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

Retirees
Artists

Mexico City

Central Mexico

A global megacity with world-class culture at developing-world prices

Digital Nomads
Foodies

Oaxaca

Southern Mexico

World-class indigenous cuisine, living Zapotec and Mixtec cultures, and costs 20-28% lower than comparable expat destinations

Foodies
Culture Enthusiasts

Guadalajara

Western Mexico

Authentic urban life in Mexico's underrated second city—where expats remain a tiny minority

Digital Nomads
Entrepreneurs

Mérida

Yucatán Peninsula

Colonial charm meets Maya heritage where safety rivals Quebec—at $2,000-2,500/month

Retirees
Families

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

Beach Lovers
LGBTQ+ Community

Guanajuato

Central Highlands

Half the cost of San Miguel de Allende with world-class culture, university energy, and authentic Mexican immersion

Culture Seekers
Budget-Conscious Retirees

Querétaro

Central Highlands

Authentic Mexican city life with UNESCO heritage, wine country, and safety rivaling Quebec—at 30-50% below U.S. costs

Working Professionals
Families

Lake Chapala

Western Mexico

North America's largest expat community with "eternal spring" climate and Mexico's largest lake

Retirees 55+
Couples Seeking Community

Playa del Carmen

Riviera Maya

Caribbean beach lifestyle for $1,500-$3,500/month with English widely spoken and year-round warmth

Digital Nomads
Beach Lovers

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

Remote Workers with Flexible Schedules
Wellness Enthusiasts

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Chiapas Highlands

Cool highland colonial town with indigenous Mayan culture

Budget Travelers
Culture Seekers

Cabo San Lucas

Baja California Sur

Desert-meets-sea playground with upscale resort living—but at Mexico's highest prices

Snowbirds
Golfers

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

Marine Life Enthusiasts
Divers & Snorkelers

Mazatlán

Pacific Coast

Authentic Mexican beach city with colonial soul and world-class seafood at 40-50% below Puerto Vallarta prices

Retirees Seeking Authentic Mexican Culture
Budget-Conscious Beach Lovers

Sayulita

Riviera Nayarit

Bohemian Pueblo Mágico surf town with year-round waves and tight-knit expat community—but paradise comes with trade-offs

Surfers (especially beginners)
Digital Nomads with flexible schedules

Huatulco

Oaxaca Coast

Mexico's eco-certified hidden gem: nine pristine bays, exceptional safety, and authentic Oaxacan culture at $1,800-2,500/month

Retirees on Fixed Income
Eco-Conscious Travelers

San Luis Potosí

Central Highlands

Authentic Mexican immersion at a fraction of coastal city prices—but the water crisis demands preparation

Spanish Learners
Budget-Conscious Retirees

Riviera Maya

Quintana Roo

Caribbean corridor from Puerto Morelos to Mahahual—authentic alternatives to overdeveloped tourist hubs

Retirees
Divers
19 destinations7 regions

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