Tourist Town, but Not a Tourist Town

While Mérida definitely has hundreds of things to do and see, both in the city itself and in the surrounding area, it cannot be termed just a tourist town. Situated 40 minutes away from the closest beach, it is not the first place many tourists from colder northern climes first think of to visit when going to Mexico. While the lack of a beach might seem like a detriment to some, many see it as a boon, as Mérida does not get overrun with tourists. This is a real city with economic foundations and people who make their living off of something other than tourism, so there is a greater feeling of permanence and stability.

Curious About The Gulf Of Mexico Beaches Near Merida?

Merida Mexico beaches are on the Gulf of Mexico!  known as the Costa Esmeralda (Emerald Coast), for its emerald colored water. While right next to the Mexican Caribbean beaches about a 3 hour drive by car although there are daily tour buses coming and going for a low fair (all in Quintana Roo state; next to Yucatan state) are considered the best Mexico beaches, Yucatan beaches have a charm all their own. If you’re looking for quieter beaches. As Merida’s just 30 miles inland, you have access to great beaches via car or bus, Progreso is the closest beach to Merida, then Celestun, home to thousands of Yucatan flamingos, and a local favorite Merida Mexico beach, San Cristano. There is 200 miles of beaches to discover in Yucatan, so have fun!

Low Cost of Living

Mexico has a much lower cost of living than the United States, Canada, and Europe—at least half the cost in many places, if not lower. Without rent, an individual can live on around $500 a month in Mérida. Rent might pop that up to $1000 or $1500, depending on your digs. However, without question, the cost of utilities, food, and entertainment is much more affordable in Mexico.

You Can Have An Entire Staff For Next To Nothing

Need a personal drive? Personal chef? Someone to do your laundry and run your errands? A gardener and person to clean your pool? In the states, you’d have to be moving on up to the East side to enjoy such luxuries, but in Mexico, this is everyday living at what many consider an incredibly affordable price. Imagine having a personal chef prepare lunch and dinner for 7 days for a family of 4 for around $72/week. I’ve spent more than that for a dinner of one.

Healthcare Is Super Affordable

How is the healthcare system in Mexico? It’s super affordable, that’s how it is. I always recommend having travel and medical insurance while traveling (I use SafetyWing for $40/month); however, even if you don’t, the out of pocket costs are far more manageable than the U.S. For example, my friend severed a piece of her finger, had hand surgery to reattach it and only paid around $250USD…for surgery! You can’t even go to the emergency room without paying a co-pay of $250, let alone an entire surgery. That would easily cost thousands of dollars in the U.S. Most medications you can buy over the counter in Mexico and they are 30-60% cheaper than in the U.S. On top of that, on Monday’s Farmacia Similares gives a 25% discount on all medications; so, your already cheap meds, just got even cheaper. Winning! Also, lots of pharmacies has a doctor’s office attached to it, AND IT’S FREE! No co-pay, no fees, no nothing. Tips are always welcomed, but not required. If you want affordable healthcare and an affordable cost of living, you may want to consider Mexico.

Safety

As poverty grows and drug trafficking blights regions, Mérida has remained remarkably free of these scourges, and in fact, is known as the safest large city in Mexico. In all of North America, Mérida is only superseded by Quebec City in Canada as being a safe place to live.