# Moving to Mexico from the USA

> Relocating to Mexico from the United States — cross-border road-freight costs, transit times, menaje de casa customs and Mexican residency routes.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/mexico
Direction: USA → Mexico
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- Studio: $1,976–$3,120
- 1 bedroom: $3,016–$4,680
- 2 bedrooms: $4,056–$6,500
- 3 bedrooms: $5,980–$9,360
- 20ft container: $3,230–$4,940
- 40ft container: $5,525–$8,450

## Transit times

- Texas border → Mexico City: 3–6 days
- California border → Guadalajara: 3–6 days
- Cross-border (general): 2–5 days

## Customs & import notes

- A menaje de casa (household-goods) permit is applied for at a Mexican consulate in the U.S. before the move.
- It allows a one-time duty-free import of used household goods for new temporary/permanent residents.
- A detailed, itemised inventory (often consular-certified) is required.
- New items, vehicles and restricted goods have separate rules.

## Visa & residency options in Mexico

- Temporary Resident Visa: For those meeting income/savings thresholds; renewable up to four years.
- Permanent Resident Visa: For higher financial thresholds or family ties.
- Work visa: Employer-sponsored residence with work authorisation.
- Visitor options: Short-stay; not a long-term residence route.

## Moving companies serving this route

- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Allied International — Families, Storage options (https://www.allied.com/international-moving)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- Seven Seas Worldwide — Budget, Small moves & students (https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)