I lived in 15 finest locations to dwell in Mexico and here is what I came upon

You might be in all probability right here since you are questioning what are the finest locations to dwell in Mexico. Properly, you’re in for a deal with. I’ve referred to as this nation house 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 neighborhood right here just isn’t in my age vary. I’m 30 years outdated and haven’t discovered a youthful expat group so I might recognize it if you happen to can advocate different finest locations to dwell in Mexico which are match for my age. I do know you’ve made mates from residing in several areas in Mexico so perhaps I’m simply mistaken about Queretaro? When you have mates to advocate right here, I’d like to provide it one other strive as a result of the price of residing is basically low-cost. In any other case, I’ll look into your different suggestions. I actually recognize your assist!

– Kirsten, San Diego, CA

Mexico is a really numerous nation and truthfully, each time I’m requested the place is the perfect place I lived in Mexico, I can’t actually say as a result of I often cherished all of them!

I perceive that if you happen to’ve by no means been to Mexico, it’s onerous to have an insider look and determine whilst you’re nonetheless again house (wherever that’s proper now). 

The Web offers you limitless choices however it might be very unclear so my first tip to 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 converse for everybody however I do know the fundamental necessities that you’re searching for by way of residing circumstances, prices, security, and so on.

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

On this submit, I’ll share with you all of my suggestions and tips on the best 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 happy to succeed in out to me utilizing the contact web page. I’ve helped loads of foreigners transfer to Mexico and who is aware of, I would have the ability that will help you too!

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

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

Mexico has 32 states and the very first thing that you have to know is that all of them differ by way of climate, price of residing, and English-speaking communities

I’ve been requested lots the place Individuals often dwell in Mexico and truthfully, I don’t know anymore. I encounter Individuals in each place I lived in!

In actual fact, 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 comfy if there are fellow Individuals residing within the place they need to transfer to but it surely’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 numerous 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 loads of familiarities and everybody is aware of everybody. I personally felt safer this manner however the issue was, that I didn’t have any privateness.

Everybody is aware of what’s taking place in your life and it’s so not possible to stroll on the streets with out anybody understanding you. I simply missed the anonymity and privateness though I felt 100% protected in Sayulita.

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

Should you select Mexico Metropolis, it’s not 100% protected but when you’ll dwell within the Roma or Condesa areas, it’s positively protected (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 – once you see the price of residing in Mexico posts on the Web, loads of these posts don’t actually clarify that it varies by space.

Once I was trying to find the finest locations to dwell in Mexico, I assumed that each one these locations could have the identical lease costs however I used to be actually shocked concerning the massive distinction, consider me!

For instance, I’m residing in Puerto Vallarta proper now and am at present making ready for my subsequent transfer. In my head, Puerto Vallarta price of residing is pricey as a result of there are various 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 shall be decrease but it surely wasn’t the case. I used to be actually astounded by the large distinction to not point out the homes in Puerto Vallarta are means larger and have out of doors house.

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 residence in Oaxaca Metropolis (good space) ranges from US$150 – US$300. In Mexico Metropolis, that shall 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 trying to find locations to dwell in Mexico, I realized that the perfect factor to do is to set your funds 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 canine, I must have a patio/terrace. This requirement for a house comes with a worth.

🏆 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 price of residing in Mexico will all rely in your way of life and the prices within the vacation spot you selected.

Thus far, on this finest locations to dwell in Mexico listing, the bottom lease is round $300 USD (studio, 1 individual, not within the heart, furnished) so in case you are comfy residing like this, $1,000 USD per 30 days in Mexico is feasible.

Your $1,000 USD funds is comfy however take be aware that the way of life shall be quite simple and fundamental. If that is your cup of tea and a way of life you’re keen to push by means of, it’s positively doable.

Please be aware that the $1,000 residing funds per 30 days in Mexico doesn’t apply to all locations. Learn extra on the perfect locations to dwell in Mexico listing to see which inserts your funds.

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

👋 Greatest locations to dwell in Mexico (scorching spots)

Under are the locations to dwell in Mexico that you just hear from your pals and colleagues from again house. That means, these areas beneath have larger 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 here are the perfect locations to dwell in Mexico with extra expats:

1. Puerto Vallarta

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

In the meanwhile, lease in fashionable areas in Puerto Vallarta (like Zona Romantica and 5 de Diciembre) is changing into costly. I lived in Marina Vallarta and paid $3,500 USD for a beachfront rental.

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 affordable space in PV.

Puerto Vallarta is a seashore metropolis so no matter you suppose you want from again house, you’ll find all the pieces 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 house, the primary issue I thought of was the climate is unquestionably nice all 12 months spherical. I imply it’s scorching but it surely’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 want dry to humid warmth. There may be 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 a lot of the mates 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 but it surely was simply the chance introduced earlier than me. Once you come to consider it, Baja California is an American lair so I used to be actually shocked that I used to be not in a position to join with any!

Due to Baja California’s shut proximity to the USA, costs are larger within the Peninsula than within the mailand. Anticipate the price of residing in La Paz to be dearer than the remainder of the locations on this listing.

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 day by day.

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

The USA-Mexico border in Tijuana and San Diego is a really busy space. In fact, if you happen to dwell in Mexico and go by means of day by day, you may be granted a particular specific go. Some even selected to go on foot because it’s means quicker!

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

🏖️ Greatest locations to retire in Mexico

4. Ajijic and Chapala

At present the preferred and finest locations to retire in Mexico, Ajijic is house to Individuals and Canadians who’re avoiding the touristy areas.

Situated within the state of Jalisco, Ajijic and Chapala are fashionable to retirees due to the low price of residing and the small city way of life. 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 individual). 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 loads of vibrant Mexican tradition that’s seen.

Famously often called SMA, this metropolis has a European really feel in it due to the outdated buildings. I additionally felt very protected strolling right here even within the wee hours of the morning!

SMA is definitely extra fashionable with retirees due to the environment friendly structure. You possibly can stroll all over the place (if you happen to like strolling long-distance) and the streets are very protected.

This metropolis is stuffed with life and I think about this one of the vital 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 residence for US$650.

It has an enormous house for canine so I didn’t thoughts the price though I’ve been instructed by locals that there are means cheaper choices than this. I actually simply wanted the yard for my canine!

I lived in a compound stuffed 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. Should you exit within the night to socialize, the one bar referred to as Sugar Shack shall be stuffed with expats. I made mates with the proprietor and his spouse (Alejandro) so I used to be in a position to see the native life in El Pescadero as nicely.

As a single girl, it was onerous 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 climbing, El Pescadero is a superb 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 possibly can all the time discover exterior of El Pescadero.

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

👪 Greatest locations to dwell in Mexico for households

7. Queretaro

Queretaro is among 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 fashionable 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. Town life in Mexico Metropolis may be very hectic so to be able to be nearer to household and mates (whereas elevating a household), folks transfer right here.

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

8. Merida

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

I did really feel protected touring to Merida however I additionally didn’t see the distinction from different Mexican cities in terms of security. Once more, how we quantify security actually depends upon our residing wants.

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

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

9. Los Cabos

I moved to Los Cabos in 2021 and have realized how misplaced I’ve turn out to be as a result of I don’t have youngsters! Each single individual 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 appears like house now!!!

As a resort metropolis, households get pleasure from residing in Los Cabos as a result of there are various issues to do for youths and it is vitally protected for households. Nevertheless, lease is tremendous onerous to seek out and this is among the most costly 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 perfect areas to dwell in Cabo is in Tezal (extra household neighbors) so I’m planning to maneuver there this season!

💻 Greatest 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 in all my favourite cities on this planet! Mexico Metropolis’s vibe is superb for expats and digital nomads like me.

As I instructed you, I really feel that generally, Puerto Vallarta will get very American so to be able to have a break from that, I am going right here for a little bit cultural diversion.

There are various digital nomads in Mexico Metropolis and they’re simply not Individuals or Canadians – it’s actually numerous! A number of Europeans and Latinos dwell right here. It’s simply the variety 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 essential ‘cons’ don’t actually trouble you, you’ll positively get pleasure from residing in Mexico Metropolis as an expat.

Flats in Mexico Metropolis are inexpensive however since I solely need to keep within the Roma and Condesa space, it’s all the time onerous to seek out lease that’s lower than US$650 (which is my funds). I all the time overdo this funds in Mexico Metropolis!

11. Oaxaca Metropolis

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

Town is tremendous vigorous and there are loads of expats you possibly can join with. This 12 months, the Mexican authorities is constructing a brand new freeway which is able to permit you to 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 just isn’t actually clear, as soon as that is performed, I’ll return and dwell in Oaxaca Metropolis as a result of this accessibility is an enormous deal once you need to journey round Mexico.

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

Consuming out in Oaxaca Metropolis is basically inexpensive and I wager you received’t be capable to end making an attempt all of the eating places, markets, and bars even if you happen to 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 just isn’t protected 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 make it possible for I’m with mates.

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

The tradition and way of life in Guadalajara positively match everybody. Nevertheless, like Queretaro, I solely made mates with Spanish-speaking folks right here however I’m certain there are loads of Individuals and Canadians round.

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

👩👨 Greatest locations to dwell in Mexico for singles

13. Sayulita

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

There may be additionally an enormous inhabitants of Argentine expats right here (like all over the place). Talking Spanish frequently and cultural immersion is essential for me and I’m glad to have had the perfect 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 just isn’t for everybody. Earlier than shifting right here, test the approach to life first and see if it matches you.

14. Playa del Carmen

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

Although I would not have an expertise being harmed, it’s simply the overall feeling and naturally, horror tales I heard from mates. There are many digital nomads in Playa del Carmen whom you possibly can 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 suppose if you wish to dwell right here, simply go and see it for your self!

Nevertheless, Playa del Carmen is so lovely! In actual fact, their seashores on the opposite facet are means higher than ours right here on the Pacific Coast.

The state of Quintana Roo is basically 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 positively love Playa as your base.

15. Tulum

Tulum is unquestionably the perfect place to dwell in Mexico for singles as a result of you’ll meet loads of younger expats and professionals right here. The Web velocity is slowly creating so count on extra distant staff to maneuver to Tulum.

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

The approach to life in Tulum is unquestionably for younger folks (loud events, busy vacationer spot) however when you get to know Tulum deeply, there are various secret seashores and non-touristic areas which you could get pleasure from by your self.

⁉️ Why dwell in Mexico?

Residency visa is straightforward

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 obtained caught right here and first utilized for a Mexico digital nomad visa also called 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 shall 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 loads of uncertainties in terms of journey proper now so legally residing in Mexico is a superb reduction for me.

Should you want help along with your resident visa, simply contact me and I’ll join you to my wonderful lawyer who helped me course of all these rapidly.

If you’re not to undergo this course of, Mexico has a really beneficiant 6-month vacationer visa so you possibly can simply go out and in each 6 months.

Value of residing is inexpensive

Mexico is commonly generalized as an affordable nation however that isn’t the case. With the variety of foreigners shifting right here yearly, I’m afraid that it’s changing into costly, however in case you are a greenback earner, you possibly can dwell right here fairly comfortably.

I can’t say what’s comfy 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 price of residing guides.

As , I got here from Tel Aviv earlier than residing right here and Israel’s price of residing is tremendous excessive. Once I got here right here, my high quality of life turned higher as all the pieces 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 canine, it is vitally simple to journey round right here with pets. Many of the rental houses settle for pets however I nonetheless had some challenges.

For instance, once I was searching for an residence in Mexico Metropolis, there have been solely 2 out of 10 that accepted canine regardless that 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. Total, I do suppose that Mexico is a canine nation. Even home journey for pets is very easy and low-cost!