Destinations in Mexico
From colonial highlands to Caribbean beaches. Each city has its own character, cost structure, and community. Find your fit.
San Miguel de Allende
Central Highlands
Near-perfect weather, world-class arts, and genuine Mexican charm—but no longer the affordable secret it once was
Mexico City
Central Mexico
A global megacity with world-class culture at developing-world prices
Oaxaca
Southern Mexico
World-class indigenous cuisine, living Zapotec and Mixtec cultures, and costs 20-28% lower than comparable expat destinations
Guadalajara
Western Mexico
Authentic urban life in Mexico's underrated second city—where expats remain a tiny minority
Mérida
Yucatán Peninsula
Colonial charm meets Maya heritage where safety rivals Quebec—at $2,000-2,500/month
Puerto Vallarta
Pacific Coast
Beach lifestyle meets urban amenities—Mexico's most LGBTQ+-friendly destination with fiber internet, international hospitals, and direct flights to dozens of US cities
Guanajuato
Central Highlands
Half the cost of San Miguel de Allende with world-class culture, university energy, and authentic Mexican immersion
Querétaro
Central Highlands
Authentic Mexican city life with UNESCO heritage, wine country, and safety rivaling Quebec—at 30-50% below U.S. costs
Lake Chapala
Western Mexico
North America's largest expat community with "eternal spring" climate and Mexico's largest lake
Playa del Carmen
Riviera Maya
Caribbean beach lifestyle for $1,500-$3,500/month with English widely spoken and year-round warmth
Tulum
Riviera Maya
Stunning natural beauty with significant trade-offs—$2,500-4,000 monthly for infrastructure that rivals major cities in cost but not reliability
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Chiapas Highlands
Cool highland colonial town with indigenous Mayan culture
Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur
Desert-meets-sea playground with upscale resort living—but at Mexico's highest prices
La Paz
Baja California Sur
Authentic Baja city with world-class marine life, exceptional safety, and genuine Mexican culture—at 15-25% higher costs than mainland Mexico
Mazatlán
Pacific Coast
Authentic Mexican beach city with colonial soul and world-class seafood at 40-50% below Puerto Vallarta prices
Sayulita
Riviera Nayarit
Bohemian Pueblo Mágico surf town with year-round waves and tight-knit expat community—but paradise comes with trade-offs
Huatulco
Oaxaca Coast
Mexico's eco-certified hidden gem: nine pristine bays, exceptional safety, and authentic Oaxacan culture at $1,800-2,500/month
San Luis Potosí
Central Highlands
Authentic Mexican immersion at a fraction of coastal city prices—but the water crisis demands preparation
Riviera Maya
Quintana Roo
Caribbean corridor from Puerto Morelos to Mahahual—authentic alternatives to overdeveloped tourist hubs
Not sure where to start?
Compare the cost of living across multiple cities to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
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