Moving to Ajijic

A step-by-step guide for people who actually plan to stay in Ajijic, Mexico. Not a vacation itinerary.

Monthly cost

$1,278

solo, city centre

Livability

50/100

decent

Safety

25/100

Do your homework

PR timeline

4 yrs

citizenship: 5y

How to move to Ajijic

Visas, residency, and the paperwork you can't avoid

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa

Some paperwork

Duration: 1–4 years

Proof of income ≥ ~$4,400/mo (or ~$74k savings). Apply at Mexican consulate in your home country.

Visa difficulty by nationality

EUmoderate

GBeasy

RUmoderate

UAmoderate

USmoderate

4 years

to permanent residency

5 years

to citizenship

⚠️ Requires basic Spanish and a Mexican history & civics test.

Work permit accessibility: moderate

What it costs to move to Ajijic

First-month sticker shock, decoded

Day-one setup cost

First month's rent$879

Security deposit(1 month)$879

Agency fee$879

Furniture & setup$750

Total to move in$3,387

$879

1-bed, city centre / mo

Cheaper than 77% of 124 cities

$1,556

3-bed, city centre / mo

Monthly burn (solo)

$1,278/mo

Rent + groceries + transport + utilities. No avocado toast budget.

First month in Ajijic

The to-do list nobody gives you at the airport

☐
Apply for Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
1–4 years. Proof of income ≥ ~$4,400/mo (or ~$74k savings). Apply at Mexican consulate in your home country.
☐
Open a local bank account
Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or prepare for mime-based banking
☐
Get a local SIM card
~$15/mo for 10GB+
☐
Find an apartment
Budget $879/mo for a 1-bed in the centre
☐
Have $3,387 ready for move-in costs
First month + 1mo deposit + furniture
☐
Register with local authorities
Most countries require address registration within 30 days
☐
Get health insurance
Private insurance ~$120/mo until residency kicks in
☐
Start learning basic Spanish
Not optional. Download Duolingo before the plane lands

Language in Ajijic

Can you order coffee without pointing?

Spanish

primary language

Very Low

English proficiency

English proficiency is very low. Learning at least basic Spanish isn't optional — it's survival.

Will the government leave you alone?

Democracy, freedom, and regime vibes

5.3/10

democracy index (EIU)

⚠️ Hybrid regime

regime type

#135 of 163

Global Peace Index (lower = more peaceful)

Travel advisory: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution

FCDO advises against travel to some regions.

Is Ajijic safe?

Crime stats for people who read footnotes

🚨

Do your homework

24.9

homicides per 100k

Weather in Ajijic

What the thermometer actually says

26°C

summer highs

12°C

winter lows

If you get sick

Healthcare access for new arrivals

System: Residents can buy into IMSS, but many retirees still keep private hospital access for anything time-sensitive.

Before residency: Before you hold resident status, treat Ajijic as a private-pay or private-insurance market. IMSS access comes after legal residency and enrollment. (private insurance ~$120/mo)

Specialist wait time: Fast privately, variable in IMSS