The minimum monthly income required to move to Mexico has been going up and up. It is currently $2500, and is dependent on what consulate you go to. Some require as much as $3600.

If you are a couple, the additional spouse would need $800 to $1060, depending on the consulate. Maybe that is the number you are seeing?

Alternatively, you can have approximately $55,000 in savings. This number also varies by consulate. So, if you have that, or the equivalent assets you can liquidate, you won’t need the higher income.

My husband and I are planning on retiring there in a few years, so we’ve done our research. I recommend looking up Mexico Relocation Guide on YouTube, and watching the latest videos Mariana has on minimum requirements for temporary residency. She keeps the information really up to date.

Note: the requirements for temporary residency are lower than for permanent residency, and you can be automatically elegible for permanent after four years of temporary

Just an aside—my daughter did her undergrad in the CSU system, and her grant money covered tuition, books, and gas for commuting. She lived at home.

It can be done here with little to no money or debt.