Best Places to Live in Mexico for Expats and Nomads
Mexico is such a magnet for expats and digital nomads. If you’re seeking a balance between work and leisure, you might be looking for the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the attractions of some of the Mexican cities.
We’ll also discover the pros and cons of living in Mexico as an expat and digital nomad. Ready to uncover the ultimate destinations in Mexico? Then begin!
Why Mexico, among all other countries?
- Diverse living options: Mexico offers everything from vibrant city life to tranquil beachfront communities.
- Suitable for varied demographics: Ideal for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. There are unique opportunities for each group in Mexico.
- Key considerations for relocation: You may find your goal of living in this country in the lifestyle choices or distinct attributes of each location.
- Cost of living: The charm in the affordability, healthcare facilities, and some potential destinations are some of the reasons for moving to Mexico.
- Cultural richness and community: You can always embrace the welcoming atmosphere of Mexico.
Top 9 Places to Live in Mexico for Expats and Digital Nomads
Here are some of the best Mexican cities expats and digital nomads can move to. These cities can be some of the best travel places in Mexico.
No matter if you’re an expat or you’re moving to Mexico to live entirely, there are some of your favorite places that you can check before going there. Let’s see some of the top Mexican cities to live in.
1. Mexico City
It’s a hub for expats and digital nomads. You can find an eclectic mix of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage. It’s a metropolis This bustling metropolis provides a unique experience marked by vibrant street life, diverse cuisine, and various cultural attractions.
Safety in Mexico City
While safety concerns exist, you still don’t need to worry much. As in any large city, many areas of Mexico City are considered safe, especially those popular among expats. Try to embrace awareness and listen to safety advice.
Cost of Living in Mexico City
Compared to many US cities, Mexico City is more affordable. However, it’s among the more expensive cities in Mexico. Housing, food, and transportation offer good value for money. It’s going to be applicable for you especially if you’re earning in stronger currencies.
Education in Mexico City
There are numerous international schools and prestigious universities. So it can be an excellent choice for families and students.
Employment in Mexico City
As an expat or digital nomad, you’ll find many freelancing or remote work opportunities in Mexico City. There are growing tech and creative industries that can boost your research.
Healthcare in Mexico City
The city offers high-quality healthcare services with public and private healthcare options. Private healthcare can be a faster option for you if you’re an expat.
Accommodation in Mexico City
There are a range of housing options for expats and nomads. You can find modern apartments or traditional houses.
Transportation in Mexico City
Mexico City’s public transportation system is extensive and affordable. However, traffic can be challenging. So many expats and locals prefer ride-hailing services.
2. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque town in Mexico. If you’re looking for a calm destination, you can consider this town. It offers a tranquil yet stimulating environment for expats and digital nomads. Expats in this town can immerse themselves in local customs, from art workshops to traditional Mexican cooking classes.
Safety in San Miguel de Allende
It’s considered one of the safer places in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende has a close-knit community vibe, adding to the sense of security.
Cost of Living in San Miguel de Allende
It’s generally more affordable than many cities in the US. Yet, it’s one of the more expensive locations in Mexico. It can be costly, especially in terms of real estate. However, daily expenses are still quite reasonable.
Education in San Miguel de Allende
The town offers a few international schools with quality education. It’s suitable for expat families. You can also learn Spanish and engage in cultural education.
Employment in San Miguel de Allende
It’s ideal for freelancers and remote workers. With a peaceful environment and thriving expat community, the town provides an atmosphere of creativity and productivity. Nevertheless, you may face limitations through local employment options.
Healthcare in San Miguel de Allende
Healthcare in San Miguel de Allende offers access to both public and private healthcare facilities.
Accommodation in San Miguel de Allende
You can find diverse housing market options. It can be apartments or luxurious villas.
Transportation in San Miguel de Allende
The town is pedestrian-friendly. Many residents prefer walking to explore the streets and colorful neighborhoods. You can prefer taxis and ride-hailing services for longer distances.
3. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It offers a tropical paradise for expats and digital nomads. It’s known for its pristine beaches. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, you can find many options in Playa del Carmen. Are you a summer person? If so, you can enjoy the relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle in Playa del Carmen. It’s also a cosmopolitan town offering local customs and reflecting the diverse expat population.
Safety in Playa del Carmen
It’s generally safe, especially in tourist areas. It’s better to exercise standard precautions in popular destinations as an expat.
Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen
It’s not the most affordable place in Mexico, but the cost can be justified by the quality of life and the beauty of the town.
Education in Playa del Carmen
The town boasts several international schools. You can find high-quality education. So it’s suitable for expat families.
Employment in Playa del Carmen
It’s a hotspot for freelancers and remote workers, with reliable internet connectivity. The tourism industry also offers employment opportunities, but you may need to speak fluent Spanish.
Healthcare in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has reputable healthcare facilities. Shorter waiting times and higher quality of care can be reachable through private options.
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen
The real estate market makes finding modest apartments or luxury beachfront condos possible. There are diverse budgets and preferences.
Transportation in Playa del Carmen
It’s a compact and pedestrian-friendly town. You can also find taxi and public bus alternatives as well as bicycles for daily commutes.
4. Mérida
Mérida is the capital of Yucatá, with its colonial architecture and, for longer distances, friendly locals. The city is a cultural hub. You can explore numerous festivals, traditional Yucatecan cuisine, and a deep-rooted sense of history. It can be interesting to integrate these customs to enrich your expat experience.
Safety in Mérida
Mérida is one of the safest cities in Mexico. It has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community.
Cost of Living in Mérida
Mérida offers a lower cost of living than Mexico’s more tourist-centric locations. It’s possible to mention housing, food, and entertainment as affordable too.
Education in Mérida
The city hosts several reputable international schools and universities. So you might consider some good options if you need to study or any of your family members.
Employment in Mérida
Local job opportunities may be limited in Mérida. But it’s becoming a popular spot for freelancers and remote workers.
Healthcare in Mérida
Mérida’s private healthcare services can be preferred by expats for their efficiency and high standards. Expats often prefer the private healthcare system’s lifestyles and budgets.
Transportation in Mérida
The city is well-served by public transportation. Buses and taxis or walking and cycling are possible in the city.
5. Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City offers expats and digital nomads a unique blend of indigenous traditions. It has colonial architecture and a vibrant arts scene. It’s known for its culinary delights and artisanal crafts. You can have an authentic Mexican experience in Oaxaca.
Safety in Oaxaca City
It’s generally considered safe for expats and tourists. Oaxaca City maintains a relaxed atmosphere. Still, as with any urban area, you can stay aware of your surroundings and adhere to standard safety practices.
Cost of Living in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City is relatively affordable. If you are an expat looking for a cost-effective choice, you can imagine yourself living in Oaxaca City.
Education in Oaxaca City
There are a few international schools. The city is more recognized for its language schools and cultural education programs. So it looks appealing to expats and students.
Employment in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca’s growing popularity among digital nomads is due to its low cost of living. And, of course, it’s an inspiring environment. However, local employment opportunities can be limited to tourism and teaching.
Healthcare in Oaxaca City
The city offers quality healthcare facilities, with both public and private options.
Accommodation in Oaxaca City
You can arrange your budget for housing by checking options that vary from traditional Mexican homes to modern apartments.
Transportation in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City has a compact size. And it makes the city easy to navigate on foot. You always have public transportation and taxis as an alternative.
6. Caba San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It’s a popular destination with beaches, nightlife, and a luxurious lifestyle. Expats and digital nomads can look for new adventures in Caba San Lucas. Large expat community and local traditions such as fiestas and siestas are worth mentioning about Cobo San Lucas.
Safety Cabo San Lucas
Generally safe for tourists and expats, Cabo San Lucas has a robust tourism infrastructure. So the city prioritizes visitor safety. However, it’s advisable to remain vigilant, especially at night, as it’s a popular tourist destination.
Cost of Living in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas can be more expensive compared to other Mexican cities. However, this cost reflects its status as a luxury tourist destination.
Education in Cabo San Lucas
There are several international schools in Cabo San Lucas. So you can have access to a quality education.
Employment in Cabo San Lucas
The city’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, providing opportunities in this sector. For digital nomads and freelancers, Cabo offers a scenic backdrop with good internet connectivity for remote work.
Healthcare in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has several well-equipped private healthcare facilities.
Accommodation in Cabo San Lucas
You can also find luxury in the real estate market. Modern apartments are available as well, according to your budget.
Transportation in Cabo San Lucas
The city is navigable by public transport and taxis. However, you rent cars for more flexibility, as many residents and visitors do to explore the surrounding areas.
7. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city. It’s known as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. So you can understand why the city is a perfect spot for expats and tourists with festivals and nice cuisine.
Safety in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is generally safe. Still, it’s advisable to follow standard urban safety practices, such as avoiding less-frequented areas at night.
Cost of Living in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is relatively affordable. It’s mostly possible to afford expenses like housing, food, and entertainment, particularly if you earn in a stronger currency.
Education in Guadalajara
Like many other cities in Mexico, Guadalajara has several reputable international schools and universities.
Employment in Guadalajara
The city is a growing hub for technology and innovation. It’s good news for freelancers and remote workers to have job opportunities in the tech and creative sectors.
Healthcare in Guadalajara
Guadalajara provides quality healthcare services. There is a range of public and private healthcare facilities that are accessible and affordable.
Accommodation in Guadalajara
The real estate market in Guadalajara is diverse. It offers everything from modern apartments in urban areas to quieter suburban homes.
Transportation in Guadalajara
The city has an efficient public transportation system. It’s popular among residents to use taxis or ride-hailing apps.
8. Monterrey
Monterrey is Mexico’s third-largest city, attracting expats and digital nomads with its business opportunities and vibrant cultural scene.
Safety in Monterrey
Monterrey faces safety challenges similar to other large cities. Expat-friendly neighborhoods and business districts can be generally safe with reasonable precautions.
Cost of Living in Monterrey
Monterrey’s cost of living is higher compared to other Mexican cities. The economic prosperity of the region is reflected in its living costs.
Education in Monterrey
The city boasts several high-quality international schools and prestigious universities.
Employment in Monterrey
Skilled expats can find opportunities in fields like business, engineering, and IT.
Healthcare in Monterrey
Monterrey offers excellent healthcare facilities and a high standard of care.
Accommodation in Monterrey
There are affordable family homes in Monterrey. Also, the housing market offers luxury apartments.
Transportation in Monterrey
The city’s public transportation system includes metro and bus services. However, many residents prefer using cars or ride-hailing services.
9. Tulum
You might have heard about Tulum for its breathtaking beaches with warm weather and ancient Mayan ruins. It evolved into a sought-after destination for expats and digital nomads. The beautiful nature of the city can be a nice destination. You can join activities and cultural events like beach cleanups or yoga retreats.
Safety in Tulum
Tulum is generally considered safe for expats and tourists. Like any popular destination, taking standard safety precautions is advisable, especially when exploring less touristy areas.
Cost of Living in Tulum
Tulum can be more expensive due to its growing popularity and tourist appeal.
Education in Tulum
The area has a limited number of international schools. So options might be more constrained for expat families.
Employment in Tulum
Tulum attracts freelancers and remote workers with its tranquil environment and reliable internet. However, local job opportunities are mainly limited to the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Healthcare in Tulum
Tulum has basic healthcare facilities and more comprehensive services. That’s why expats often travel to nearby larger cities.
Accommodation in Tulum
The real estate market in Tulum offers a variety of options. You can choose between beachfront properties or jungle retreats.
Transportation in Tulum
The town is relatively small, so you can easily navigate by bike or on foot.
How is the Expat Community in Mexico
Mexico offers expats an affordable cost of living. That’s lower than many other places in the US or some European cities. When living in Mexico, you don’t need to worry about housing and food costs as it tends to be cheaper.
You can enjoy a great social life. That makes Mexico the most popular destination worldwide. You’ll be in a crowded expat community with an estimated number of more than a million expats. Mexico is also a popular destination for North Americans.
"Mexico comes 1st out of 53 destinations in the Expat Insider 2023 survey."
Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico
There’s always a good side and not that good side to living in a country. Let’s explore what’s there to know about Mexica’s advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Living in Mexico
- Warm and sunny climate
- Low cost of living
- Rich culture to discover
- Friendly and hospitable people
- Large and diverse expat community
- Beautiful and diverse natural scenery
- Easy and flexible visa policy
Cons of Living in Mexico
- High crime rate in some areas
- Lack of reliable public transportation, especially in rural areas
- Language barrier for those who don’t speak Spanish
- Different legal systems, which can be confusing
Best Places to Live in Mexico for Retirees
Here are some of the best places to retire in Mexico:
- Puerto Vallarta
- Mazatlán
- Oaxaca
- Durango
- Ajijic, Lake Chapala
- Morelia
- San Miguel de Allende
- San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Zihuatanejo
- Los Cabos
- Loreto
Source: U.S. News
"According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is about 45% lower than in Miami Beach."
The Wrap-Up
You can relocate to one of the big or small cities in Mexico. Like many expatriates, you may be interested in art festivals in several Mexican cities and the delicious food. Warm weather can be one of the reasons to visit Mexico or even move there.
You may also look into real estate costs in Mexico before moving there as an expat or digital nomad. Mexico has a wide range of places to suit a variety of lifestyles and interests. In addition, consider monthly expenses, especially if you want to reside in a major city.
Mexico is also a popular choice for American expats searching for a new home or a retirement refuge. With its diverse landscapes and hospitable people, it can be your preference if you’re seeking a balanced life abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mexico's safest city?
Mérida, Yucatán, is frequently rated as Mexico's safest city. It's popular among expats and visitors due to its low crime rates and welcoming ambiance.
What is the greatest area to stay in Mexico City?
Condesa and Polanco are two of Mexico City's most exclusive neighborhoods. They combine security, cultural attractions, and dynamic eating scenes.
What is Mexico's cleanest city?
Querétaro is well-known for its cleanliness, well-kept streets, and urban sustainability efforts.
Where in Mexico is the crime rate the lowest?
Mérida and Campeche have some of Mexico's lowest crime rates, providing a secure environment for inhabitants and visitors.
Which cities in Southern Mexico are the best?
Merida, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Oaxaca City are three of the top cities in Southern Mexico, noted for their cultural and historical value.
Which cities in Northern Mexico are the best?
Monterrey and Guadalajara are top Northern Mexican cities that provide a blend of modernism, culture, and economic prospects.
What are the best places for Americans to Live in Mexico?
Mexico City, Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Zihuatanejo are some of the places in Mexico that Americans can prefer to live in.
