Top 7 of the Best Expat Cities in Mexico
May 1, 2025
Mexico has always held a special allure for travellers and investors alike.
Whether it’s the laid-back lifestyle, vibrant local Mexican culture or serious real estate potential, this country has a way of turning short-term stays into long-term commitments.
From buzzing beach towns to quiet mountain retreats, Mexico draws expats from around the world with its lifestyle and value. You’ll find real community here – not just friendly faces, but people who’ve built full, satisfying lives under the sun.
And with well-connected airports across the country, staying close to family or bouncing between continents is easier than you’d think.
The opportunities for investors are just as compelling. Whether you’re eyeing a chic city apartment or a seaside villa, Mexico’s property market is full of promise. Best of all, the country offers lower entry points and a higher quality, comfortable life than many of its global counterparts.
In short, Mexico delivers. A relaxed lifestyle, connection, investment potential, it’s all here. You just have to decide what you’re looking for.
It’s little wonder that so many expats have found their Mexican paradise. If you’re thinking about exploring residency visas, second citizenship and international investment opportunities, reach out to us at Nomad Capitalist, and we’ll help make your search smoother and more rewarding.
Best Cities for an Expat Living in Mexico
Choosing the right Mexican City to call home is about finding the right balance of lifestyle, affordability, safety and healthcare.
That’s why we’ve handpicked cities that tick all the key boxes for modern expats and savvy investors.
Safety is a top priority, especially when moving to Latin America. Each city on our list offers relative peace of mind compared to national averages and global expat hubs.
Healthcare is another non-negotiable. These cities are equipped with quality medical facilities, many of which attract health-conscious retirees and medical tourists alike.
Then there’s the cost of living.
Whether you’re after the energy of a big city, a relaxed beach vibe or a charming colonial-style town, Mexico offers surprisingly affordable options across the board – without compromising quality of life.
No matter your lifestyle needs, there’s a city here that fits the bill.
Best Cities: From Mérida to Mexico City
Here are our picks for the top expat cities in Mexico – no prizes for guessing the first one.
7. Mexico City
Mexico City is a lively and multicultural metropolis renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, colonial architecture, and diverse population, including a growing number of expats.
As with most capital cities, the cost of living is higher than in the rest of the country.
However, it’s still a very affordable city, with the cost of living being around 60% cheaper than in London.
For a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city, basic monthly expenses are estimated to be around US$1,700 per month. Of course, there’s a lot of room to elevate your quality of life in Mexico City, which comes with increased spending.
But for US$1,700, you’re getting pretty much all the amenities and comforts you would find at home, as well as a wide range of cultural events. On top of that, quality healthcare facilities are plentiful.
The presence of an international airport facilitates convenient travel for expats, further contributing to its popularity.
If you want to discover the best neighbourhoods for expats in Mexico City, see our guide to expat life in the Mexican capital.
6. Playa del Carmen
Situated by Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is a charming resort town known for its nightlife, culture and affordability.
As a single person, expect to pay around US$1,500 monthly to live comfortably here. Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and excellent healthcare. Of course, taking full advantage of the resort lifestyle will cost you more.
It’s a popular destination among expats, especially those looking for coastal views and white-sand beaches.
5. Cabo San Lucas
Also known for its beaches, Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort city situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.
Cabo San Lucas’s popularity as a tourist resort means the cost of living is somewhat higher than other locations on this list, especially if you want to live the good life on the beach. Although, you could still get by on US$1,500 per month as a single person.
But once again, you’re paying for the location and quality of services.
Its expat group and the bay’s northern point provide a stunning backdrop for those seeking a spectacular destination.
4. Monterrey
Monterrey, one of Mexico’s larger cities, combines industry, colour and cultural activities.
Despite this, it’s also far more affordable than better-known tourist destinations. Living here is around 57% less expensive than in New York.
If you’re a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city, you can expect basic monthly expenses of around US$1,600 and up.
Monterrey is recognised for its array of health and wellness services and is just a few hours away from the charming beach towns of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
It’s an ideal base for those who want to be close to many of the best things that Mexico has to offer.
3. Guadalajara
Located near Mexico’s Pacific coast, Guadalajara is a city famous for its lively local culture and frequent events.
It allows expats to experience an authentic Mexican lifestyle at an affordable monthly cost, starting at an estimated cost of around US$1,200 for a single person living in a central one-bedroom apartment.
Guadalajara also has a strong healthcare system, with modern and fully equipped hospitals providing all types of medical care.
2. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Spanish colonial city, is renowned for its large expat community.
With an average monthly cost of living of around US$1,800 and up per month for a single person, San Miguel de Allende is moderately affordable.
There’s also lots to experience as it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as music and theatre festivals.
1. Mérida
A safe and affordable city in southern Mexico, Mérida offers a basic lower cost of living starting around US$1,000 for a single person renting a central one-bedroom apartment.
Mérida is a cultural centre that hosts frequent events such as its classical theatre festival and the September Fair.
It also offers quality healthcare. Its airport, which offers international flights, and proximity to the sea make Mérida a practical and popular choice among expats.
Best Places in Mexico for Expats: FAQs
An estimated 1.6 million US citizens live in Mexico, according to the US State Department.
There are several paths for an American expat to earn permanent residency in Mexico, including by buying real estate or showing a certain level of financial solvency.
Many cities in Mexico have gained popularity among expats for their unique blend of culture, safety and affordability. Some of the best cities include Mexico City, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen. These are also popular tourist destinations during the tourist season.
Reports suggest that the neighbourhoods surrounding Lake Chapala have the world’s highest concentration of US expats. Most expats are also drawn to San Miguel de Allende’s rich cultural life and large expat community. Others choose the uniqueness of Mexico City, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen or Mérida.
While safety can be subjective and vary across regions, many expats find Mérida and San Miguel de Allende particularly safe. These cities are well-known for their friendly locals, inviting atmosphere and low crime rates.
Tijuana and Acapulco regularly rank high in lists of the world’s most dangerous cities based on homicide rates.
The cost of living can vary significantly between cities. In general, small towns like San Miguel de Allende and Mérida can be more affordable, while other cities like Mexico City might have a higher cost of living. However, living expenses in these cities are often much cheaper for many expats compared to their other countries.
Mexico City offers a range of attractive neighbourhoods, a growing expat community, amazing food, an affordable cost of living, and plenty to see and do. The weather is warm without getting unbearably hot, and there are excellent transport links to easily enjoy other parts of the country. While obviously Mexican people speak Spanish, English is also widely spoken.
This depends on where you’d like to live in Mexico and the quality of life you’d like to experience. From what we’ve seen, it would be possible to enjoy a nice retirement in some parts of Mexico with as little as USD$1,000 per month.
Some of the disadvantages or potential downsides of living or becoming a permanent resident in Mexico include language barriers, a lack of conveniences that expats are used to at home, a high rate of crimes, and tap water that is not drinkable in most parts of Mexico. Mexico is a large country, and living standards, amenities and potential challenges vary significantly from one region to the next.
Embrace the Mexican Expat Lifestyle
Mexico is a vast country with diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. It truly has something for everyone.
If you are seriously considering Mexico, weighing up the pros and cons is essential, as everyone’s situation is different.
Mexican residence and citizenship come with many advantages, such as travel privileges or giving some a chance to connect with their cultural background. It’s also important to consider how you will adapt to expat life there, including cultural differences and even potential tax issues.
Are you an entrepreneur or investor looking to start an exciting life overseas? To start planning your new adventure and to discover more about living, working and investing as a global citizen, get in touch today.
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