Minimum amount of money needed?

[synthia]

What is the minimum amount I would need to just get by in Chapala or in Cozumel?

[RVGRINGO]

In order to obtain and maintain an FM3 visa to reside in Mexico, you will need to establish independent income of approximately $1200 per month per person from retirement sources or investments. This amount may be reduced by approximatly half if you own a residence in Mexico. That amount can also increase slightly each year.

[synthia]

OK, I'd qualify, but not by much. I could live on that, I guess?

[sparks]

If you don't eat out every night - yes. My rent is $400 (3 bdrm-2bath), phone and Internet $45, SKY Sat TV is $35, gas (for the house) $25, electricity is expensive but usage depends on where you live. Food is cheap

[synthia]

So if I were somewhere hot I would spend a lot on air-conditioning, or do you mean the rates are vastly different in different parts of the country?

[RVGRINGO]

Correct on both counts: If you live in a place which needs no AC, the electric utility, CFE, will have a three tier billing system. You will be allowed a minimal amount at a very basic rate, less than the cost of production and, therefore, subsidized. The next tier will cost about twice as much per KwH to encourage you to use less electricity. Then comes what I call the 'punishment rate' at the third tier; the DAK or 'high consumption' rate which is very expensive per KwH; more than most want to pay.
If you live in a hot and humid area, the initial tier may allow for a bit more consumption; like having one small AC unit in a bedroom and using it only at night. A fully air conditioned home just isn't common; even luxury homes often have small, mini-split units in various parts of the house so that they can be closed off and turned on or off selectively. Such places are for rich retirees who can escape to other, cooler parts of the country in the hot season.

[synthia]

I'm far from being rich, but I'm hoping to be able to travel part of the year, in my typical backpacker style. That's one of the reason a cheap apartment appeals, because I could then, I suppose, just lock it up and go traveling without it being a big drain on my resources.

[sparks]

I have a friend with a small apartment over looking the beach who is now wandering around the highlands for a few months. He's avoiding the heat and summer vacation crowds. Landlord let him pay half price over the months he's gone - pretty cool. He pays $200us normally BTW

I was going to go with him but he left while I was Seattle

[synthia]

And where is this beach? That sounds pretty good.

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

I'm just curious. In a sunny climate like Mexico, would an investment in a solar-powered home be better than the electricity charges? 'Scuse me if I sound ignorant. A friend of mine powers his home entirely from solar energy and he lives in Massachuessetts. I wouldn't have the first clue how to do this myself and can't even imagine it powering our computers, but he says it does just that.