You’re most likely right here since you are questioning the finest locations to reside in Mexico. Effectively, you might be in for a deal with! I’ve referred to as this nation dwelling since 2018! Let’s get began!
📬 Reader Mail: Hola Trisha! I’m at present dwelling in Queretaro and though the price of dwelling is cheaper right here than in any main metropolis in Mexico, I really feel just like the neighborhood right here isn’t in my age vary. I’m 30 years outdated and haven’t discovered a youthful expat group so I might respect it when you can suggest different finest locations to reside in Mexico which are match for my age. I do know you’ve made associates from dwelling in numerous areas in Mexico so possibly I’m simply unsuitable about Queretaro? When you have associates to suggest right here, I’d like to present it one other strive as a result of the price of dwelling 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 numerous nation and truthfully, at any time when I’m requested the place is one of the best place I lived in Mexico, I can’t actually say as a result of I often cherished all of them!
I perceive that when you’ve by no means been to Mexico, it’s exhausting to get an insider’s view and decide whilst you’re nonetheless again dwelling (wherever that’s proper now).
The Web gives you limitless choices however it might 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 completely different wants, I discovered that I can’t actually communicate for everybody however I do know the essential necessities that you’re on the lookout for by way of dwelling circumstances, prices, security, and so forth.
A bit of bit about me – I’m a digital nomad so one among my first considerations is Web connection at any time when I’m transferring to a brand new place.
On this put up, I’ll share with you all of my ideas and methods on the best way to reside in Mexico. It’s also possible to test my Mexico blogs to see any content material that’s related to you.
If these should not sufficient, please be happy to succeed in out to me utilizing the contact web page. I’ve helped a whole lot of foreigners transfer to Mexico and who is aware of, I would find a way that will help you too!
Let me allow you to transfer to Mexico!
I assist foreigners and digital nomads transfer to Mexico with visa help, sensible recommendation, and even house searching!
What’s the finest a part of Mexico to reside in?
We even have very completely different interpretations of the “better part” so my common 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 want to know is that all of them differ by way of climate, price of dwelling, and English-speaking communities
I’ve been requested rather a lot the place Individuals often reside in Mexico and truthfully, I don’t know anymore. I encounter Individuals in each place I lived in!
The truth is, the US State Division has recorded 1.5 million Individuals at present dwelling in Mexico. That’s not even counting these on a vacationer visa who keep right here long run.
In all my dwelling overseas consults, particularly in Mexico, Individuals really feel extra snug if there are fellow Individuals dwelling within the place they wish 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 recommend a Mexican metropolis/city with numerous Individuals.
Determine the dwelling situation you wish to be in and take it from there.
Extra stuff about dwelling in Mexico
What’s the most secure place to reside in Mexico?
I at all times say that security is goal and private however on this half, I’ve to say I really feel safer dwelling in small cities like Sayulita and San Pancho.
Once you reside in small seaside cities in Mexico, there are a whole lot 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 taking place 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% protected in Sayulita.
If you happen to like huge cities, I take into account Puerto Vallarta because the most secure metropolis to reside in in Mexico. Though it’s slightly bit extra American than different huge cities like Mexico Metropolis or Oaxaca, the format of town is tremendous pleasant and you’ll nonetheless have your privateness no matter being concerned within the expat neighborhood.
If you happen to select Mexico Metropolis, it’s not 100% protected but when you’ll reside within the Roma or Condesa areas, it’s undoubtedly protected (however costly).
🏆 Merida, San Miguel de Allende, and Queretaro are the highest 3 most secure locations to reside for households.
The place is the most cost effective place to reside in Mexico?
That is the factor – if you see the price of dwelling in Mexico posts on the Web, a whole lot of these posts don’t actually clarify that it varies by space.
After I was trying to find the finest locations to reside in Mexico, I believed that every one these locations could have the identical hire costs however I used to be actually stunned in regards to the huge distinction, consider me!
For instance, I’m dwelling in Puerto Vallarta proper now and am at present getting ready for my subsequent transfer. In my head, Puerto Vallarta price of dwelling is pricey as a result of there are lots of expats dwelling right here however I used to be so shocked how the hire costs in Mexico Metropolis are double!
Since meals is cheaper in Mexico Metropolis, I implied that hire costs might be decrease but it surely wasn’t the case. I used to be actually astounded by the massive distinction to not point out the homes in Puerto Vallarta are method greater and have outside house.
Personally, I vote Oaxaca Metropolis as the most cost effective place to reside in Mexico, then La Paz (Baja California Sur). So that you can perceive higher, let’s do the maths.
A one-bedroom house 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 fluctuate and I’m persistently trying to find locations to reside in Mexico, I discovered that one of the best factor to do is to set your finances and keep it up.
Since I’m dwelling alone, I set a US$500 – US$650 restrict for myself. That’s fairly excessive by Mexican requirements however since I’ve huge canine, I have to 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 reside 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 dwelling in Mexico will all rely in your life-style and the prices within the vacation spot you selected.
Thus far, on this finest locations to reside in Mexico listing, the bottom hire is round $300 USD (studio, 1 particular person, not within the heart, furnished) so in case you are snug dwelling like this, $1,000 USD per 30 days in Mexico is feasible.
Your $1,000 USD finances is snug however take word that the way of life might be quite simple and fundamental. If that is your cup of tea and a life-style you might be prepared to push by way of, it’s undoubtedly potential.
Please word that the $1,000 dwelling finances per 30 days in Mexico doesn’t apply to all locations. Learn extra on one of the best locations to reside in Mexico listing to see which inserts your finances.
💡 Do you know? In accordance with the US state goverment, there are 1.6 million Individuals at present dwelling in Mexico.
TALK TO A LAWYER TO PROCESS YOUR MEXICO RESIDENCY VISA
Greatest locations to reside in Mexico (sizzling spots)
Beneath are the locations to reside in Mexico that you simply hear from your folks and colleagues from again dwelling. That means, these areas beneath have greater American, Canadian, and European expat communities.
I perceive that when you find yourself transferring to a rustic, a few of you could wish to transfer first to an space the place there may be familiarity. Listed below are one of the best locations to reside in Mexico with extra expats:
1. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has turn into 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, hire 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 rental.
This isn’t even the middle of Puerto Vallarta and it was already very costly. My present recommendation: search for residences in Versailles as that is nonetheless an affordable space in PV.
Puerto Vallarta is a seaside metropolis so no matter you suppose you want from again dwelling, you’ll discover every part 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
After I selected to name La Paz dwelling, the principle issue I thought of was the climate is unquestionably nice all 12 months spherical. I imply it’s sizzling but it surely’s not as humid as within the south (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and so forth).
I don’t learn about you however I choose 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 completely different for me in La Paz since a lot of the associates 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 stunned 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 greater within the Peninsula than within the mailand. Count on the price of dwelling in La Paz to be costlier than the remainder of the locations on this listing.
3. Rosarito and Tijuana
Now, you most likely are satisfied that Tijuana is unsafe however you’d be stunned to know what number of Individuals reside right here and work in the US! Yep, they commute day by day.
Rosarito and Tijuana are common to Individuals due to the border dwelling set-up: you earn USD in the US however your prices are Mexican. Win-win! The one challenge with this set-up is commuting.
The USA-Mexico border in Tijuana and San Diego is a really busy space. After all, when you reside in Mexico and move by way of day by day, you may be granted a particular categorical move. Some even selected to go on foot because it’s method sooner!
These two areas in Baja California are nice in case your supreme 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 dwelling to Individuals and Canadians who’re avoiding the touristy areas.
Situated within the state of Jalisco, Ajijic and Chapala are common to retirees due to the low price of dwelling and the small city life-style. Everybody is aware of everybody in Ajijic!
You may reside 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 town that’s thought of an extension of the US as many American expats reside right here however there may be nonetheless a whole lot of vibrant Mexican tradition that’s seen.
Famously generally known as SMA, this metropolis has a European really feel in it due to the outdated constructions. I additionally felt very protected strolling right here even within the wee hours of the morning!
SMA is definitely extra common with retirees due to the environment friendly format. You may stroll all over the place (when you like strolling long-distance) and the streets are very protected.
This metropolis is filled with life and I take into account this some of the 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 house for US$650.
It has a giant house for canine so I didn’t thoughts the associated fee though I’ve been instructed by locals that there are method 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 at all times, I managed to hang around with locals.
El Pescadero is tremendous quiet and there may be very minimal nightlife. If you happen to exit within the night to socialize, the one bar referred to as Sugar Shack might be full of expats. I made associates 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 lady, it was exhausting to socialize in El Pescadero particularly in case you are on the lookout for lively nightlife. Nevertheless, in case your aim is to attach with the outside like browsing and mountain climbing, El Pescadero is a superb sleepy city to reside in.
I additionally met many households with youngsters dwelling right here. It’s simply 10 minutes away from Todos Santos and an hour away from Los Cabos so you may at all times discover outdoors of El Pescadero.
You NEED a automotive when dwelling 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 automotive throughout my one-month keep there!
Greatest locations to reside in Mexico for households
7. Queretaro
Queretaro is among the most low-key locations to reside in Mexico. It’s not the primary metropolis you’ll consider when you find yourself 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 reside once they resolve to have children. The town life in Mexico Metropolis may be very hectic so to be able to be nearer to household and associates (whereas elevating a household), individuals transfer right here.
The price of dwelling in Queretaro can be very low-cost in comparison with a whole lot of Mexican cities. You may reside right here on lower than US$1,000 per 30 days – the residences are reasonably priced and you too can splurge slightly for luxurious Mexico dwelling.
8. Merida
Most of my associates who’re dwelling in Merida are households with children. The truth is, many individuals say (even the Web) that it’s the most secure place to reside 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 is determined by our dwelling wants.
Youngsters are outdoors till late and oldsters should not even anxious 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 dwelling right here. It will likely 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 turn into as a result of I don’t have children! Each single particular person I met right here has youngsters (to not point out there’s a huge Worldwide faculty in Los Cabos).
👶🏻 Replace: I simply gave start to a child boy in November 2023 so Cabo seems like dwelling now!!!
As a resort metropolis, households take pleasure in dwelling in Los Cabos as a result of there are lots of issues to do for teenagers and it is rather protected for households. Nevertheless, hire is tremendous exhausting to search out and this is among the costliest locations to reside in Mexico.
I at present reside in Quivira Los Cabos, which is a resort and I don’t actually like dwelling right here. I found that one of the best areas to reside in Cabo is in Tezal (extra household neighbors) so I’m planning to maneuver there this season!
Greatest locations to reside in Mexico for nomads
10. Mexico Metropolis
I reside 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 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 slightly cultural diversion.
There are a lot of digital nomads in Mexico Metropolis and they’re simply not Individuals or Canadians – it’s actually numerous! Plenty of Europeans and Latinos reside right here. It’s simply the variety that I’m on the lookout for.
Many expats keep away from Mexico Metropolis due to the air high quality and the excessive altitude but when these two important ‘cons’ don’t actually trouble you, you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in dwelling in Mexico Metropolis as an expat.
Flats in Mexico Metropolis are reasonably priced however since I solely wish to keep within the Roma and Condesa space, it’s at all times exhausting to search out hire that’s lower than US$650 (which is my finances). I at all times overdo this finances in Mexico Metropolis!
11. Oaxaca Metropolis
One other low-key Mexican metropolis, dwelling Oaxaca Metropolis can be on the highest listing of most cost-effective locations in Mexico. You could find a really first rate house right here for US$300.
The town is tremendous full of life and there are a whole lot of expats you may 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 forth) for less than 2 hours as an alternative of 8.
Though the end date isn’t actually clear, as soon as that is finished, I’ll return and reside in Oaxaca Metropolis as a result of this accessibility is a giant deal if you wish to journey round Mexico.
Oaxacan meals can be one of the best 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 guess you gained’t be capable of end attempting all of the eating places, markets, and bars even when you reside right here for a full 12 months.
Digital nomads in Oaxaca additionally take pleasure in a high-speed Wifi velocity which is a luxurious in Mexico as a distant employee.
12. Guadalajara
Most individuals suppose Guadalajara 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 evening although and if I do, I make it possible for I’m with associates.
I’ll at all times come again and take into account dwelling in Guadalajara as a result of I cherished the vibe, the individuals, and the climate! Although it is just 4 hours away from my present dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, it has cooler climate.
The tradition and life-style in Guadalajara undoubtedly match everybody. Nevertheless, like Queretaro, I solely made associates with Spanish-speaking individuals right here however I’m positive there are a whole lot of Individuals and Canadians round.
I used to be simply not given the chance to fulfill them as a result of all my associates who reside listed here are Mexicans or Europeans.
Greatest locations to reside 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 associates had been Latinos.
There’s additionally a giant inhabitants of Argentine expats right here (like all over the place). Talking Spanish frequently and cultural immersion is essential for me and I’m blissful to have had one of the best of each communities in Sayulita.
Sayulita is the most secure space I’ve lived in in Mexico. Once more, small cities will make you’re feeling safer due to the overfamiliarity.
There are many outside actions – individuals are at all times out and about and that’s what makes it so enjoyable! I have to warn you that Sayulita isn’t for everybody. Earlier than transferring right here, test the approach to life first and see if it suits you.
14. Playa del Carmen
Dwelling 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 associates. There are many digital nomads in Playa del Carmen whom you may ask about present conditions.
Regardless of all these, Playa continues to be visited by Individuals. It’s one of many international hotspots in Mexico so I assume if you wish to reside right here, simply go and see it for your self!
Nevertheless, Playa del Carmen is so lovely! The truth is, their seashores on the opposite facet are method higher than ours right here on the Pacific Coast.
The state of Quintana Roo is admittedly wealthy in outside actions and there are extra locations to see there just like the Cenotes. If that is what you might be after, you’ll undoubtedly love Playa as your base.
15. Tulum
Tulum is unquestionably one of the best place to reside in Mexico for singles as a result of you’ll meet a whole lot of younger expats and professionals right here. The Web velocity is slowly growing so count on extra distant staff to maneuver to Tulum.
Positive, it’s straightforward to fulfill individuals in case you are a single or touring alone however Tulum has the costliest price of dwelling in Mexico. You may undoubtedly reside for reasonable however you must have good Spanish expertise. That is your strongest instrument for reasonable leases!
The approach to life in Tulum is unquestionably for younger individuals (loud events, busy vacationer spot) however when you get to know Tulum deeply, there are lots of secret seashores and non-touristic areas which you can take pleasure in by your self.
Why transfer to Mexico?
Residency visa is simple
The primary cause why I selected to reside in Mexico is that visa is tremendous straightforward. 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 often known as no-lucrativo (non-lucrative). It was solely legitimate for one 12 months so I believed I’d solely keep right here for a 12 months. Really, I believed that COVID might be over after a 12 months.
2 years handed and COVID continues to be a factor. Dwelling a lifetime of journey and at all times transferring round turned tougher for me. I lately 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!
Regardless of the place you might be from or no matter passport you maintain, there are a whole lot of uncertainties in terms of journey proper now so legally dwelling in Mexico is a superb reduction for me.
If you happen to 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.
If you’re not to undergo this course of, Mexico has a really beneficiant 6-month vacationer visa so you may simply go out and in each 6 months.
Price of dwelling is reasonably priced
Mexico is usually generalized as an affordable nation however that isn’t the case. With the variety of foreigners transferring right here yearly, I’m afraid that it’s turning into costly, however in case you are a greenback earner, you may reside 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 dwelling in each space I lived in Mexico. Higher but, head to my journal Mexico Insider for detailed price of dwelling guides.
As , I got here from Tel Aviv earlier than dwelling right here and Israel’s price of dwelling is tremendous excessive. After I got here right here, my high quality of life turned higher as every part is so low-cost!
Effectively, that’s, in case you are evaluating it to the US, Canada, and Europe. I nonetheless discover dwelling 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 rather straightforward 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 on the lookout for an house in Mexico Metropolis, there have been solely 2 out of 10 that accepted canine though Mexico Metropolis is a pet metropolis.
With this, I made a decision that we at all times reside in seaside areas as they’re extra accepting of pets. Total, I do suppose that Mexico is a canine nation. Even home journey for pets is really easy and low-cost!
Assets for Shifting to Mexico
Apply for a residency visa in Mexico
I’ve been dwelling in Mexico for 7 years and I solely have one lawyer who takes care of my immigration processes. You may guide a name together with her and see what’s the precise visa for you.
Medical Insurance coverage in Mexico
If you happen to want a medical insurance coverage if you transfer to Mexico, you may see plans on SafetyWing.
E-book a discovery name with me
Wish to know what’s it prefer to reside in Mexico? You may guide a name with me and I’ll provide you with an perception!