Why We Chose Mérida, Mexico Over Italy and Costa Rica

When we first started dreaming about leaving the U.S., Mexico wasn’t even on our list. Jeff’s Italian roots made us think about small towns in Tuscany. His love for surfing made Costa Rica sound like a perfect fit. Both places looked amazing in their own ways. But in the end, why we chose Mérida Mexico came down to a mix of culture, affordability, and community that neither Italy nor Costa Rica could match. Looking back, it’s clear why this city has become one of the most popular destinations for people thinking about moving abroad and starting over.  (If you’d rather listen to the whole story, check out our podcast episode, Moving to Mexico: Who We Are & Why We Took the Leap | This Might Be a Bad Idea for all the details!)

Italy: Family Roots and Romantic Dreams

Italy was the obvious first contender. With Jeff’s family roots, it felt like a place where we could instantly connect with the culture. The dream looked like something out of a movie: rolling hills, vineyards, afternoons spent sipping wine in sun-drenched piazzas. Food, family, and tradition are woven into daily life there, and we loved the idea of embracing that rhythm.

But reality looked different. Italy comes with a high cost of living, especially in the regions that attract expats. The bureaucracy is famously slow and complicated, and residency requirements for Americans can take years. For two people who wanted to create a life now, the hurdles felt daunting. Italy might be perfect later in life, but it didn’t fit what we needed at this stage.

Costa Rica: Surfing, Nature, and the “Pura Vida” Lifestyle

Next on the list was Costa Rica. Jeff pictured himself surfing every morning, and we both loved the idea of a life surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. The country’s focus on sustainability and its “Pura Vida” lifestyle were huge draws. Imagine trading traffic jams for jungle hikes and board meetings for beach sunsets—that was tempting.

But once we started looking closer, we saw cracks in the fantasy. Costa Rica is stunning, but the cost of living—especially in beach towns popular with expats—is much higher than you’d expect. Infrastructure and healthcare can be hit-or-miss depending on the region. And while surfing every day sounds like paradise, we also wanted more than just nature. We needed community, culture, and stability alongside adventure.

Why Mérida, Mexico Won Our Hearts

Then came Mexico. At first, it wasn’t even on our radar until cousins who had already moved there told us about Mérida, a city on the Yucatán Peninsula. The more we researched, the more it felt like everything we were searching for.

• Rich Culture & History – Mérida is a city layered with stories. Colonial architecture, Mayan traditions, vibrant markets, and a thriving arts scene made it feel alive in a way we didn’t find elsewhere. It gave us the cultural depth of Italy but with fewer barriers to actually living there.

• Affordability – The cost of living in Mérida is significantly lower than in the U.S., Italy, or Costa Rica. Groceries, dining out, healthcare, and housing are all more affordable, which meant we could stress less about money and focus more on experiences.

• Safety – This was one of our biggest surprises. Despite stereotypes, Mérida is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico and even Latin America. Walking at night, exploring downtown, or just living daily life here feels comfortable and secure.

• Community – From the moment we arrived, the kindness of both locals and fellow expats blew us away. Neighbors welcomed us with open arms, and the expat community is strong without being overwhelming. We felt like we belonged almost instantly.

• Proximity to the U.S. – With aging family members back home, being able to fly back quickly mattered. Mexico made that easy in a way Italy and Costa Rica couldn’t.

What sealed it was how balanced Mérida felt. It had the culture and history we craved from Italy, and it offered natural beauty and outdoor adventures similar to Costa Rica—without the higher costs or the long distances.

Choosing Mexico Over the “Dream Destinations”

In the end, Italy gave us romance and heritage. Costa Rica promised adventure and nature. But Mérida, Mexico offered the full package: a safe, affordable city with rich culture, warm people, and easy access to the U.S. It felt less like a vacation spot and more like a place we could truly call home.

For us, moving to Mérida wasn’t just about affordability or safety—it was about finding a place where we could slow down, connect, and actually enjoy life. We traded the dream of vineyards and surfboards for something that fit us better. And honestly? It’s been the best decision we could have made.

💡 If you’re researching expat life in Mexico, cost of living in Mérida, or whether Mexico is a good place to live, we hope our story gives you a real perspective. It might not be everyone’s path, but for us, Mexico wasn’t just the right choice—it was the perfect one.