Courtesy of the Stones.
- Braelyn and Spencer Stone moved from Houston, Texas, to Mérida, Mexico, in 2022.
- The couple chose the city for its cheaper cost of living, safety, and healthcare.
- They've reduced their debt by living in Mexico but miss their family and friends.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with social-media managers Braelyn, 31, and Spencer Stone, 27, about moving to Mérida, Mexico, in 2022 after becoming unable to afford life in Houston, Texas. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Spencer: In Houston, we basically moved apartment to apartment due to pricing.
Braelyn: Before leaving the city, we were in a 1,015-square-foot apartment that was about seven minutes from downtown. Our rent was $1,740.