Dream Baja Realty Coffee on the Sea of Cortez

Can’t Afford to Retire in the U.S.? Here’s the Secret Thousands Are Using

May 28, 20254 min read

🌴 How Much Does It Really Cost to Retire in America?

And why more Americans are choosing La Paz, Mexico instead.

La Paz Malecon Sunset Dream Baja Realty

TL;DR:

  • Even in the “cheapest” U.S. states, you’ll need $700,000+ saved to retire comfortably.

  • The average American near retirement only has $134,000 saved.

  • Popular U.S. retirement havens like Florida or Arizona cost a fortune.

  • In La Paz, Mexico, you can live a vibrant, oceanfront lifestyle on just your Social Security.

  • Dream Baja Realty is helping retirees turn their savings into the retirement they actually want.

The Shocking Reality of Retiring in the U.S.

Ask yourself: Do I actually know how much I need to retire?

It’s one of those questions financial experts love to throw around, usually followed by eye-watering numbers. And rightly so—study after study shows that one of Americans’ biggest fears is not having enough money to retire.

Because let’s be honest: retirement in the U.S. is expensive.

Not just in New York or California—everywhere.

In fact, a 2019 GOBankingRates study calculated that to retire even in the least expensive state in the USA (Mississippi), you’d need nearly $700,000 saved. Want to move somewhere warmer like Florida or Arizona? You’re looking at $850,000 or more.

And what does the average household aged 55–64 have saved?

Just $134,000.

Let that sink in. Even if you downsized, clipped coupons, and moved to the most “affordable” state in the U.S., you’d still fall dangerously short.

But What If Retirement Didn’t Mean Sacrifice?

Now, let’s flip the script.

What if you could retire by the sea, breathe clean air, eat fresh food, receive private healthcare, and finally enjoy your days—without worrying if your money will last?

That’s exactly what retirees are discovering in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Why La Paz, Mexico Is the Retirement Secret More Americans Are Discovering

La Paz isn’t just another beach town. It’s one of the safest, cleanest, and most charming coastal cities in Mexico. Nestled along the Sea of Cortez, La Paz offers:

✅ Ocean-view living at a fraction of U.S. costs

✅ High-quality, affordable healthcare

✅ Fresh markets, walkable neighborhoods, and sunshine year-round

✅ A growing community of American and Canadian retirees

✅ World-class activities like boating, hiking, fishing, and more

And yes—you can live here comfortably on your Social Security check alone.

Many of our clients at Dream Baja Realty do.

Dream Baja Realty Happy Relocation Clients

Compare the Math: U.S. vs. La Paz

Let’s say you receive the average Social Security check of $1843/month (2024 data). Here’s what that gets you:

Location Monthly Living Costs Lifestyle Quality Savings Needed

Jackson, MS $4,300+ Basic $700,000+

Florida. $4,800+ Moderate $850,000+

La Paz, BCS 🇲🇽 $1,600–$2,200 Exceptional As low as $0 additional

You read that right:You could live oceanfront in La Paz, enjoy daily fresh seafood, walk along the Malecón, and even afford private healthcare—all while spending 50–70% less than in the U.S.

Don’t Let Your Nest Egg Define Your Retirement

Here’s the truth: Most Americans can’t afford to retire the way they imagined—if they stay in the U.S. But by looking beyond the border, you open a world of possibilities. La Paz offers a retirement lifestyle that’s not just cheaper—it’s better.


Why Work with Dream Baja Realty?

At Dream Baja Realty, we specialize in helping retirees like you make the move with confidence. From finding the perfect turnkey home to walking you through the buying and visa process, we’re your partners every step of the way.

We’ve helped hundreds of Americans and Canadians discover what’s possible when you stop compromising and start dreaming.

🌊Your next chapter doesn’t have to feel like downsizing.

It can feel like an upgrade.


Ready to Explore What Retirement Could Really Look Like?

📘 Download our free book: [The Ultimate Guide to Relocating to Mexico]

💬 Book a call with a Dream Baja Relocation Specialist

🏡 Browse oceanview homes starting at just $160,000 USD


Because you didn’t work your whole life just to get by.

You deserve to thrive.

Dream Baja Realty

We make your Baja dreams come true.

All our resources are FREE, including webinars, books, guides, and more: https://dreambajarealty.com/dbr-resources

Dream Baja Realty

_________________

Ian Wilson is the Broker/Owner of Dream Baja Realty in La Paz, BCS, Mexico and specializes in helping foreigners relocate to and buy their dream home in La Paz, BCS Mexico and the surrounding areas.

CONTACT ME:

Call / Text / Whatsapp: 305.215.4305

Email: [email protected]

www.dreambajarealty.com

All our social channels here: https://socials.dreambajarealty.com/dbr-socials

#MoveToMexico #MexicoResidency #ExpatsInMexico #LifeInMexico #MexicoRelocation #RetireInMexico #LaPazBCS #RealEstateMexico

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