Moving to Gto with a cat, and temporary residency—this year!

[DonJuane]

The normal 180 day tourist visa will allow you to enter with your pet:

http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/Mexico.cfm

Once here you can establish contact with one of the various people I spoke of and for a small fraction of your Costa Rican quote for "crossing the t's" you can get the process started for any place in this state if you so desire.

For normally under $50 you can enter with your car assuming you purchase a deposit ($400 plus or minus according to year; returnable on exit) plus liability, about $250 to $400 per year; comprehensive/collision available for significantly more; your local policy holder while you do primarily reside in the US may have a wavier, e.g. Progressive ....
http://www.yucatanexpatriateservices.com...rticle=519

If you decide Mexico is for you and you want to become an official resident:
http://www.yucatanexpatriateservices.com...-time.html

There are many cities that people locate to here, and they do vary greatly in what they offer (big stores, small/large town atmosphere strong/weak Gringo (or English speaking) infrastructure.

Is this or any other city the place for you? That may take some time to figure out and better to figure it out prior to a huge financial investment. It's easy enough to come, look around, stay for a few days and years, then make that determination. Or just cross your fingers and go for it. ;-)