11 of the Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Expats

Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

Are you looking for the best cities to live in Mexico for expats?

Can’t say I blame you. It’s a pretty unbelievable country. I was in your shoes a few years ago, too.

There are so many incredible places to live that it’s going to be a bit like Goldilocks finding her perfect spot. So, where do you start? 

Right here.

As an American expat in Mexico (and a long-time serial expat), I know a few things about choosing the perfect city. I’ve done it a few times and have been happily living in Puerto Vallarta since 2022. 

However, you’re not me, and not every expat wants the same thing. This post covers all bases, from the best cities to live in Mexico for young adults to family-approved regions. 

So, sit back and grab a tequila (just to get you in the Mexico mood), and get ready for a whistle-stop tour of the best places to move in Mexico.

Five factors to consider before moving abroad:

Before we look at the best cities to live in Mexico, there are a few essential factors to think about before you board the plane. 

Don’t wing it (see what I did there?). 

You don’t want any moving abroad regrets, so choosing where to move shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Here are five quick and dirty details you need to consider before moving overseas. 

Don’t get me wrong; there are more than five. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

Cost of living

Affordability is the first factor in researching the best places to move in Mexico. 

Of course, it’s cheaper than the US and Europe, but not all cities cost the same. How much can you afford comfortably? Take an honest and brutal look at your budget and try to match it with your ideal city. 

If all your research says it’s out of your budget, believe it and look for another city in Mexico.

Services and amenities

Think road quality, internet access, public transportation, water, health care, and air pollution. You may not care about this on vacation, but expat life isn’t a holiday. It’s the real deal, and there is a lot more to consider than beautiful beaches and good food.

Weather

When you think of Mexico, you probably think of hot beaches and t-shirt weather. This is true for some of the country, but certainly not all. 

There are plenty of places that get cool, like in the 40s-50s°F, far from t-shirt and flip-flop weather. 

Take it from me — we took my mom to San Miguel in February and froze our whosiewhatsits off. We had to go shopping for sweaters, socks, and jackets. No bueno. 

The vibe of the city in Mexico

Onto the fun stuff — culture, activities, and entertainment opportunities. Are you looking for a bustling hipster digital nomad city? Or do you want a family-friendly region?

If you’re a culture lover, an inland city is better than a beach town. Want to go hiking on the regular? Make sure your town has mountains nearby. 

You should also consider whether you’ll dive into learning Spanish or move to an area with a large expat community in Mexico.

Safety

Finally, your safety in Mexico should always be a priority. 

While all the cities on this list are some of the safest places to live in Mexico for expats, some neighborhoods might be safer than others, just like in any city. And that is something you need to know.

So, now, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Map of Mexico’s best cities for expats

Take a look at this map. It’ll give you a bird’s eye view of where these cities are in Mexico.

The 11 best cities to live in Mexico – An expat’s guide

Whether you’re Googling “What are the cities in Mexico with the highest quality of life?” Or, if you simply want to know the best places to live in Mexico by the beach, I’ve got your back. 

Mexico City

Best place to live for city lovers. 

Love the hustle and bustle of the city but want to live somewhere further from home? Add Mexico City to your list. 

It’s super easy to see why it’s touted as the best city to live in Mexico for foreigners. I get it. We love it there and would consider it if it were coastal.

It’s a massive metropolis (22 million massive) home to culture, historical sites, delicious food, and hipster neighborhoods. It also has a distinctly modern vibe, so if you are a city dweller, you’ll feel right at home. But there are lots of green spaces, and you’re only a short drive from the incredible monarch butterfly migration, so you don’t have to look too hard to get into nature.

Mexico City provides plenty of job opportunities, so if you aren’t a remote worker or digital nomad, it is possible to nab a job locally. There are a lot of foreign teachers there.

Speaking of teachers, if you are bringing family along, there are multiple international schools to choose from.

An international airport is on your doorstep for easy travel to other parts of the world, but more importantly, home. You’ll never miss an important event back home. 

Unsurprisingly, living costs are higher than in other cities, but this is expected in the capital.

A primary concern for expats is safety. And it should be. Some neighborhoods are very secure, but this can change in a few blocks. Start your search with Polanco, Condensa, Roma Norte, Roma Sur, Zona Rosa, and San Rafael.

If your main wish is to live in a thriving city with plenty of energy and always something to do and see, Mexico City is the place to be. 

PROS:	CONS:
International airport makes it easy to get home	Cost of living is higher than in other cities
The ease of everything at your fingertips	At times there are high pollution levels
Culture and food galore	Safety is a concern in certain areas

Puebla

Best place to live if you’re a newbie nomad. 

Wondering where is the cheapest and safest place in Mexico to live? Meet Puebla.

Puebla is about two hours southeast of Mexico City and in the foothills of the active Popocatepetl Volcano. Although it hasn’t had a large eruption for over 1100 years, it often spews a little dust and ash just for dramatic effect. It’s Mexico, after all, and they like it dramatic here. 

But to put it into perspective, it’s a 2.5-hour drive between Popocatepetl Volcano and Puebla and a two-hour drive between the volcano and Mexico City. And, when it does act up, it affects the airports more than anything else. 

Anyway, back to Puebla. 

All that rich volcanic ash makes the soil perfect for making artisanal Talavera tiles, which are on the UNESCO list for intangible heritage. What makes the architecture of Puebla extra unique is all the Talavera tiled buildings throughout the city. 

Additionally, there is a lot of nature and hiking nearby, so it ticks the boxes for culture and nature, which is hard to come by in a big city.

Though Puebla isn’t as known as the capital, it still offers plenty of American restaurants and stores, so it’s easier to adjust to life abroad and suits picky eaters. 

Living in Puebla is very affordable, so it’s no surprise that it’s a big hit with digital nomads. But the internet isn’t as great as you’d expect. The average speed is 16Mbps. Not great for important video meetings. 

PROS:	CONS:
Large city with plenty to do	Not the best internet for remote workers or digital nomads
International airport	The volcano could disrupt the airport there
Very safe	Many American chains there
Affordable lifestyle	You’ll need to learn some basic Spanish

San Miguel de Allende

Best city for culture vultures. 

Do you picture yourself strolling cobbled streets and leisurely sipping coffee with like-minded expats or retirees? You might want to start your new life in San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel or SMA for short).

San Miguel is located in the Central Highlands of Guanajuato. Yes, this is an inland city without a beach. However, its gorgeous architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site status make up for this. 

Though not as large as other cities on this list, San Miguel has a thriving community of over 10,000 expats, one of the largest expat communities in Mexico. You won’t feel alone here.

When we were there, we heard more English than Spanish. That could be a pro or a con, but living in a town with American communities in Mexico can help with homesickness. They know what you are going through, and that can be comforting. 

Other benefits include clean air and cooler weather. Temperatures can drop below freezing in January and February. Not ideal if you’re dreaming of that constant Mexico warmth. 

If SMA interests you, but your budget might be tight, be sure to look for a rental outside the main downtown area. Prices drop drastically the further from downtown you are. 

PROS:	CONS:
Clean air	Very touristy
Spring-like weather	Can be pricey
Very safe	It can get cold
Culturally rich	Closest international airport is in Queretero, an hour away

Guanajuato

Best for a mild climate and an affordable cost of living.

When it comes to the best places to live in Mexico on a budget, Guanajuato is up there. Not as well known as others on the list, this hidden gem is absolutely worth your time. People who find SMA a bit too expensive or touristy love it here. 

Guanajuato is a small colonial city in the central highlands with approximately 80,000 residents. It’s a true Mexican town with more domestic travelers than most of the other cities on this list. 

We love its colorful colonial buildings, rich culture and history. And how authentic it is. It might not be on every expat list, but that is what we like about it. Plus, it has all the amenities you’d need to make it a comfortable landing.

Another perk of Guanajuato is its mild climate. OK — this isn’t for all expats. But if beaches aren’t your thing or you’d prefer cooler weather, this city’s average temperature of 70°F/21°C will give you the warm and fuzzies.

Since it’s not a massively popular tourist destination, Guanajuato has an affordable cost of living and cheaper rents.

PROS:	CONS:
This is authentic Mexico	English isn’t as widely spoken, so you might need to learn some Spanish (could be a pro)
Very affordable	Can get chilly at night
Has mild spring-like weather year-round	Might feel a little sleepy
Culturally rich

If you want more info about expat life in Guanajauto, read my friend Tim’s post: Living the Mexpat Life. 

Oaxaca City

Best place to live for foodies.

Living in Oaxaca means stunning colonial architecture, majestic ruins, and a vibrant food scene are at your fingertips. If your stomach is the way to your heart, book your ticket. 

Oaxaca City is known for mezcal, mole (a rich sauce made with about 30 different ingredients), tamales, and, of course, Oaxaca cheese. I’m a fan of all but tamales. They just don’t do it for me. 

However, if you loathe the idea of living in a place with meh food, we’d be good friends. And Oaxaca is calling. 

It’s also one of the best places to live in Mexico on a budget, as rent is very affordable and public transportation is cheap. 

With archaeological wonders nearby and lots of events and museums in the city, you won’t get bored here. Places like Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, Mercado 20 Noviembre (market), and the Hierve El Agua Waterfall are must-sees while there.

Fun Fact: The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

However, the downsides of this location include lots of traffic, air pollution, poor pavement quality, and the possibility of earthquakes.

PROS:	CONS:
Culture cravers will love it here	The city can get congested
Mezcal and mole, what more do you need?	Earthquakes do occur
International airport	It can get a little gritty outside the main tourist areas
Affordable

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California

Best for a well-developed beachside city.

Cabo San Lucas is known for its swanky beach resorts, beautiful beaches, and modern infrastructure. It’s not the cheapest place to live on this list — it’s on the US’s doorstep — but it provides everything you need for an easy transition.

You can find accommodation at a variety of price points.

The marina, the golf courses, Medano Beach, Santa Maria Bay, and whale-watching tours would be part of your lifestyle here. One thing to note is that not all the beaches are good for swimming; many have rip tides and strong currents.

There are some English-speaking job opportunities. Remote workers and digital nomads can rejoice, because the WiFi is excellent and super speedy. There are also many co-working spaces if working from home isn’t an option.

Cabo San Lucas is safe and has excellent amenities. Most expats settle in condos or townhouses in fully equipped developments. 

This region isn’t just for remote workers and beach lovers. Thanks to its safety, services, and English-speaking international schools, it’s also one of the best cities to live in Mexico for families.

PROS:	CONS:
Very Americanized (you can get anything you want)	Very Americanized (doesn’t feel like Mexico)
Very safe	Might be over-touristy
Good for families	Can be costly

Tulum

Best for hipsters and digital nomads. 

Tulum is a go-to destination for digital nomads and hipsters. Located on the Caribbean coast, it has a bohemian charm, white sand beaches and all the yoga and vegan places you might want. 

The Mayan Ruins add a bit of culture to a town that has more expat driven “spiritual centers” than Mexicans. I know that sounds snarky, but Tulum feels decidedly more expat woo-woo than authentic Mexican haven. Some people love that vibe, and thousands of foreigners call it home.

Just not me. 

The ocean is that clear blue of postcards, and the cenotes nearby make Tulum incredible for adventures. Both bits I genuinely love. It is, however, very touristy and costly. During the high season, the prices are hyper-inflated.

When we were there last year, we found the only “affordable” places to rent were far from the beach, in the pueblo, or town. 

Tulum has plenty of cafes and co-working spaces, but not the most reliable internet connection in Mexico. 

A new Tulum International Airport (TQO) just opened with a limited number of direct flights, so you can jump on a plane without driving two hours to Cancun’s airport.  

This is a safe city, but petty theft still targets foreigners. The Middle Beach Zone and Tulum Pueblo are popular places for expats to settle.

It’s def one of the best places to live in Mexico for young adults who love a hipster vibe.

PROS:	CONS:
Oh, that ocean water	Cost of living is high
Natural beauty and cenotes are exquisite	Full of American tourists
Warm weather all year around	Not very authentic

Playa del Carmen

Best for a warm all-year-round climate and beach life.

If you’re ready to wind down and swap busy city life for time by the sea, Playa del Carmen, Playa for short, might just be your spot. Plus, there are a lot of cool things to see all throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

This beachside town consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Mexico for expats. This Yucatan Peninsula hotspot has average temperatures of 85-90°F (29-32°C) no matter the month, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of fellow expats. 

Additionally, you’re also close to coral reefs and cenotes, so choosing what to do after work has never been so exciting. However, some months see a lot of sargassum seaweed making the beaches unswimmable.

The cost of living here is higher than other cities. The touristy 5th Ave, the main walking street, runs parallel to the beach. Finding affordable rentals near it is a challenge. But crossing the highway causes prices to drop considerably.

On the whole, Playa del Carmen is a safe city — especially in the downtown area. 

For more details about the pros and cons of this town, read my post comparing Playa del Carmen to Puerto Vallarta. Or check out this video.

PROS:	CONS:
Safe city	Not a lot of culture
Cenotes and gorgeous beaches	Rentals can be pricey
Plenty of restaurants and nightlife	Hoards of tourists can make it feel like a town in the US or Europe.

Merida

Best if you’re looking for a safe city in Mexico.

Safety is a big concern for expats, and rightly so! If you’re concerned about crime rates and want a foreigner-friendly city, make Merida your first stop. 

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan region and is often touted as one of the safest cities to live in Mexico.

There is already an established community of expats from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

You may need to take a few Spanish lessons because the locals don’t speak much English unless they work in the service industry. 

Alongside many expats and a safe environment, Merida has cycling-friendly streets, excellent healthcare services, and a walkable layout. 

There are also plenty of co-working spaces. The WiFi is fast and reliable. 

It’s even considered one of the best places to live in Mexico for families — it’s safe and all the essential amenities are covered.

PROS:	CONS:
Very cultural city with nearby ruins & centotes	It gets hotter than a mutha in the summer; think daytime temps of 95°F with high humidity.
International airport	You’ll need to learn some Spanish
You don’t need a car	International flights are limited

Puerto Vallarta

Best place to live in Mexico by the beach if you want an authentic Mexican vibe.

Obviously, I might be a little biased since we live in Puerto Vallarta. But there is a reason we chose it — actually, many reasons. 

We wanted a coastal town with a buzzy and authentic vibe. One where there were more Mexicans than Americans. A place where we would hear Spanish first and then other languages. 

We wanted the benefit of living in a town where English is widely understood so that until we are fluent, we can get by. Learning to speak everyday Spanish is very different from learning doctor or banking Spanish. 

As much as I love those Caribbean beaches on the East Coast, we didn’t find a place that felt like Mexico there. 

Puerto Vallarta checked all those boxes for us.

It is definitely touristy. Sometimes, during the high season, there are three massive cruise ships in the port. But throughout the year, the majority of tourists are domestic. It’s very much a beach destination for all the people living in Guadalajara, and the weekends are chock full of happy families partying on the beaches until the moon is high in the sky. 

It’s not the most affordable place on this list, but it is the most affordable of the beach towns on this list.

It is LGBTQ+ super-friendly. The locals are extremely kind and welcoming, as are the expats. 

The weather is warm all year long, but from July through Septemeber, it’s the rainy season, which is stupid hot and humid.

PROS:	CONS:
Authentic Mexican beach town	Can be touristy
Don’t need to learn Spanish to live here, but you should	Can be expensive
Tons of restaurants and nightlife options	Gets brutally hot in late summer
Always loads of events and groups, so it’s easy to meet new people	There is a lot of building going on, and the construction noise can be disturbing.
Don’t need a car

Ajijic

One of the best cities to live in Mexico for retirees

Ajijic, on the north coast of Lake Chapala, is known for its year-round temperate climate and fabulous community of expats.

We spent a few days there visiting our friends who live there and love it. 

It’s a charming town that is also a Pueblo Magico, so there is a lot of culture and loads to discover. It’s also very safe.

It’s pretty centrally located, so we rented a car and went to Tequila, but you don’t need a car to get around. In fact, at times, the traffic is brutal, but there are walking and biking lanes all around the town.  

As you wander the streets, you’ll feel the artistic vibe in the colorful murals that adorn the streets and the artists painting their canvases along the lake.

Only 45 minutes from Guadalajara, Mexico’s 4th largest city, you’ll have no problem finding everything you need to make your life comfortable.  

Plus, you have an international airport at your doorstep.

PROS:	CONS:
Big welcoming expat community	A majority are retirees, not great for the younger crowd
No need to learn Spanish to live here	Might be a little sleepy. They roll up the sidewalks at 9 pm
It’s easy to meet new people	At times it’s very crowded

The best Mexican city to live in – Picking your new hometown

Naturally, more than one of these cities will catch your eye. It’s normal to feel conflicted. But you’ll find your happy place. Just be patient. And remember that no place is perfect. 

Just take time to fine-tune your decision-making. Assess what’s most important to you, and then visit all the runner-ups. Stay there for a month. But do it in the worst season so you can get a feel for the city at its “lowest or worst.” If you still like it, then boom, stay a while. 

We love Puerto Vallarta in the high season when it’s packed with tourists, and in the low season, when the rains come and our street becomes a rushing river. September is the worst month, but it’s not a deal breaker. That’s how you should feel in your new home. 

Happy new hometown picking! You’ve got this!

Which looks best for you? Have you lived in any of these cities in Mexico? Let me know in the comments.