Over the last decade a large number of families, expats, and digital nomads have immigrated to Mexico in a bid to turn their dreams into a reality, and you could be next.
While you may have heard of the many great cities to live in the US, did you know that Mexico is actually a great choice too? With an ever-growing economy, population, and GDP, it should come as no surprise that people from all over the world are flocking to Mexico. Keep reading to find out how to be a digital nomad in Mexico.
Best Places to Live in Mexico for:
- Expats: Mexico City
- English Speakers: Guadalajara
- Digital Nomads: Playa del Carmen
- Solo Travelers: Querétaro
- Couples: Cancun
- Groups: Oaxaca
Top 10 Places to Live in Mexico
1. Mexico City
Best Place to Live For Expats
Cost of Living: $$$
The number of expats who call Mexico City their new home has increased significantly over recent years, easily making it one of the best cities to live in North America. Thanks to the ever-growing population and economy, there is a constant supply of lucrative job opportunities in several different fields.
Tip: Ensure that you have all of your visas and documents in place before you depart for your new home.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats & Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Friendly and welcoming locals
- Deep and fascinating city history
- Always something fun to do
Cons:
- Language barrier
- Dealing with frustrating bureaucracy
- Overwhelming amount of traffic
2. Guadalajara
Best Place to Live For English Speakers
Cost of Living: $
Much like the rest of Mexico, Spanish is the native language spoken in Guadalajara. However, due to the large number of tourists that visit each year, English has become more widely spoken. Many store clerks, hotel staff, and cab drivers are able to communicate in English, which should make your life a lot easier.
Tip: Remember to pack your sunscreen. It can get quite hot in Guadalajara.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Digital Nomads, Expats.
Pros:
- Excellent weather
- English is relatively common
- Always something fun to do
Cons:
- Internet is not particularly fast
- Smoking is prevalent in some restaurants
- Tourist hotspot during the holidays
3. Playa del Carmen
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$
Playa del Carmen is the dream destination for any digital nomad looking for a new home. There are plenty of dedicated workspaces and facilities to get remote work done. Couple that with the fact that the Internet speeds are very good, and you’ve got the perfect city for any digital nomad.
Tip: Find an apartment with good air conditioning to deal with the summer heat.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Expats, Students.
Pros:
- The beach is close to the city center
- Most locals speak English
- Great Internet
Cons:
- Street vendors will constantly be trying to sell you something
- Not much in the way of exercise activities
- The city has little cultural appeal
4. Querétaro
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$
Querétaro is a solo traveler’s dream destination. The city is filled with many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Querétaro is home to over 1,400 designated monuments, each offering a unique perspective on the city and its history. It is also regarded as one of Mexico’s safest cities. However, if you are traveling alone, we suggest investing in an anti-theft travel bag to protect your belongings.
Tip: The city is relatively small, so walking is usually the best way to get around.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers & Students.
Pros:
- Querétaro has a rich historical background
- Always something new to discover
- One of the safest cities in Mexico
Cons:
- English is not widely spoken
- Extremely hot during summer
- Relatively high cost of living
5. Cancun
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
Cancun might be a party destination, but many people don’t realize it is perfect for couples looking to make lasting memories. Couples can enjoy the picturesque beaches, go snorkeling, or even make their very own chocolate from scratch. With such a wide variety of things to do together, Cancun is truly a romantic hotspot.
Tip: You’ll be out in the sun a lot, so remember to always have a bottle of water and sunscreen with you.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Expats.
Pros:
- Idyllic tropical beaches as far as the eye can see
- Plenty of things to do
- A safe place to live
Cons:
- Beach vendors constantly trying to sell you something
- It gets scorching during summer
- It’s a tourist hotspot
6. Oaxaca
Best Place to Live For Groups
Cost of Living: $
If you and a group of friends are looking for a new place to call home, Oaxaca is the city for you. There is an abundance of apartments large enough to comfortably house a group of people. The cost of living is also much cheaper than in other Mexican cities, so it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The city is also filled with various activities for the whole group to enjoy. This includes exploring the many restaurants and galleries or taking a guided tour of the city.
Tip: Build a good relationship with the locals. They know where all the best-hidden gems are.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Expats.
Pros:
- The city has a deep and fascinating history
- Plenty of places to explore
- Accommodation is cheap and easy to find
Cons:
- Nightlife scene isn’t great
- Summer can be unbearably hot
- English is not widely spoken
7. Merida
Best Place to Live for Students
Cost of Living: $$
Students looking to study abroad will immediately fall in love with the city of Merida. The city is home to several universities that any student would be proud to attend.
In terms of entertainment, the Merida hosts a variety of music, theater, and art festivals throughout the year. The nightlife is also quite noteworthy, with live bands and artists performing through the night.
Tip: When you need a break from student life, visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, a popular resort near Merida.
Who Would Like to Live There: Students, Groups.
Pros:
- Variety of universities to choose from
- Great nightlife
- Accommodation is relatively cheap
Cons:
- It becomes a tourists hotspot during the holiday season
- The heat in summer is unbearable
- Little cultural appeal to the city
8. Puerto Vallarta
Best Place to Live for Families
Cost of Living: $$$
Parents looking to settle down in a new city: Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for you. The city is regarded as one of the safest in Mexico, and is also home to outstanding primary and high school facilities, meaning your child will get a great education while also enjoying the beauty of their new city.
Tip: Be prepared to deal with hordes of tourists.
Who Would Like to Live There: Families, Retirees.
Pros:
- English is common in Puerto Vallarta
- It is much safer than other Mexican cities
- Great schooling system
Cons:
- The cost of living is quite high
- The traffic can be a nightmare
- Finding a stable job can be challenging
9. San Miguel
Best Place to Live for Artists
Cost of Living: $
With over 100 different art galleries dotted around the city, San Miguel is an artist’s dream destination. Simply taking a stroll through the city and marveling at its stunning baroque Spanish architecture will be enough to inspire any artist.
San Miguel also boasts a lively nightlife scene and a relatively low cost of living, making it perfect for any aspiring artist.
Tip: Don’t try and explore all of the city’s galleries at once. Space out your visits to get the most inspiration.
Who Would Like to Live There: Artists
Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Many galleries to draw inspiration from
- The city has a deep and fascinating history
Cons:
- You’ll have to deal with hordes of tourists
- It gets quiet during summer
- Finding a permanent job can be difficult
10. Mazatlán
Best Place to Live for Retirees
Cost of Living: $$$
Mazatlán is the ideal place to call home once you’re ready to settle down and enjoy retirement. This idyllic resort town is very safe and has a number of excellent healthcare facilities. Spend the day enjoying the 20-mile stretch of beach, and once the sun starts to set, sip on a cocktail at one of the many beachside resorts or bars.
Tip: Find an apartment with good air conditioning to keep the summer heat at bay.
Who Would Like to Live There: Retirees & Artists.
Pros:
- Excellent healthcare facilities
- Plenty to do and explore
- English is quite common amongst the locals
Cons:
- You’ll have to deal with hordes of tourists
- The cost of living is relatively high
- Street vendors always trying to sell you something
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Mexico?
Due to a relatively high number of crimes and kidnappings, most people would not consider Mexico safe. However, certain cities have a higher than average safety index, meaning these cities are safe to live in.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Mexico?
The Mexican peso.
3. What Language Do They Speak in Mexico?
Spanish.
4. How to Travel Around Mexico?
Public transport, such as buses, taxis, and the subway, are the most common ways to travel around Mexico.