Moved From US to Mexico at 50; Life Is Cheaper, Got to Retire Early

Retiring at 50 sounded dreamy, but the rising costs of living in San Francisco made that seem unattainable.

Early retirement in the US felt like too risky of a move, even if I moved to a more affordable city since health-insurance costs alone — especially if I faced a serious diagnosis — could quickly eat up my savings.

So I expanded my research overseas, looking for a place to life that would feel safe, inspiring, and, of course, affordable. I still wanted to be able to visit my family regularly, so it also couldn’t be too far from San Francisco.

One day, as I described my frustration in finding the perfect place to retire, a friend recommended Ajijic, Mexico, citing its favorable weather, rich culture, and natural beauty. It’s also just a four-hour flight (plus a short drive) from San Francisco.

Though I was concerned about the language barrier — I speak only a little Spanish — he assured me that English was widely spoken there.

As I looked more into Ajijic, I realized it could be an ideal place for me to retire. It’s a popular spot for expats from the US, Canada, and beyond and the Mexican government even designated it a “magic town” because of its high marks regarding culture, heritage, and infrastructure.

So, in 2023, I quit my job, packed two suitcases, and flew across the border to start the next chapter of my life.

Living in Ajijic makes me appreciate all it offers

It didn’t take long for this lakeside town 5,000 feet above sea level with a population of about 11,000 people to win me over. For starters, its subtropical climate stays mild and comfortable most of the year.

The town sits on the dreamy shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest natural lake. It’s also surrounded by the foothills of the Sierra Madre, a mountain range full of hiking trails.

It’s truly a beautiful place, and I love watching the sunrise over the lake from my rooftop, listening to roosters announce the new day.

Ajijic is also famous for its cultural activities — there are art shows, concerts, and festivals all year round. My favorite, the carnival before Lent, fills the streets with colorful floats, school bands, and men in funny wooden masks dancing in the tradition of the Sayacos.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in town and, at night, live music spills into the streets, making evening strolls all the more delightful.

Having a lower cost of living has made my early retirement comfortable

Generally, I’ve seen two-bedroom rentals in Ajijic cost about $1,000 a month — about a third of the prices I’d been finding in San Francisco.

My monthly utility costs, including internet and phone, dropped from about $350 to $110. Dinner at a decent restaurant is about $20 per person here, whereas I used to spend about $60 dining out back home.

Before moving to Ajijic, my biggest worry was healthcare access. So far, my experiences here have put my mind at ease.

In 2023, I was quoted $12,000 for two tooth implants and a bone graft in San Francisco, even with insurance coverage. In Ajijic, I paid about $2,600 without insurance.

Here, a semi-recent trip to the emergency room for a fall, including a consultation, X-ray, and a splint, cost me less than $150. Even with insurance, I’d expect to pay at least triple that amount for a similar visit back home.

Thanks to savings such as these, I’m living comfortably long before Social Security kicks in.

Financial freedom has allowed me to pursue a fuller life

I moved to Mexico for financial freedom, but the bigger reward has been the reinvention that’s come with retiring early here.

With more time on my hands, I began gardening and painting murals in my backyard — hobbies I’d wanted to explore for years.

Since moving to Ajijic, I’ve finished writing two novels, started screenwriting, and even won a partial scholarship to a writers’ retreat in France. I spent two weeks driving through the French countryside, something I’d never imagined.

Inspired by the creative drive, I auditioned at a local theater and was cast in a play. Acting had been my childhood passion, and returning to the stage after college brought that dream back to life.

Over the past two years, I’ve joined an improv troupe, performed at community events, and even sung with a local band.

Retiring in Mexico has done more than stretch my budget — surrounded by Ajijic’s cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-draped walls, I’ve been pushed to live a richer life with even more possibilities.