I lived in 15 greatest locations to dwell in Mexico and here is what I discovered

You’re in all probability right here since you are questioning what are the greatest locations to dwell in Mexico. Properly, you’re in for a deal with. I’ve known as this nation residence since 2018! Learn on and let’s get began.

📬 Reader Mail: Hola Trisha! I’m at present residing in Queretaro and though the price of residing is cheaper right here than in any main metropolis in Mexico, I really feel just like the group right here isn’t in my age vary. I’m 30 years previous and haven’t discovered a youthful expat group so I might respect it in case you can advocate different greatest locations to dwell in Mexico which are match for my age. I do know you’ve made buddies from residing in numerous areas in Mexico so possibly I’m simply fallacious about Queretaro? You probably have buddies to advocate right here, I’d like to present it one other strive as a result of the price of residing is admittedly low-cost. In any other case, I’ll look into your different suggestions. I actually respect your assist!

– Kirsten, San Diego, CA

Mexico is a really various nation and actually, every time I’m requested the place is the most effective place I lived in Mexico, I can’t actually say as a result of I normally beloved all of them!

I perceive that in case you’ve by no means been to Mexico, it’s exhausting to have an insider look and determine when you’re nonetheless again residence (wherever that’s proper now). 

The Web offers you limitless choices however it will be very unclear so my first tip on your hunt: get insights from somebody who really lives right here. 

As we’re all distinctive people with totally different wants, I realized that I can’t actually communicate for everybody however I do know the essential necessities that you’re searching for by way of residing situations, prices, security, and so on.

Somewhat bit about me – I’m a digital nomad so one among my first issues is Web connection every time I’m shifting to a brand new place.

On this submit, I’ll share with you all of my ideas and methods on the right way to dwell in Mexico. You may also test my Mexico blogs to see any content material that’s related to you.

If these aren’t sufficient, please be at liberty to achieve out to me utilizing the contact web page. I’ve helped plenty of foreigners transfer to Mexico and who is aware of, I’d give you the chance that will help you too!

📍 What’s the greatest a part of Mexico to dwell in?

We even have very totally different interpretations of the “better part” so my regular recommendation to readers of this weblog is to get to know the states first.

Mexico has 32 states and the very first thing that it’s essential know is that all of them differ by way of climate, value of residing, and English-speaking communities

I’ve been requested so much the place Individuals normally dwell in Mexico and actually, I don’t know anymore. I encounter Individuals in each place I lived in!

Actually, the US State Division has recorded 1.5 million Individuals at present residing in Mexico. That’s not even counting these on a vacationer visa who keep right here long run.

In all my residing overseas consults, particularly in Mexico, Individuals really feel extra snug if there are fellow Individuals residing within the place they need to transfer to nevertheless it’s a case-to-case foundation as a result of a few of my purchasers additionally inform me to not counsel a Mexican metropolis/city with plenty of Individuals.

Determine the residing situation you need to be in and take it from there.

⛔ What’s the most secure place to dwell in Mexico?

I all the time say that security is goal and private however on this half, I’ve to say I really feel safer residing in small cities like Sayulita and San Pancho.

Once you dwell in small seashore cities in Mexico, there are plenty of familiarities and everybody is aware of everybody. I personally felt safer this fashion however the issue was, that I didn’t have any privateness.

Everybody is aware of what’s occurring in your life and it’s so unimaginable to stroll on the streets with out anybody figuring out you. I simply missed the anonymity and privateness though I felt 100% secure in Sayulita.

When you like massive cities, I think about Puerto Vallarta because the most secure metropolis to dwell in in Mexico. Though it’s just a little bit extra American than different massive cities like Mexico Metropolis or Oaxaca, the structure of the town is tremendous pleasant and you may nonetheless have your privateness no matter being concerned within the expat group.

When you select Mexico Metropolis, it’s not 100% secure but when you will dwell within the Roma or Condesa areas, it’s undoubtedly secure (however costly).

🏆 Merida, San Miguel de Allende, and Queretaro are the highest 3 most secure locations to dwell for households.

💵 The place is the most cost effective place to dwell in Mexico?

That is the factor – if you see the price of residing in Mexico posts on the Web, plenty of these posts don’t actually clarify that it varies by space.

Once I was looking for the greatest locations to dwell in Mexico, I assumed that each one these locations may have the identical lease costs however I used to be actually shocked in regards to the massive distinction, consider me!

For instance, I’m residing in Puerto Vallarta proper now and am at present getting ready for my subsequent transfer. In my head, Puerto Vallarta value of residing is dear as a result of there are a lot of expats residing right here however I used to be so shocked how the lease costs in Mexico Metropolis are double!

Since meals is cheaper in Mexico Metropolis, I implied that lease costs might be decrease nevertheless it wasn’t the case. I used to be actually astounded by the large distinction to not point out the homes in Puerto Vallarta are approach greater and have out of doors area.

Personally, I vote Oaxaca Metropolis as the most cost effective place to dwell in Mexico, then La Paz (Baja California Sur). So that you can perceive higher, let’s do the maths.

A one-bedroom condominium in Oaxaca Metropolis (good space) ranges from US$150 – US$300. In Mexico Metropolis, that might be round US$500 – US$650 and in Puerto Vallarta, that’s like US$300 – US$450.

Since all these costs range and I’m constantly looking for locations to dwell in Mexico, I realized that the most effective factor to do is to set your finances and keep it up.

Since I’m residing alone, I set a US$500 – US$650 restrict for myself. That’s fairly excessive by Mexican requirements however since I’ve massive canines, I must have a patio/terrace. This requirement for a house comes with a value.

🏆 Aguascalientes, Morelia, and San Cristobal de Las Casas are the highest 3 most cost-effective areas to dwell in.

💲 Can you reside of $1,000 a month in Mexico?

YES AND NO. And it’s completely as much as you. To let you know the reality, your value of residing in Mexico will all rely in your life-style and the prices within the vacation spot you selected.

To this point, on this greatest locations to dwell in Mexico record, the bottom lease is round $300 USD (studio, 1 particular person, not within the heart, furnished) so in case you are snug residing like this, $1,000 USD per 30 days in Mexico is feasible.

Your $1,000 USD finances is snug however take notice that the way of life might be quite simple and fundamental. If that is your cup of tea and a way of life you’re prepared to push by way of, it’s undoubtedly potential.

Please notice that the $1,000 residing finances per 30 days in Mexico doesn’t apply to all locations. Learn extra on the most effective locations to dwell in Mexico record to see which inserts your finances.

💡 Do you know? Based on the US state goverment, there are 1.6 million Individuals at present residing in Mexico.

👋 Finest locations to dwell in Mexico (scorching spots)

Under are the locations to dwell in Mexico that you just hear from your mates and colleagues from again residence. That means, these areas beneath have greater American, Canadian, and European expat communities.

I perceive that when you’re shifting to a rustic, a few of it’s possible you’ll need to transfer first to an space the place there’s familiarity. Listed below are the most effective locations to dwell in Mexico with extra expats:

1. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has grow to be common to American and Canadian expats as a result of it’s nonetheless not as crowded and common as Cancun or the Quintana Roo space.

For the time being, lease in common areas in Puerto Vallarta (like Zona Romantica and 5 de Diciembre) is turning into costly. I lived in Marina Vallarta and paid $3,500 USD for a beachfront condominium.

This isn’t even the middle of Puerto Vallarta and it was already very costly. My present recommendation: search for flats in Versailles as that is nonetheless an inexpensive space in PV.

Puerto Vallarta is a seashore metropolis so no matter you suppose you want from again residence, you’ll find all the things in Puerto Vallarta.

🏡 I do Fly and Purchase Excursions in Puerto Vallarta so in case you are to see some funding properties, come down and I’ll present you round!

2. La Paz

Once I selected to name La Paz residence, the principle issue I thought of was the climate is certainly nice all 12 months spherical. I imply it’s scorching nevertheless it’s not as humid as within the south (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and so on).

I don’t find out about you however I favor dry to humid warmth. There’s additionally little or no rain in La Paz as in comparison with the Pacific Coast the place it rains from June – October.

Life was totally different for me in La Paz since many of the buddies I made there have been Latinos and Spanish-speaking. I don’t know why it didn’t occur for me however I didn’t come throughout Individuals or Canadians.

I’m not saying there aren’t any nevertheless it was simply the chance offered earlier than me. Once you come to think about it, Baja California is an American lair so I used to be actually shocked that I used to be not capable of join with any!

Due to Baja California’s shut proximity to the USA, costs are greater within the Peninsula than within the mailand. Count on the value of residing in La Paz to be costlier than the remainder of the locations on this record.

3. Rosarito and Tijuana

Now, you in all probability are satisfied that Tijuana is unsafe however you’d be shocked to know what number of Individuals dwell right here and work in the US! Yep, they commute every day.

Rosarito and Tijuana are common to Individuals due to the border residing set-up: you earn USD in the US however your prices are Mexican. Win-win! The one problem with this set-up is commuting.

The USA-Mexico border in Tijuana and San Diego is a really busy space. After all, in case you dwell in Mexico and cross by way of every day, you’ll be granted a particular categorical cross. Some even selected to go on foot because it’s approach sooner!

These two areas in Baja California are nice in case your preferrred set-up is to simply go to the US for work.

🏖️ Finest locations to retire in Mexico

4. Ajijic and Chapala

At the moment the preferred and greatest locations to retire in Mexico, Ajijic is residence to Individuals and Canadians who’re avoiding the touristy areas.

Positioned within the state of Jalisco, Ajijic and Chapala are common to retirees due to the low value of residing and the small city life-style. Everybody is aware of everybody in Ajijic!

You possibly can dwell simply in Ajijic and Chapala for $1,300 USD per 30 days (in case you are a single particular person). Retirees rave about not having to commute in Ajijic – everybody walks!

5. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is an expat’s favourite. That is the town that’s thought of an extension of the US as many American expats dwell right here however there’s nonetheless plenty of vibrant Mexican tradition that’s seen.

Famously generally known as SMA, this metropolis has a European really feel in it due to the previous constructions. I additionally felt very secure strolling right here even within the wee hours of the morning!

SMA is definitely extra common with retirees due to the environment friendly structure. You possibly can stroll in all places (in case you like strolling long-distance) and the streets are very secure.

This metropolis is filled with life and I think about this probably the most lovely cities in Mexico. You’ll additionally by no means really feel alone as there are many expat communities right here.

6. El Pescadero

I briefly lived in El Pescadero to strive the small city life in Baja California Sur. I stayed there for one month and rented a one-bedroom condominium for US$650.

It has a giant area for canines so I didn’t thoughts the fee though I’ve been informed by locals that there are approach cheaper choices than this. I actually simply wanted the yard for my canines!

I lived in a compound filled with American and Canadian expats. I didn’t actually think about that El Pescadero can be as touristy however as all the time, I managed to hang around with locals.

El Pescadero is tremendous quiet and there’s very minimal nightlife. When you exit within the night to socialize, the one bar known as Sugar Shack might be full of expats. I made buddies with the proprietor and his spouse (Alejandro) so I used to be capable of see the native life in El Pescadero as effectively.

As a single lady, it was exhausting to socialize in El Pescadero particularly in case you are searching for lively nightlife. Nevertheless, in case your aim is to attach with the outside like browsing and mountaineering, El Pescadero is a good sleepy city to dwell in.

I additionally met many households with youngsters residing right here. It’s simply 10 minutes away from Todos Santos and an hour away from Los Cabos so you’ll be able to all the time discover outdoors of El Pescadero.

You NEED a automobile when residing in El Pescadero. I discovered it so exhausting to commute round city or the neighboring cities however my American neighbor was tremendous good to lend me her automobile throughout my one-month keep there!

👪 Finest locations to dwell in Mexico for households

7. Queretaro

Queretaro is without doubt one of the most low-key locations to dwell in Mexico. It’s not the primary metropolis you’ll consider when you’re deciding to maneuver to Mexico.

However most expats select this metropolis due to the trendy infrastructures and enterprise alternatives. It’s like a quieter Mexico Metropolis however can be a contemporary and conducive metropolis for expats.

Many chilangos deal with Queretaro as a spot to dwell after they determine to have youngsters. The town life in Mexico Metropolis could be very hectic so with a view to be nearer to household and buddies (whereas elevating a household), folks transfer right here.

The price of residing in Queretaro can be very low-cost in comparison with plenty of Mexican cities. You possibly can dwell right here on lower than US$1,000 per 30 days – the flats are reasonably priced and you too can splurge just a little for luxurious Mexico residing.

8. Merida

Most of my buddies who’re residing in Merida are households with youngsters. Actually, many individuals say (even the Web) that it’s the most secure place to dwell in Mexico.

I did really feel secure touring to Merida however I additionally didn’t see the distinction from different Mexican cities with regards to security. Once more, how we quantify security actually will depend on our residing wants.

Youngsters are outdoors till late and fogeys aren’t even apprehensive about security. Crime charges in Merida are extraordinarily low.

What makes expats snug and assured to maneuver right here is there’s a greater variety of expat households with younger youngsters residing right here. Will probably be really easy to attach with fellow dad and mom who’re foreigners.

9. Los Cabos

I moved to Los Cabos in 2021 and have realized how misplaced I’ve grow to be as a result of I don’t have youngsters! Each single particular person I met right here has youngsters (to not point out there’s a massive Worldwide faculty in Los Cabos).

👶🏻 Replace: I simply gave start to a child boy in November 2023 so Cabo seems like residence now!!!

As a resort metropolis, households get pleasure from residing in Los Cabos as a result of there are a lot of issues to do for youths and it is vitally secure for households. Nevertheless, lease is tremendous exhausting to search out and this is without doubt one of the costliest locations to dwell in Mexico.

I at present dwell in Quivira Los Cabos, which is a resort and I don’t actually like residing right here. I found that the most effective areas to dwell in Cabo is in Tezal (extra household neighbors) so I’m planning to maneuver there this season!

💻 Finest locations to dwell in Mexico for nomads

10. Mexico Metropolis

I dwell in Mexico Metropolis on and off as a result of that is one among my favourite cities on the earth! Mexico Metropolis’s vibe is excellent for expats and digital nomads like me.

As I informed you, I really feel that generally, Puerto Vallarta will get very American so with a view to have a break from that, I am going right here for just a little cultural diversion.

There are numerous digital nomads in Mexico Metropolis and they’re simply not Individuals or Canadians – it’s actually various! Plenty of Europeans and Latinos dwell right here. It’s simply the range that I’m searching for.

Many expats keep away from Mexico Metropolis due to the air high quality and the excessive altitude but when these two fundamental ‘cons’ don’t actually hassle you, you’ll undoubtedly get pleasure from residing in Mexico Metropolis as an expat.

Residences in Mexico Metropolis are reasonably priced however since I solely need to keep within the Roma and Condesa space, it’s all the time exhausting to search out lease that’s lower than US$650 (which is my finances). I all the time overdo this finances in Mexico Metropolis!

11. Oaxaca Metropolis

One other low-key Mexican metropolis, residing Oaxaca Metropolis can be on the highest record of most cost-effective locations in Mexico. You could find a really first rate condominium right here for US$300.

The town is tremendous energetic and there are plenty of expats you’ll be able to join with. This 12 months, the Mexican authorities is constructing a brand new freeway which can help you go to the Oaxacan coast (Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Mazunte, and so on) for under 2 hours as an alternative of 8.

Though the end date isn’t actually clear, as soon as that is executed, I’ll return and dwell in Oaxaca Metropolis as a result of this accessibility is a giant deal if you need to journey round Mexico.

Oaxacan meals can be the most effective in Mexico so in case you are after a gastronomic journey, this metropolis has all of it!

Consuming out in Oaxaca Metropolis is admittedly reasonably priced and I wager you received’t be capable of end making an attempt all of the eating places, markets, and bars even in case you dwell right here for a full 12 months.

Digital nomads in Oaxaca additionally get pleasure from a high-speed Wifi velocity which is a luxurious in Mexico as a distant employee.

12. Guadalajara

Most individuals suppose Guadalajara isn’t secure however once I lived right here, I didn’t actually really feel that Narcos-kind-of-feeling. My mother really freaked out when this was the primary place I selected once I moved to Mexico however I defined to her that it’s not like what she sees within the information.

I’ll by no means stroll alone in Guadalajara at night time although and if I do, I guarantee that I’m with buddies.

I’ll all the time come again and think about residing in Guadalajara as a result of I beloved the vibe, the folks, and the climate! Although it is just 4 hours away from my present residence in Puerto Vallarta, it has cooler climate.

The tradition and life-style in Guadalajara undoubtedly match everybody. Nevertheless, like Queretaro, I solely made buddies with Spanish-speaking folks right here however I’m positive there are plenty of Individuals and Canadians round.

I used to be simply not given the chance to fulfill them as a result of all my buddies who dwell listed here are Mexicans or Europeans.

👩👨 Finest locations to dwell in Mexico for singles

13. Sayulita

I’ve combined feelings about Sayulita as a result of that is the place I lived the longest. It’s filled with Canadians and Individuals however fortunate for me, I lived in a really Mexican neighborhood so all my buddies have been Latinos.

There’s additionally a giant inhabitants of Argentine expats right here (like in all places). Talking Spanish frequently and cultural immersion is essential for me and I’m comfortable to have had the most effective of each communities in Sayulita.

Sayulita is the most secure space I’ve lived in in Mexico. Once more, small cities will make you are feeling safer due to the overfamiliarity.

There are many out of doors actions – individuals are all the time out and about and that’s what makes it so enjoyable! I must warn you that Sayulita isn’t for everybody. Earlier than shifting right here, test the life-style first and see if it suits you.

14. Playa del Carmen

Residing in Playa del Carmen is low on this record as a result of I didn’t actually discover it as secure. Because it’s too crowded, crime charges have elevated in Playa within the final 12 months.

Although I shouldn’t have an expertise being harmed, it’s simply the overall feeling and naturally, horror tales I heard from buddies. There are many digital nomads in Playa del Carmen whom you’ll be able to ask about present conditions.

Regardless of all these, Playa continues to be visited by Individuals. It’s one of many overseas hotspots in Mexico so I assume if you wish to dwell right here, simply go and see it for your self!

Nevertheless, Playa del Carmen is so lovely! Actually, their seashores on the opposite aspect are approach higher than ours right here on the Pacific Coast.

The state of Quintana Roo is admittedly wealthy in out of doors actions and there are extra locations to see there just like the Cenotes. If that is what you’re after, you’ll undoubtedly love Playa as your base.

15. Tulum

Tulum is certainly the most effective place to dwell in Mexico for singles as a result of you’ll meet plenty of younger expats and professionals right here. The Web velocity is slowly creating so anticipate extra distant staff to maneuver to Tulum.

Certain, it’s simple to fulfill folks in case you are a single or touring alone however Tulum has the most costly value of residing in Mexico. You possibly can undoubtedly dwell for reasonable however it’s a must to have good Spanish expertise. That is your strongest instrument for reasonable leases!

The life-style in Tulum is certainly for younger folks (loud events, busy vacationer spot) however when you get to know Tulum deeply, there are a lot of secret seashores and non-touristic areas that you would be able to get pleasure from by your self.

⁉️ Why dwell in Mexico?

Residency visa is simple

The primary purpose why I selected to dwell in Mexico is that visa is tremendous simple. I by no means thought I’d get a 4-year residency visa right here as I used to be solely passing by.

When COVID hit, I bought caught right here and first utilized for a Mexico digital nomad visa also referred to as no-lucrativo (non-lucrative). It was solely legitimate for one 12 months so I assumed I’d solely keep right here for a 12 months. Truly, I assumed that COVID might be over after a 12 months.

2 years handed and COVID continues to be a factor. Residing a lifetime of journey and all the time shifting round turned tougher for me. I not too long ago went to Europe after 2 years of not going out of Mexico and it’s actually a ache to journey that far! I used to be horrified!

Irrespective of the place you’re from or no matter passport you maintain, there are plenty of uncertainties with regards to journey proper now so legally residing in Mexico is a good aid for me.

When you want help together with your resident visa, simply contact me and I’ll join you to my superb lawyer who helped me course of all these shortly.

In case you are not to undergo this course of, Mexico has a really beneficiant 6-month vacationer visa so you’ll be able to simply go out and in each 6 months.

Price of residing is reasonably priced

Mexico is usually generalized as an inexpensive nation however that’s not the case. With the variety of foreigners shifting right here yearly, I’m afraid that it’s turning into costly, however in case you are a greenback earner, you’ll be able to dwell right here fairly comfortably.

I can’t say what’s snug for you or not however I’ve articles on this weblog on the price of residing in each space I lived in Mexico. Higher but, head to my journal Mexico Insider for detailed value of residing guides.

As you already know, I got here from Tel Aviv earlier than residing right here and Israel’s value of residing is tremendous excessive. Once I got here right here, my high quality of life turned higher as all the things is so low-cost!

Properly, that’s, in case you are evaluating it to the US, Canada, and Europe. I nonetheless discover residing in Southeast Asia the most cost effective however costs in Mexico are fairly low.

Mexico is pet-friendly!

Lastly, as I’ve canines, it is vitally simple to journey round right here with pets. A lot of the rental houses settle for pets however I nonetheless had some challenges.

For instance, once I was searching for an condominium in Mexico Metropolis, there have been solely 2 out of 10 that accepted canines though Mexico Metropolis is a pet metropolis.

With this, I made a decision that we all the time dwell in seashore areas as they’re extra accepting of pets. General, I do suppose that Mexico is a canine nation. Even home journey for pets is very easy and low-cost!