Top Cities in Mexico for Expats: Where to Live and Why

1. Mexico City: Cosmopolitan city

Mexico City is a place that houses museums, historical districts, restaurants, nightlife, business, and also many foreigners. Thus, it suits professionals, businessmen, remote workers, and expatriates who need all sorts of services.

However, there are two drawbacks: one lives in an urban environment, and there is quite a difference between districts. Therefore, consider traffic, housing, air pollution, and other factors when selecting the district.

2. Mérida: Colonial atmosphere and slower pace of life

Mérida is known for its colonial buildings, squares, culture and strong sense of community. It can attract retirees, families and people preferring a calm way of life while being still close to the Gulf coast.

Hot climate and seasonality of climate are important factors. Check costs of cooling, accessibility of healthcare and proximity to the services you need.

3. Puerto Vallarta: a Pacific beach lifestyle

Puerto Vallarta has beaches, outdoors, restaurants, and an already existing international community. It attracts pensioners, those owning second homes, and expatriates wanting seaside lifestyle and facilities like clinics and other amenities.

Prices for housing may increase, and some seasonality may occur due to tourism; make sure you account for rental, insurance, transportation costs, and others.

4. San Miguel de Allende: Art and International Lifestyle

The city is famous because of its beautiful architecture, art galleries, cultural events, and international community. The artistic environment of the town and its delightful climate at high altitude make it a good place to live for retirees, artists, and professionals.

You should take into consideration your needs for housing, health care, transportation, and cost of imported goods when choosing the town.

5. Cancún and Playa del Carmen: Coastal and international lifestyle

Cancún and Playa del Carmen offer beaches, international airports, tourism-related amenities, and an atmosphere that might fit the lifestyle of young professionals, remote workers, and those who crave a tropical environment.

However, tourism can affect the rent rates, traffic, noise, and seasonality of life. Please pay attention to such factors as internet access, healthcare availability, security, and day-to-day life outside the tourist zone when considering moving there.

6. Querétaro: Modern, dynamic, and family-friendly

What makes Querétaro unique is its economy, manufacturing and tech industries, schools, medical centers, and the old city. Querétaro may suit those people who are ready to enjoy all the amenities in a modern and dynamic city but don't want to live in the capital.

It would be helpful to do research on jobs and education in the city and differences among various areas of the city before moving there.

7. The right city to choose in Mexico

Such factors as the cost of living, safety, healthcare, career or retirement opportunities, climate, transport, airport access, and the presence of the same-language and cultural community play an important role in choosing a city to live in Mexico.

While visiting the city before moving can give you additional information on issues that you cannot get from the internet, it is important that the chosen way of immigration suits your plans of relocation. Our agency MexoPath can help you compare visas and residency programs.