the cost of living spirals upwards; many are wondering if they can still live the good life here in Merida. In this video, I outline 13-ways you can still find deals and live well.
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@dancechicky20126 ай бұрын
Love it. Never understand people who want to retire to a different country but have all the conveniences of the one they left. 😮. Just stay home. It is such an adventure to experience a new culture
@Survivor2546 ай бұрын
Exactly. I was getting a lot of hate on another thread f9r telling folks to stop forcing their culture into the ones they're visiting. They are literally ruining these beautiful places one at a time.
@bearandrabbit68266 ай бұрын
@@Survivor254Not hating on you. But you must have noticed that it's Mexico that is putting in Americanized stores. Not the tourist. They love the economy boost! Tourism dollars are what's pushing the pesos up. That, and the fact that many companies are moving to Mexico. It's still much cheaper to live here and as long as it is, people will flock.
@tinh_lai_ivietnam52536 ай бұрын
100% agree with you. And that attitude give them a hard time when moving back to The US. It is because when they left America, they make BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that they'll leave this rat hole once for all. After a while they found other PARADISE is not a paradise actually. They think again, put all things on the scale and going home. Just my observation through many KZfaq vids about American living abroad.
@MoveAbroadandThrive2 ай бұрын
Agreed.
@universalsourcecode28 күн бұрын
Some people want the conveniences because they don't want to go to a country and live in lack. Some also have children, why would you settle for a hut, it freaking Mexico, some of the citizens make like 20 per day. Why move to Mexico if you can not live a more comfortable, convenient life. Then you may as well stay in U.S in that case. Yes respect and assimilate to their culture but you can do that with the convenience of a pool, right? 😊
@butywbrainz6 ай бұрын
Thank you for riding the street so that we can see what it really looks like there.
@MoveAbroadandThrive2 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching
@2GringosOnTheGulf6 ай бұрын
Merida is a great city yes. Very Americanized, it's not cheap, it's booming, it's Hot.🔥🥵 As people flock to the area the prices will keep climbing. More traffic more stress on the infrastructure. We were happy to have lived in the area for 2+ years but also happy to be exploring more of Mexico. ❤ God Bless 🙏
@emilystevens63356 ай бұрын
don't let the migrants run you out of your American homeland
@CoachKhara6 ай бұрын
Surprised to hear this. I visited for almost 2 weeks and found it to be very inexpensive. Especially in centro.
@MoveAbroadandThrive3 ай бұрын
You summed it up perfectly!
@2GringosOnTheGulf3 ай бұрын
@@CoachKhara By Mexico standards it's expensive, compared to Canada or the USA no. But not everything is cheaper. Say a BBQ is way more. Luxury items are often more expensive, not always but often.
@sweetandsimple.6 ай бұрын
That neighborhood tour was the realest explanation on the reality of housing in Merida. People really expecting a Beverly Hills experience. Most of Merida looks like Hialeah, Miami no lie. I still love it but I don't think enough videos on Merida show what the actual majority of the city looks like.
@ebonywinn506 ай бұрын
No lie. I live in South Florida and it does give me Hialeah/North Miami vibes
@sweetandsimple.6 ай бұрын
@@ebonywinn50 North Miami vibes 100% lol
@daniellepayne876 ай бұрын
I’m relocating from South FL and part of Merida’s charm for me is the resemblance to parts of Miami
@acajudi1006 ай бұрын
I pay 15k MXN for my beautifully 100% furnished apartment, that includes all utilities, wifi, maid and security in a gated community. It was 14Kmxn when I moved here in 2021 at 79. at 21, I could not take the heat of Merida, and i flew for the first time to get out of there to MXN city and have been flying ever since. The rent is different each month from the last 2 years from $672 usa to $892 this month. Rent is all I pay, but the dollar is losing it against the peso, but still 70% less expensive than the USA. YOU still must be ALERT and ready to defend yourself . I always order groceries for home delivery, Trusted Locals run errands for me. I do speak Spanish since age 14, and several other languages.
@thepassportlife6 ай бұрын
Is the rent a little cheaper in Mexico City? I am 67, retired, thinking of moving to MX later this year.
@marilynpeoples50996 ай бұрын
México City is far more expensive than Meridaa. There was a Merida based KZfaqr , who moved to Mexico City, she said , “ Don’t bring your Merida. budget, to Mexico City.”
@marilynpeoples50996 ай бұрын
Get a translation app. Put in what you want to say in English, the app will translate it. Copy and paste into the text…. No one will know, you don’t speak or understand Spanish.
@CoachKhara6 ай бұрын
@@thepassportlifeMex City is cheaper than a comparable U.S. city, but much more expensive than other parts of Mexico. Your budget and the amenities you want should dictate your decision. Merida is slower and the black expat community there was strong when I went a few years ago. But I love the energy of Mex City. Plus the heat of Merida is a bit much for me because I love doing things outside and it’s unbearable there all year long!
@Survivor2546 ай бұрын
My home is in Caucel. Rent is $9000 MXN on a 12 month lease. Awesome landlord, great neighborhood, and very few foreigners (which was exactly what I wanted). That is 1/3 of my rent cost in the U.S.
@ar68886 ай бұрын
This was the best, most helpful video on Mexico.
@darius59516 ай бұрын
Cartess, it's so good to stumble on your page. You were one of the first KZfaqr's I followed back in the day (your Colombia days). Didn't know you were back doing videos. Glad to see you and the wife together.
@keikofay98046 ай бұрын
Spot on, sir! I can't count how many YT videos I've seen where a surprised foreigner (usually from U.S.) insists on buying their familiar brands and/or uniquely ethnic foods... and then are surprised by the grocery bill! Interesting POV on a person's perception of "desirable" or "beautiful". My husband and I did not dig on that first area you drove through (malls, luxury stores, etc). Never been our thing, and don't think it ever will be. The second neighborhood however, we loved!
@actionvj6 ай бұрын
23:09 “Number 11, I think, if you are trying toooooo… I forgot.” 😂😂 That’s the realism we appreciate Cartess. You could have edited that piece out but you left it in for us.😆 I love those Merida streets!!
@hassavocadoaddictsanonymous6 ай бұрын
Lol he does keep it real, but I also think he hates editing 😂😂
@mikkey85905 ай бұрын
I’m down for living more modestly for cheaper as long as I can get to a grocery store I’m good lol.. great advice and hopefully you’ll be able to help me make the transition soon!
@HM3Corpsman5 ай бұрын
It’s rare you’ll find a food desert. The neighborhood WhatsApp groups have everything you could want & cheaper than uber eats/rappi. Rappi is our Instacart.
@wadatmusik28596 ай бұрын
Super informative as usual Mr. Ross. Thank you.
@dianacook63376 ай бұрын
Learned a bunch of new Tips from you today. Thanks Cartess!
@LivingandenjoyingLifeАй бұрын
Mexico is beautiful, i used to only stay in the tourist area, then i dated a local Mexican woman there, and stayed a lot in her neighborhood. And it open my eyes even more. Everyone in the neighborhood friendly, welcoming. When there's a party, just bring beer and Everyone welcome and it goes all night, until 5 or 6 am. The parties not expensive, because each person's sometimes bring different things. On Sundays was flea market day and the things you get for basically up to 75% off from retail stores. And you see things locals make and their talents and help support the community that way. I stop Walmart, and big chain as much as possible, sometimes i want to taste and cook different, so i can only get it at Walmart or another big chain. Local bakery, a must, fresh bread Daily and like 4 bread for the price of one at Walmart sometimes. Be respectful , try to learn the language, do thing's with the locals. I was paying 4000 pesos a month for a 4 bedroom house, with a pool in a small town one hour from Merida.
@blklex716 ай бұрын
Bruh you went back in the tech bag with the google voice. That’s a good one!
@malikahonthemove6 ай бұрын
The ONE thing I truly feel is the fact that not everyone is leaving the USA and moving here for the cost of living! There are soooo many more benefits to leaving the USA and coming here than money!! If you’re paying less than what you would in the states then you’re automatically winning. Not everyone is escaping financial problems. Cartess, this comment is for your subs not you ☺️.
@CoachKhara6 ай бұрын
This is facts. Great perspective because when I leave the U.S. again cost of living isn’t my number 1. Almost anywhere you go in Latin America it will be cheaper. I want a great quality of life overall. My soul rests easy in Latin America. Mexico and Colombia feel like home to me.
@malikahonthemove6 ай бұрын
@@CoachKhara Yes! Many countries are cheaper but often times great savings that people mistakenly expect aren't possible. Unless you are going to a very poor country with limited resources and poor infrastructure .
@CoachKhara6 ай бұрын
@@malikahonthemove it was true for me though. I lived in Medellin, Colombia and my whole house felt practically free! Had a penthouse apartment for $950 month. Now back in the U.S. paying double that. Not to mention the $4 lunches I miss. No car note or insurance. Just $5 Ubers everywhere. Rainy season was the ONLY thing that sucked
@GodsChild11596 ай бұрын
This is great advice for everyone. I watch your videos to learn about Merida but still unsure. We are leaning towards Rwanda, Africa to move to.
@h.sanchez53476 ай бұрын
yes go somewhere else, the less people coming here the better we will be
@GodsChild11596 ай бұрын
@@h.sanchez5347 Both of us
@TheKwnyc6 ай бұрын
Great and helpful information as always! Thank you.
@LeeVerrill-ym2pt6 ай бұрын
Great video
@sharallmelton6436 ай бұрын
Cartess you da Man(lol) you sure give a lot of very resourceful info; love watching the videos you post so helpful.
@caralatise17066 ай бұрын
Great Job 🎉🎉🎉
@anitamendez1165 ай бұрын
Cost of living is going up all over Mexico and the world. Anyone can find rentals that are more affordable. It’s just a matter of digging deeper in your research, being patient and living more simply. I have lived in Mexico for 2 1/2 years in Cities that have become more expensive and out of my price range, however, I do a lot of research and talking with locals so I am able to live comfortably within my means.
@gretacobb55826 ай бұрын
Great information. Thank you.!
@sexyellex6 ай бұрын
Merida looks nice.
@MoveAbroadandThrive6 ай бұрын
Come check it out :)
@Avanell3 ай бұрын
LOL, I remember my first trip back to the yucatan (from 89 to 09) chili's was the restaurant of the month. I was like...what? Thankfully I discovered la chaya maya when it was just one hole in the wall.
@HerefortheLove2 ай бұрын
I love this story lol
@cindyk30766 ай бұрын
Really good information, Cartess! Common sense things that you listed and the grocery store tips work here in the states as well. Thank you!
@vivianmonteiro81636 ай бұрын
Neighborhoods look just like that. And when you go inside some of those homes they are beautiful.
@MoveAbroadandThrive2 ай бұрын
Amen
@cindybruno27922 ай бұрын
Thank you for the great advice! Love all the information!
@b_rad197423 күн бұрын
Thanks! Really great information 👍
@jackbaldwin36496 ай бұрын
Thank you!! 'Not enough expats to drive costs up' is one of the chief complaints I hear about life in Mexico and it's not true!
@Calipeixegato6 ай бұрын
This is good "real talk" information, for people who want to live there and not just visit. People get caught up in needing to impress everybody and as a result, end up over spending. I did notice the Porsche in that "regular" neighborhood at 03:50, though 🤣 I guess the Mexicans with money have infiltrated the regular folks' neighborhoods too, lol.
@GaryY4 ай бұрын
Moving to get away from ultra capitalist Americans to a place where the same ultra capitalist Americans have moved, and taken over, infusing the local society with ultra, overly excessive capitalism, literally defeats the purpose 😉. I have been to Juarez five times, and it was like night and day compared to anything in the US - far friendlier, welcoming, affordable, relaxing, quiet, peaceful. I am now looking forward to visiting non Ex_Pat areas of Merida soon seeking to find my eventual retirement location. The Mexican people, the culture and traditionalism, it is far superior to anything I have experienced in 52 years living in the Divided States of America. I love the people's simplicity, kindness and absence of extreme social/political divisiveness. See ya soon Merida. ☮
@Uncommon-pixels3 ай бұрын
Absence of political divisiveness? 80 political candidates assassinated before the last elections …
@patsyzepeda93396 ай бұрын
🎉Thanks for sharing information about Mexico 🇲🇽 👍 🎉 great video 📹 👍
@williamtruesdale26656 ай бұрын
Great information brother need to explore this 👍
@erichudgins-om4kj6 ай бұрын
Hurry up and buy your home because people from other countries are fleeing into Mexico, and Merida is growing rapidly prices are Are going up on housing very quickly if you gonna live there, buy a cheap house now when you get your money up, buy your dream home and rent your cheap house out or sell it, never rent long term.
@TECMOBOWLvsRBI6 ай бұрын
I tend to agree with Cartess that expats aren’t the cause of the rise in costs in Merida. Merida is a good sized city. I was all over the city for a week and saw very few gringos (like me).😅. I doubt I saw even a dozen white people on my trip. Especially when dining near centro. I can believe that Mexicans from other areas are moving to Merida in large numbers
@sophiemarcaurele6 ай бұрын
There's about 10k expats in a city of over a million... many of which are economic refugees from up North, so no, they're not impacting much 😊
@marcseghatol65836 ай бұрын
Thanks
@generald.c.20336 ай бұрын
New glasses on point👍
@DenLD3 ай бұрын
Before you move anywhere, understand what makes you happy. In my opinion, the worst reason to move anywhere is just to save money. This is an amazing place to live if you can handle the heat and love the language, history, and culture. Not an easy place to live without speaking Spanish and on a tight budget.
@BPe-ie9je6 ай бұрын
Love your drives around. You have new glasses ? Cost in MX ? did you get eye exam ? cost ? quality ? Thanks for all.
@MC-dd8ls6 ай бұрын
great tips !
@kayeb59536 ай бұрын
👀This is what El Paso TX looks like?!
@dsa25915 ай бұрын
I'm looking for a working class area where I can get a cheap studio.
@southern4comfort6 ай бұрын
So ? it's time in Merida to use the same cost cutting strategies ppl did in the US before thinking about moving to Merida 🤔 Will they have coupon parties in Mexico next? Lol
@lexa_power3 ай бұрын
That’s so much for the info about the in driver app …. That seems like such a good resource and apparently is available in lots of cities / countries
@KLTV26 ай бұрын
Do most Americans that move there work jobs similar to those in the USA?
@rayofsunshine107h6 ай бұрын
Ahhhh i could definitely see where the safety factor can be a draw
@bigbadwolf4446 ай бұрын
I wish there was a website to find roommate match ups to move to mexico. Im a female and need a male roommate. Im scared to come alone
@CoachKhara6 ай бұрын
Why do you need a male roommate? If you are a black female you can easily connect with other solo black females. They’re plentiful. I would encourage you to work on your fears. Fear can cause more problems than anything else. I traveled across Mexico completely solo in 2021. Mindset is everything….
@RoyBoyTv.6 ай бұрын
I definitely agree about roommate matchup! I would love to do this with a fellow traveler while learning the language and exploring!
@lexa_power3 ай бұрын
@@CoachKharacan you recommend how to find other solo female travel buddies? I’d love to meet other women for solo travels.
@CoachKhara3 ай бұрын
@@lexa_power I make connections through FB groups or on the ground when I get somewhere. But I’m also 100% comfortable traveling and being solo.
@marilynpeoples50996 ай бұрын
You can’t control the. exchange rate. My rent at contract signing was $625 US with the exchange rate fluctuations its increased in a months time time is $100 more.
@cassandraandrews66566 ай бұрын
what phone company do you use in Mexico?
@Travelwithcarlos5 ай бұрын
Most phone services from the US work in Mexico. I have T-Mobile works perfect
@cassandraandrews66566 ай бұрын
i'm planning on moving to Merida in a couple of months and one of the reasons I did not want to move out far is that I won't have a car at least in the beginning and some places Uber is spotty at best. also, I understand that, especially if you were in a house more than an apartment when you move further out, you have creepy crawlers that come into the house more often. how can those two obstacles be overcome, especially the transportation issue?
@Mr-lw7gy6 ай бұрын
I don’t know. Merida is so big it isn’t a walkable town IMO unless you live in centro ($$$). We had to get a car for the convience factor. :( For example Las Americas to centro M-F is 40ish minutes one way by car. I would assume longer with public transport. The traffic is getting worse too as Merida is growing rapidly dropping kiddos off to school and pickup is 1hr each. So many new buildings and privadas outside the pereferico. I also saw you made a comment about cell phone. The prepaid cell options are great such as Telcel, Movistar, and ATT. I really liked Telcel except so far they the only offer ESIM for contracts, not prepaid.
@naturallydope2476 ай бұрын
There’s a lot of places you can live that are fine without a car. Uber is consistent in some areas vs others. It depends more what you like and what you need. I live here now.
@sophiemarcaurele6 ай бұрын
There's taxis, DiDi, Indriver, private drivers, collectivos, a good bus system - especially since they launched the nice Va y Ven buses... heck you can even flag down a horse-pulled calesa. There's tons of colonias (neighbourhoods) in Mérida, and many have everything you need within walking distance: a park, a pharmacy, panaderia, fruit/veg store, chicken stand, little local restaurants, an Oxxo, a grocery store like a Soriana... you have to rent in different areas in the beginning, and explore to find the right colonia for you. Delivery services are popular and efficient, too, with most stores having their own. I don't plan on buying a car, perhaps eventually an electric bike with a lock box in the back. As for bugs and creatures, well, Mérida is build in an area of tropical low-growth jungle... you have to make sure to seal around doors and windows, install screens, you can hire someone to fumigate and get a good murderous kitty or two. There's snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, various insects like Bigmac size roaches and of course, mosquitoes which can transmit dengue and other diseases. You basically have to learn to identify them, and what to do if you do get stung or bit. Most local folks live with their windows wide open and adapt, you can to 😊
@elizabethhamilton11662 ай бұрын
Great information but it's congregate not conjugate. You need to conjugate verbs and congregate with friends. But keep up the helpful information. 🎉😊
@lexa_power3 ай бұрын
Merida honestly looks super similar to LA / the San Fernando valley. I feel like you’re driving around Reseda lol. I think only the humidity would be an adjustment for me.
@KontrolledKaoz6 ай бұрын
Mexican economy is STRONG!!!! Thats your answer.
@brinapeep6 ай бұрын
It's about what's behind the Gates. When U get into your Casa. I have seen some nice places on video outside the perimeter . You wanna live like the US..Then stay in the Us! Make sense. What is your quality of life...Do You fear being BLACK in Mexico? I am seriously thinking of coming. I love eating with The Locals when I have lived and vacationed abroad.. Thank You for your videos. Soon to retire!
@rosalindhb6 ай бұрын
It's a no Brainerd anything imported outside the country you live in, you will pay more. I love getting multiple quotes. Because they think you're a foreigner you can pay more. You can get a phone with a dual sim and Google voice.
@universalsourcecode28 күн бұрын
How much for those places versus more modern amenities? I would be visiting for a month or 2 and want more privacy and possible a pool. Do you still offer services where you help find properties?
@Charlesb16 ай бұрын
Merida is cheap a 3 bedroom house in Playas De Tijuana is at least 1200 a month, Merida is super cheap
@davidsebastianelli13266 ай бұрын
A lot of Tijuana housing is geared towards Expats/Immigrants that work in the US and cross the border daily.
@autumngreen606518 күн бұрын
Anywhere close to the ocean is going to be hot and costly. If you go inland like Guadalajara you can live in the city. It pretty and modern and lots to do. You won’t be happy living like that in Merida. Go inland.
@jodibraun63833 ай бұрын
Is the name of the app you're talking about here called "Driver"? Or ____ Driver? It sounds like you're saying "M" driver? I checked the transcript & video description, but couldn't find it.
@MoveAbroadandThrive3 ай бұрын
My baddd ... It's called InDrive
@jodibraun63833 ай бұрын
@@MoveAbroadandThrive Thank you Cartess!
@angelastewart94973 ай бұрын
I’m not with the norm
@thepassportlife6 ай бұрын
How far is Montebello from centro? What would i pay for rent for a 3 bed apt?
@bigbadwolf4446 ай бұрын
The more people keep moving there, the price will increase
@enough14942 ай бұрын
The only way to survive gentrification other areas is to get there first! Otherwise, gentrification means upscale, US, standards and they are expensive!!
@southerngal3452 ай бұрын
Moving and living in Mexico requires 2 uhaul trucks of money.
@sesomnoslen57292 ай бұрын
Not at all.
@michealwilliam70943 ай бұрын
You make it sound like people are living off 2500 a month
@rubywood21872 ай бұрын
You went to a tourist spot.
@MoveAbroadandThrive2 ай бұрын
No doubt.
@patrickprendergast95893 ай бұрын
your video sad that tampons are very cheap there
@THE-BASEMENT6 ай бұрын
The pronunciation is muh-ree-duh. Why do you pronounce it Me-de-duh?
@hassavocadoaddictsanonymous6 ай бұрын
That’s not correct. Or are you just trolling? In case you are not, locals and ex-pats who have been here long enough pronounce it Meh-di-da. ‘R’ sounds in the middle of words are pronounced like ‘d’s’ because in Spanish you roll the r sounds as you speak. The accent is placed over the ‘e’ in Mérida which means that vowel sound is emphasized. If it were pronounced Mer-ee-da as you think it is, Mérida would be written like this: Merída, with the accent over the ‘i’. And that is not the case. I don’t think you live here, but if you doubt what I say, simply ask a local to say the name of this town out loud
@tracymorgan53865 ай бұрын
I think you may have too much time on your hands.
@rennie26116 ай бұрын
Anything that involves people of color the prices goes up.