Overview

Mexico City defies easy categorization—and that's precisely its appeal. This sprawling metropolis of 22 million people isn't the sleepy retirement haven of Lake Chapala or the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende. It's a global megacity with world-class museums, a food scene rivaling any on earth, and living costs that range from genuinely affordable to surprisingly expensive depending on your choices. At 7,350 feet elevation in a valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, it offers spring-like temperatures year-round but comes with real considerations: air quality concerns, earthquake risk, and an increasingly complicated conversation about foreign residents driving up housing costs.

Highlights

• World-class museums (National Anthropology, Soumaya, Bellas Artes)
• Legendary food scene from $2 street tacos to World's 50 Best restaurants
• Walkable, distinct neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán)
• Exceptional value—comfortable living $1,500-2,500/month
• Direct flights to most major North American and European cities

Best For