As housing costs continue to rise in San Diego and its surrounding areas, an increasing number of Americans are finding Tijuana to be a more affordable and appealing option. This Mexican city offers residents a great quality of life at a fraction of the cost of living in California. In addition, Tijuana is just a short drive from San Diego, making it a convenient place to call home for those who work or study in the area. Around 90,000 individuals cross the border to San Diego for work each day. The reason why so many Americans have chosen to reside in Tijuana is because of the close proximity to home.
The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego is $1,800 and for a two-bedroom apartment, it’s $2,300. These amounts are difficult for many when you factor in the expensive cost of living in the city.
It is very difficult to live in San Diego if you only make minimum wage, or if your only income comes from driving for Uber or other similar companies. The high cost of living in San Diego has driven many people to move to Tijuana in the last 5 years. Tijuana is a much cheaper place to live, and it is still close enough to San Diego that people can commute there for work or school.
In Tijuana, there are plenty of affordable housing options that can meet all of your needs. Additionally, as a border city, TJ is great for online businesses. You can easily find employees who speak English, which can be a big help.
The cost of apartments in Tijuana varies depending on the location and amenities, but can be as low as $400 or as high as $1000 per month. The most expensive apartments are located in the most desirable areas of the city and often include features such as parking and 24-hour security.
Many tech entrepreneurs that relocate from San Diego to Tijuana set up shop on Revolution and lease at Eazy Living. Many businesses have apartments here at about $900 per month including utilities, 24-hour security, and internet.
To provide some context, a two-bedroom apartment in Mission Valley would cost a renter $2,600 a month, not including any additional amenities. For many people, this price is simply too high to afford given the current state of the economy. In La Cacho and the surrounding area, which are great gastronomic zones in the city, there are two-bedroom apartments available for only $800 a month.
You also have to take into consideration that the dollar has been on the rise and its value in Mexico is very high. Meaning that groceries such as maize, beans, rice, eggs, and meat will be much more accessible than in the United States. In addition, gasoline will be cheaper to purchase in Mexico than in the U.S.
When you rent in Tijuana as an American, you stand to save a great deal of money each month. In fact, you can expect to live quite comfortably and luxuriously for a fraction of the cost you would in San Diego. From dining at the best restaurants and bars to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer, Tijuana is an affordable and fun place to call home.
The commute to San Diego is also very easy and practical. There are several ways an American can travel from Tijuana to their job in San Diego without hassle. For example, they can take the trolley, which runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes the rest of the day. As I said above, about 90,000 are doing this each day.
One way to travel to your job is to walk across the border into the United States and take the trolley to your job. This is ideal for those who work downtown, but it will also reach Mission Valley and all the way out to San Diego State University. The trolley is a cheap and easy way to get around if you are working in one of these areas, and it is also a great way to see some of the city if you are new to the area.
Another way to get to your job while living in Tijuana, if you are commuting from the US, is by crossing the border by car. The line for crossing the border can sometimes be extreme, but this can be avoided by obtaining a SENTRI CARD. The SENTRI CARD is a card that allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to use an express lane to cross the border.
The SENTRI CARD is a document that allows any approved individual to cross into the United States in a much faster and more selective line. This card is very beneficial for those who commute between the U.S. and Mexico for work or pleasure as it significantly decreases wait times. All applicants must undergo a thorough background check which includes checks against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist databases. In addition, all applicants must complete a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check. The final step in the process is a personal interview with a CBP officer.
Applying for SENTRI CARD
You can apply for the Sentri program online, by mail, or in person at a designated enrollment center.
STEP 1: The SENTRI application can be downloaded by clicking on the “Download Application” button. Once the form is completed, it can be saved.
STEP 2: Complete the SENTRI form and include supporting documents such as a driver’s license, passport, and permanent resident card (if applicable). Send this information to us via email or fax. The email address is info@immigrationvisaforms.com and our fax number is 1-877-770-7096.
STEP 3: Click on the blue payment button to finish the IVT service fee through PayPal.
STEP 4: Upon receiving your SENTRI application form and payment, your information and documents will be reviewed carefully and submitted to the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency for background checks and law enforcement purposes. It may take up to three months to receive a decision on your eligibility for the Trusted Traveler Program. Once you have received a decision, you must schedule and attend a mandatory interview in order to finish the process.
STEP 5: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency will be in touch with you to set up an interview once your Trusted Traveler profile is complete. If your application is conditionally approved, you can check for status changes and set up an appointment for an interview with the agency.
If you don’t qualify for Sentri, you can reduce the time you spend waiting in line by using a passport card. Applying for a US passport will also get you a book and a card. The card is however only valid at land crossings. From my experience, it usually takes around 20 minutes to drive into the US when using this card.
Long-Term Visa for Living in Tijuana
If you’re planning on living in Tijuana for an extended period of time, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit. This will allow you to stay in the city for up to four years, and potentially renew your permit after that. Having a permit also entitles you to other benefits, like being able to open a bank account or get a driver’s license. In order to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit, you must visit a Mexican consulate or embassy located outside of Mexico. You will need to prove that you have a renewable source of income in order to be eligible for this visa.