Complete Guide to Moving to Mexico in 2026

Mexico is not just close to the United States — it is the country that more Americans, Canadians, and digital nomads choose to relocate to than anywhere else on earth. The numbers are staggering: an estimated 1.6 million Americans live in Mexico, making it the largest US expat community in the world. And the reasons are straightforward. You can live well in one of the most culturally rich countries on the planet for $1,200–$1,800 a month. The food is extraordinary. The people are welcoming. And Mexico City has quietly become one of the most exciting cities in the world.

But Mexico is also a country of sharp contrasts. Safety varies dramatically by region. Bureaucracy can be opaque. The gap between expat expectations and Mexican reality catches many newcomers off guard. This guide is not the sanitized version — it is the comprehensive, data-driven breakdown you need to make an informed decision about moving to Mexico in 2026.

Whether you are a remote worker drawn to Mexico City’s Roma-Condesa neighborhoods, a retiree considering the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende, or a family weighing the Caribbean coast, this guide covers the real costs, visa pathways, safety picture, healthcare system, and the cities where expats actually thrive. At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Mexico country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

Visa & Residency Options

Mexico has one of the most straightforward immigration systems in the Americas. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa, but you do not need one — the existing pathways are generous enough that most expats find a legal option without difficulty.

Tourist Entry (FMM — 180 Days)

Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia, Japan, and most other developed nations receive a free tourist permit (FMM) for up to 180 days upon arrival. No visa application is required — you simply fill out a form at immigration. This is one of the most generous tourist entry policies in the world and is the reason so many digital nomads use Mexico as a base.

Important caveat: the 180 days is the maximum, and immigration officers have discretion to grant fewer days. In practice, arriving by air at a major airport almost always gets you the full 180 days. Land border crossings sometimes result in shorter stamps (30–90 days). Always check your stamped duration and do not overstay. Many expats do “visa runs” — leaving and re-entering every six months — but Mexican immigration has begun scrutinizing frequent border crossers. If you plan to stay long-term, get proper residency.

Temporary Resident Visa (1–4 Years)

The Residente Temporal is the standard pathway for expats who want to live in Mexico legally beyond 180 days. It is issued for one year initially and renewable for up to four years total. The key requirements:

• Income proof: approximately $2,500 USD per month in regular income (employment, freelance, pension, investments) for the previous six months, OR a bank balance of roughly $42,000 USD maintained over the previous 12 months. Thresholds are updated annually based on Mexico’s minimum wage.
• Application: you apply at a Mexican consulate in your home country. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you enter Mexico and complete the process at the local INM (immigration) office within 30 days to receive your resident card.
• Work authorization: the Temporary Resident visa allows you to work in Mexico, including for Mexican employers. This is a significant advantage over many countries’ residency programs.

Practical tip: the consulate experience varies enormously. Some consulates (Houston, Los Angeles) are efficient and well-staffed. Others can be slower. Research your specific consulate’s requirements, as documentation expectations sometimes differ slightly between locations. Bring originals and copies of everything.

Permanent Resident Visa

After four years as a Temporary Resident, you can apply for Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente). You can also apply directly if you meet higher financial thresholds — approximately $5,000 USD per month in income or $175,000 USD in investments/bank balance. Permanent residents can work freely, access the public healthcare system, and stay in Mexico indefinitely.

Family ties provide another pathway: spouses of Mexican citizens and parents of Mexican-born children can apply for permanent residency directly. Mexico also offers permanent residency based on humanitarian grounds and for retirees receiving pensions above the income threshold.

Citizenship

After five years of legal residency (temporary + permanent), you can apply for Mexican citizenship and naturalization. Mexico allows dual citizenship, so Americans and Canadians do not need to renounce their original nationality. The process requires a Spanish language test and a Mexican history and culture exam, both at a basic level.

Cost of Living — City by City

Mexico’s cost of living is its killer advantage. A comfortable lifestyle that would cost $4,000–$5,000 in a US city can be had for $1,200–$2,000 in Mexico. But costs vary significantly between cities, and the gap between “local prices” and “gringo prices” is real. Here is what to actually expect.

Mexico City

Mexico City is the cultural and economic heart of the country — a megalopolis of 22 million people with world-class museums, a food scene that rivals any city on earth, and a cosmopolitan energy that surprises most first-time visitors. A one-bedroom apartment in Roma, Condesa, or Polanco runs $700–$1,200 USD per month. In less trendy but perfectly livable neighborhoods like Narvarte, Del Valle, or Coyoacán, rents drop to $400–$700.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Mexico City: roughly $1,200–$1,800, including rent, groceries ($150–$250), dining out ($200–$400 — eating out is remarkably cheap), metro/Uber ($50–$100), utilities ($40–$70), and internet ($25–$40). Mexico City is the cheapest major cosmopolitan city in the Western Hemisphere, and it is not even close.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is the Caribbean beach town that has become a major digital nomad hub. White sand beaches, cenotes for weekend trips, and a walkable downtown along Fifth Avenue. The trade-off is cost: Playa is the most expensive expat destination in Mexico. A one-bedroom near the beach runs $800–$1,500 per month. Further from the coast, $600–$900 is possible.

Total monthly budget in Playa del Carmen: roughly $1,500–$2,500. Grocery prices are inflated compared to the rest of Mexico (Riviera Maya markup), and restaurants on Fifth Avenue charge tourist prices. Shop at local markets and eat at taco stands away from the strip and your food costs drop by half.

Mérida

Mérida is the colonial capital of the Yucatán — consistently ranked the safest city in Mexico and one of the safest in all of Latin America. The historic centro is stunning, the food (cochinita pibil, papadzules, sopa de lima) is exceptional, and the expat community is large and welcoming. A one-bedroom in the centro or trendy Santiago neighborhood runs $400–$800 per month. In the newer northern suburbs, $500–$900.

Total monthly budget in Mérida: roughly $1,000–$1,600. The main trade-off is climate: Mérida is hot. April through September regularly hits 38–42°C (100–108°F) with high humidity. Air conditioning is not a luxury here — it is a necessity, and it will add $50–$100 to your monthly electricity bill.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is Mexico’s cultural soul — the food capital of the country, home to mezcal, mole, and tlayudas, with a vibrant indigenous heritage and a thriving arts scene. The city has emerged as a digital nomad destination in recent years, with new coworking spaces and a growing international community. A one-bedroom in the centro or Reforma neighborhood runs $350–$700 per month.

Total monthly budget in Oaxaca: roughly $800–$1,400. Oaxaca is one of the best value destinations in Mexico, with food costs that are absurdly low even by Mexican standards. The market meals and street food here are not just cheap — they are some of the best food you will eat anywhere in the world.

Healthcare System

Mexico’s healthcare system is a tale of two worlds. The public system is stretched thin in many areas, but the private system — particularly in major cities — delivers care that rivals the United States at a fraction of the cost. Mexico is one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations for good reason.

IMSS — Public Healthcare

Mexico’s public healthcare system, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), is available to all legal residents. Temporary and Permanent Resident visa holders can enroll voluntarily for roughly $50 USD per year — yes, per year. IMSS covers doctor visits, specialist referrals, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, and even dental care.

The reality: IMSS works, but it requires patience. Wait times for specialist appointments can be weeks or months. Facilities vary from modern and well-equipped in large cities to basic in rural areas. Prescriptions are sometimes out of stock, requiring you to purchase medications at a private pharmacy. Most expats use IMSS as a safety net for catastrophic coverage and rely on private care for routine needs.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare in Mexico is excellent and remarkably affordable. Major hospital chains like Hospitales Angeles, Star Médica, Hospital Español, and Christus Muguerza operate state-of-the-art facilities staffed by US-trained and board-certified doctors. Many physicians speak English, and private hospitals in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation — the same standard used for top US hospitals.

Private health insurance costs $100–$300 USD per month for comprehensive coverage, depending on your age and deductible. Major insurers include GNP Seguros, AXA, Seguros Monterrey, and BUPA Mexico. Out-of-pocket costs without insurance are still reasonable: a GP visit runs $30–$60, a specialist consultation $50–$100, and basic lab work $20–$50. Dental care is 50–70% cheaper than in the US — many Americans fly to Mexico specifically for dental procedures.

Medical tourism tip: if you need elective surgery, dental work, or specialist procedures, research Mexico’s top-rated private hospitals. A procedure that costs $30,000 in the US might cost $8,000–$12,000 at a JCI-accredited Mexican hospital with the same or better outcomes. Cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana are particularly known for medical tourism.

Taxes for Expats

Mexico’s tax system is more nuanced than most expat guides suggest. Understanding your tax residency status is critical, because it determines whether Mexico taxes your worldwide income or only your Mexico-sourced income.

Tax Residency

You become a Mexican tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Mexico during a calendar year, or if Mexico is your “center of vital interests” (where your primary home or more than 50% of your income is located). Tax residents pay progressive income tax on worldwide income, with rates ranging from 1.92% to 35% depending on income level.

The Territorial Advantage for Temporary Residents

Here is the detail that matters: if you hold a Temporary Resident visa and are not considered a tax resident, Mexico only taxes your Mexico-sourced income. Income from a US employer, foreign freelance clients, or international investments is generally not subject to Mexican tax. Many digital nomads and remote workers structure their residency specifically to take advantage of this. However, the 183-day rule still applies — if you spend more than half the year in Mexico, you may become a tax resident regardless of visa type.

US-Mexico Tax Treaty

The United States and Mexico have a bilateral tax treaty that prevents double taxation. US citizens are still required to file US taxes regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows exclusion of over $126,000 in foreign earnings for 2026, and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) offsets taxes paid to Mexico. If your income is under the FEIE threshold and you qualify for the exclusion, your effective US tax burden on foreign-earned income can be zero.

Property Tax

One of Mexico’s hidden advantages: property taxes are extremely low. The predial (annual property tax) typically runs 0.02% to 0.2% of the assessed value — a fraction of US property tax rates. A home assessed at $200,000 might carry an annual property tax of $200–$400. This makes real estate ownership significantly more affordable on an ongoing basis.

Important: foreigners can own property in Mexico, including in the restricted zone (within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of a border) through a fideicomiso — a bank trust that holds title on your behalf. The fideicomiso costs approximately $500–$1,000 to set up and $500–$800 per year in maintenance fees. Outside the restricted zone, foreigners can own property directly.

Safety — The Real Picture

Safety is the topic that dominates every conversation about Mexico, and the reality is more nuanced than either the fear narratives or the “it’s totally fine” dismissals suggest. Mexico is a country of 130 million people spread across 32 states, and the safety situation varies dramatically by region — more so than almost any other country in the world.

The Safe Cities

Several Mexican cities are genuinely safe by international standards. Mérida consistently ranks as the safest city in Mexico, with violent crime rates comparable to mid-size US and European cities. San Miguel de Allende has a large expat population and very low crime rates. Oaxaca City feels remarkably safe, particularly in the centro histórico. Mexico City is a megacity, so it has crime like any megacity, but the neighborhoods where expats typically live (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán) are well-patrolled and generally safe for walking day and night. Querétaro and Puebla are also considered safe, affordable alternatives.

Areas to Avoid

The US State Department issues travel advisories with a “Do Not Travel” warning for several Mexican states, primarily along the northern border and in areas affected by cartel activity. These include parts of Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Zacatecas. These warnings are not hyperbole — the security situation in some of these areas is genuinely dangerous, and expats should avoid them.

Practical Safety Advice

For the cities and regions where expats typically live, the safety calculus is straightforward: use the same common sense you would in any large city. Do not flash expensive electronics unnecessarily. Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Didi) rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark. Be aware of petty crime (phone snatching, pickpocketing) in crowded areas. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

The honest take: millions of expats and tourists live in and visit Mexico safely every year. The vast majority of violence is concentrated in specific regions and is related to organized crime that does not target foreigners. If you choose a safe city and exercise basic precautions, your day-to-day safety experience in Mexico will likely be comparable to living in a large US city.

Best Cities for Expats

Mexico offers an extraordinary range of cities for expats — from a world-class megalopolis to colonial gems to Caribbean beach towns. Here is an honest breakdown of the most popular destinations.

Mexico City (CDMX)

Mexico City is the undisputed capital of the Latin American expat and digital nomad scene. The Roma and Condesa neighborhoods have become a global hub for remote workers, with coworking spaces, specialty coffee shops, and fast internet on every block. But Mexico City is far more than its trendy neighborhoods — it is a city of 300+ museums, a food scene that earned more Michelin stars than many European capitals in its first Guide year, and a cultural depth that takes years to fully explore.

The climate is a revelation for newcomers: at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) altitude, Mexico City enjoys spring-like weather year-round, with daytime temperatures of 20–26°C (68–79°F) and cool nights of 10–15°C (50–59°F). No air conditioning needed. No heating needed. The rainy season (June–October) brings afternoon showers that clear within an hour.

The downsides: traffic is legendary (budget extra time for any cross-city trip), air quality can be poor during dry season, and the sheer scale of the city (22 million metro area) can feel overwhelming. Earthquake risk is real — the city sits on a former lakebed in a seismic zone. For a deeper dive, see our complete guide to living in Mexico City.

Mérida

Mérida is the city expats move to when they want safety, culture, and affordability without the chaos of a megacity. The safest city in Mexico by virtually every metric, Mérida has a beautiful colonial centro, excellent Yucatán cuisine, a growing international community, and easy access to Caribbean beaches (Progreso is 30 minutes away), cenotes, and Mayan ruins. The expat community skews older and includes many retirees, though younger remote workers are increasingly discovering the city.

The trade-off is heat. Mérida is genuinely hot for most of the year, with summer temperatures routinely above 38°C (100°F) and oppressive humidity. If you do not handle heat well, this is a dealbreaker. The city is also relatively flat in terms of nightlife and entertainment compared to Mexico City or Guadalajara — it is a slower, quieter lifestyle by design.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is where you go if food, culture, and authenticity are your top priorities. Often called the culinary capital of Mexico, Oaxaca’s food traditions — seven moles, mezcal, chapulines, chocolate, tlayudas — are UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. The city itself is a compact, walkable colonial gem with a thriving arts scene, indigenous markets, and a creative energy that attracts artists, writers, and increasingly, remote workers.

Oaxaca is also one of the most affordable expat destinations in Mexico, with total monthly costs of $800–$1,400. The climate is pleasant at 1,550 meters altitude — warm days and cool evenings, without Mérida’s oppressive heat. The downsides: the airport has limited domestic connections (Mexico City is the main hub), infrastructure outside the centro can be basic, and the city is relatively small, which some find limiting after a few months.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is Mexico’s Caribbean beach town for people who want sun, sand, and a digital nomad community without the full island-isolation feel of somewhere like Tulum. Fifth Avenue is the buzzing pedestrian spine of the town, lined with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The beach is genuinely beautiful, cenotes are a short drive away, and ferries to Cozumel depart daily.

The honest assessment: Playa has become increasingly touristy and expensive, and parts of the town feel more like a resort strip than a real city. Sargassum seaweed is a growing problem on Caribbean beaches during certain months. Crime has ticked up in recent years, though it remains safe by Mexican standards in tourist areas. If you want beach life at a lower cost with more authenticity, consider Puerto Escondido or Huatulco on the Oaxacan coast.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is the quintessential Mexico retirement destination — a stunning colonial city with cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and a well-established English-speaking expat community that has been here for decades. The city was voted the “Best Small City in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler readers, and the accolade is deserved. Art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and cultural events fill every week.

The trade-off: San Miguel is the most expensive small city in Mexico’s interior, with rents and restaurant prices inflated by the large foreign community. The city is beautiful but small — you will know every street within weeks. It is inland with no beach, and the nearest major airport (León) is 90 minutes away. If you are young and seeking nightlife or a tech scene, San Miguel is not your city. If you are a retiree or a creative seeking a walkable, cultured, safe community, it is hard to beat.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and its tech hub — often called the “Silicon Valley of Mexico”. Major tech companies (Intel, IBM, Oracle, HP) have operations here, and the local startup scene is thriving. The city offers a more affordable alternative to Mexico City with a similar cultural depth — mariachi music was born here, the tequila region is an hour away, and the food scene (tortas ahogadas, birria) is exceptional.

Guadalajara’s climate is pleasant (similar to Mexico City but slightly warmer), the cost of living is 15–20% below CDMX, and the city has excellent infrastructure including a growing metro system. The downside: it is less internationally known than Mexico City, so the English-speaking community is smaller, and it takes more effort to navigate without Spanish. Lake Chapala, 45 minutes south, hosts Mexico’s largest concentration of American and Canadian retirees.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta sits on the Pacific coast with a stunning backdrop of jungle-covered mountains meeting Banderas Bay. It has evolved from a beach resort into a genuine city with a thriving retiree community, a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, excellent restaurants, and a walkable malecón (boardwalk). The old town (Zona Romántica) is charming, with cobblestone streets and local character that sets it apart from Cancun-style resort towns.

Monthly costs in Puerto Vallarta range from $1,200–$2,000 depending on location and lifestyle. The Nuevo Vallarta area to the north is more resort-oriented and expensive, while the old town and surrounding neighborhoods offer better value. The climate is hot and humid, with a pronounced rainy season from June to October. Nayarit state next door (Sayulita, Punta Mita) offers beach alternatives with a more laid-back vibe.

Digital Nomad Life in Mexico

Mexico has become the number-one destination for digital nomads worldwide, and the reasons extend beyond cost. The combination of US time zone alignment, fast internet, a massive coworking scene, and an incredible lifestyle has created a self-reinforcing ecosystem that keeps growing.

Internet and Coworking

Internet speeds in Mexico’s major cities are solid. Mexico City averages 80–150 Mbps on fiber connections, with providers like Telmex, Totalplay, and Izzi offering residential plans for $20–$40 per month. Coworking spaces in Roma and Condesa (WeWork, Homework, Selina, Public House) offer reliable 100+ Mbps connections with hot desk memberships starting at $100–$200 per month. Mérida, Oaxaca, and Playa del Carmen all have growing coworking options, though speeds can be less consistent outside Mexico City.

Backup plan: always have a local SIM card with a data plan (Telcel offers unlimited data plans for $15–$25 per month) as a hotspot backup. Power outages are rare in central neighborhoods but do happen. If your work requires 99.9% uptime, invest in a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your router.

Time Zone Advantage

Mexico operates in Central Time (CST/CDT), which aligns perfectly with US business hours. If you work with US-based teams or clients, you avoid the time zone challenges of working from Europe or Southeast Asia. Mexico City is one hour behind New York, one hour ahead of Los Angeles, and in the same time zone as Chicago. For teams with a mix of US East and West Coast members, Mexico’s central position is ideal.

Community

The digital nomad community in Mexico City is enormous and well-organized. Facebook groups, Slack channels, weekly meetups, language exchanges, running clubs, and coworking events make it easy to build a social circle quickly. The Roma and Condesa neighborhoods function as an outdoor coworking space — every café has laptops, and spontaneous connections are constant. Mérida, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta all have active expat and nomad communities, though smaller than CDMX.

For a deeper look at the digital nomad lifestyle, explore our dedicated guide to remote work destinations.

Cultural Integration

Mexico is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for foreigners. The culture is warm, social, and remarkably open to outsiders — far more so than many Asian or European destinations. But genuine integration requires effort and cultural awareness.

Language

Spanish is not optional if you want to truly live in Mexico. You can survive in Mexico City’s Roma-Condesa bubble, Playa del Carmen’s tourist strip, or San Miguel de Allende’s expat enclave without it. But you will not be able to navigate government offices, negotiate leases, handle emergencies, or build genuine friendships with Mexicans. Spanish unlocks the real Mexico.

The good news: Mexican Spanish is widely considered the clearest and most accessible variety of Spanish for learners. The accent is neutral, the pace is moderate, and Mexicans are patient and encouraging with language learners. In-person classes cost $8–$15 per hour, and language exchange (intercambio) events happen several times a week in every major city. Most expats reach conversational Spanish within 6–12 months of consistent effort.

Food Culture

Mexican cuisine is not Tex-Mex — it is a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage with thousands of regional variations. Each state has distinct culinary traditions: Oaxaca has seven moles and chapulines, Yucatán has cochinita pibil and papadzules, Jalisco has birria and tortas ahogadas, Puebla has mole poblano and chiles en nogada. Street food is not just cheap — it is often the best food available. Eating at a market or street stand for $2–$4 per meal is a daily reality, and the quality is extraordinary.

Social Norms

Mexican social culture is relationship-oriented. Business and personal interactions often begin with small talk, and rushing straight to the point is considered rude. Time is flexible — “ahorita” can mean anything from right now to later today to eventually. This can frustrate newcomers accustomed to Northern European or North American punctuality. Embrace it. Greetings involve a handshake or (among friends) a kiss on the cheek. Family is central to Mexican life, and being invited to a family gathering is a genuine honor.

Gentrification awareness: the influx of remote workers earning US salaries has driven up rents and prices in popular neighborhoods, particularly in Mexico City’s Roma and Condesa. This has created tension with local residents who are being priced out. Being a respectful expat means learning Spanish, supporting local businesses, paying fair prices, and being conscious of your impact on the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to move to Mexico?

For a Temporary Resident visa, you need to show approximately $2,500 per month in income or $42,000 in savings. A realistic comfortable monthly budget ranges from $800–$1,400 in smaller cities (Oaxaca, Mérida) to $1,200–$1,800 in Mexico City, and $1,500–$2,500 on the Caribbean coast. Budget $2,000–$4,000 for initial setup: rental deposit (typically one to two months), furnishing, local SIM, and settling-in costs.

Can I work remotely in Mexico on a tourist visa?

Mexico’s immigration law is ambiguous on this point. Working for a foreign employer while on a tourist permit occupies a legal gray area. You are not working in Mexico in the traditional sense (no Mexican employer, no Mexican clients), but you are also not strictly a tourist. Thousands of digital nomads do this without issue, but it is not formally authorized. For stays beyond six months or for proper tax and healthcare access, get a Temporary Resident visa.

Is Mexico safe for expats?

In the cities where expats typically live — Mexico City, Mérida, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara — safety is generally comparable to a large US city. Use common sense: ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis at night, avoid displaying expensive items, stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid states with active travel advisories (Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, parts of Guerrero and Michoacán). The vast majority of violence is cartel-related and does not target foreigners.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Mexico?

You can survive without Spanish in major expat hubs, but your quality of life will be dramatically better with even conversational Spanish. Government offices, landlords, doctors (outside private international clinics), and most service providers operate primarily in Spanish. Mexican Spanish is considered one of the easiest varieties to learn, and locals are patient with learners.

What is the healthcare like in Mexico?

Private healthcare in Mexico’s major cities is excellent and affordable. JCI-accredited hospitals in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey deliver care comparable to the US at a fraction of the cost. Private insurance runs $100–$300 per month. The public IMSS system is available to residents for roughly $50 per year but involves longer wait times and variable quality. Most expats use a combination of private insurance for routine care and IMSS as catastrophic backup.

How does Mexico compare to other expat destinations?

Mexico’s unique advantages are US time zone alignment, geographic proximity to the US and Canada, 180-day visa-free entry, extraordinarily low cost of living, and one of the world’s great food cultures. Compared to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), Mexico costs slightly more but offers time zone alignment and cultural accessibility. Compared to Europe (Portugal, Spain), Mexico is significantly cheaper but scores lower on infrastructure and public transport. See our retire abroad guide for detailed comparisons.

Your Next Steps

Mexico is not perfect, but for the right person, it is unbeatable. No other country in the world offers this combination: world-class culture and food, US time zone alignment, 180-day visa-free entry, a cost of living that lets you live well on $1,200 a month, and a warmth of people that makes it feel like home faster than anywhere else. Here is how to move from reading to action:

• Explore Mexico’s country profile — real-time data on cost, safety, healthcare, visas, and more.
• Read our Mexico City deep dive — the definitive guide to living in CDMX.
• Explore digital nomad destinations — see how Mexico compares to other remote work hubs.
• Read the retire abroad guide — if you are considering Mexico for retirement.
• Take the WhereNext quiz — 2 minutes to get a personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Do a trial run — fly in for 2–4 weeks in your target city. The 180-day tourist entry makes this incredibly easy. Rent an Airbnb in Roma or Condesa, test the internet, eat at the markets, and see if the rhythm of Mexican life fits you. For most people, it does.

The data points to Mexico as one of the best relocation destinations in the world for Americans, Canadians, and increasingly for Europeans seeking affordable, culturally rich living. Start with the numbers, factor in your non-negotiables, and give yourself permission to be surprised. Mexico has a way of exceeding expectations.