Living in Mexico City: The Complete 2026 Expat Guide

Why Mexico City?

Mexico City — known locally as CDMX — is a sprawling megalopolis of 22 million people that has quietly become one of the world’s premier destinations for remote workers and expats. The combination of absurdly low costs, extraordinary food culture, vibrant arts, and a massive international community has made it the de facto capital of the digital nomad movement in the Americas.

The city is enormous and endlessly diverse. Ancient Aztec ruins sit next to colonial cathedrals and cutting-edge contemporary architecture. Neighborhoods range from bohemian to ultra-modern, and every one of them has incredible street food. The time zone aligns with North American business hours, making it especially attractive for remote workers with US or Canadian employers.

Explore CDMX’s full data on our Mexico City page, or see how Mexico compares globally on our Mexico country profile.

Cost of Living

CDMX offers extraordinary value. A comfortable monthly budget for a single person is around $1,200 — roughly half of what you’d spend in most European capitals:

• Rent (1-bed, city center): $600–$900/month
• Groceries: $150–$200/month
• Eating out: $150–$250/month (street food meals from $2–$4)
• Transport: $15–$30/month (metro $0.30/ride, plus Uber)
• Coworking: $100–$150/month
• Utilities: $40–$60/month
• Health insurance: $50–$100/month (private)

Food is where CDMX truly shines. You can eat three excellent meals a day for under $15 if you embrace street food and fondas (family-run eateries). The $5 comida corrida — a multi-course set lunch — is one of the world’s great dining bargains. Even upscale restaurants feel affordable by international standards.

However, be aware that rent in popular expat neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa has risen sharply due to foreign demand. Looking one or two neighborhoods outside the core can save 30–40% on rent.

Best Neighborhoods

CDMX is massive, and choosing the right colonia (neighborhood) is the most important decision you’ll make. These five are the most popular among expats:

Roma Norte

The epicenter of CDMX’s expat scene. Tree-lined streets, art deco and neoclassical buildings, and a dizzying concentration of restaurants, bars, and galleries. Roma Norte is walkable, well-connected by metro, and has a creative, cosmopolitan energy. The downside: it’s become heavily gentrified, and rents have climbed. Still, it’s the default choice for good reason.

Condesa

Adjacent to Roma Norte, Condesa is slightly greener and more residential, centered around Parque México and Parque España. Art deco architecture, leafy streets, and a dog-friendly culture define the area. It’s popular with young professionals and families. Rents are similar to Roma Norte, and the café culture is strong — you’ll find laptop workers in every coffee shop.

Coyoacán

South of the center, Coyoacán is the bohemian heart of CDMX. It’s where Frida Kahlo lived, and it retains a village-like atmosphere with cobblestone plazas, colorful markets, and a more Mexican (less gentrified) feel than Roma or Condesa. Rents are lower, and the food markets are spectacular. The trade-off is longer commutes to central areas and fewer coworking options.

Polanco

CDMX’s upscale district, home to luxury shopping, the finest restaurants, and the world-renowned Museo Nacional de Antropología. Polanco feels more like a European capital than anywhere else in Mexico. Apartments are modern and spacious but come at premium prices. It’s ideal for those with higher budgets who prioritize comfort and safety.

Juárez

Sandwiched between Roma and the historic center, Juárez is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers better value than its neighbors. The area around Calle Marsella and the LGBTQ+ Zona Rosa has a lively bar and restaurant scene. It’s well-connected by metro and increasingly popular with expats priced out of Roma Norte.

Visa Options

Mexico has some of the most relaxed immigration policies in the world for visitors:

• Tourist Visa (FMM): Citizens of most Western countries get 180 days visa-free on arrival. Many digital nomads cycle in and out on tourist entries, though this is technically a gray area for working remotely.
• Temporary Resident Visa: For stays of 1–4 years. Requires proof of income (approximately $2,500/month for the past 6 months) or significant savings. Allows you to open bank accounts and sign long-term leases.
• Permanent Resident Visa: Requires 4 years on temporary residency or meeting higher financial thresholds. No work restrictions.
• CURP: Your Mexican ID number, obtainable even as a tourist. Useful for phone plans and some services.

Mexico does not yet have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but the generous 180-day tourist allowance and relatively accessible temporary residency make it a practical base for long-term stays.

Healthcare

Mexico’s private healthcare is excellent and remarkably affordable. Many doctors are US or European-trained, and private hospitals in CDMX — like Hospital Ángeles, ABC Medical Center, and Medica Sur — meet international standards.

A private consultation costs $30–$60, and comprehensive private health insurance runs $50–$100/month for relatively young, healthy individuals. Dental care is a particular bargain — many Americans and Canadians combine CDMX visits with dental work at a fraction of home-country prices.

Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere and many medications that require prescriptions in the US or Europe are available over the counter. Farmacias Similares offers generic medications at very low costs, often with a doctor’s consultation for just $2–$3.

Internet & Coworking

Internet in CDMX averages around 50 Mbps, which is adequate for video calls and general remote work but can feel slow compared to Asian or European hubs. Fiber is available in newer buildings through Telmex, Totalplay, and Izzi, with speeds up to 200 Mbps. Always test the internet before signing a lease — speeds vary dramatically by building.

The coworking scene is well-developed:

• WeWork: Multiple locations across Roma, Polanco, and Reforma
• Homework: Popular local chain with strong community, from $120/month
• Selina: Budget-friendly options with day passes available
• Impact Hub: Social enterprise-focused space in Roma Norte
• Centraal: Stylish space in Roma with good coffee and events

CDMX’s café culture is also laptop-friendly. Spots like Quentin, Blend Station, and Chiquitito have become informal coworking hubs for the remote work community.

Cultural Integration & Language

Spanish is essential for daily life in CDMX. While the expat bubble in Roma/Condesa operates partially in English, stepping outside that zone requires at least conversational Spanish. The good news: Mexican Spanish is considered one of the clearest and most learnable variants, and locals are exceptionally patient with learners.

Mexicans are among the warmest and most welcoming people you’ll encounter anywhere. Social culture revolves around food, family, and celebration. Being invited to a family meal is a genuine honor and a fast track to cultural understanding. Participate in local traditions — Día de los Muertos, Independence Day celebrations, and neighborhood fiestas are deeply meaningful cultural experiences.

A note on gentrification: the influx of remote workers earning foreign salaries has driven up rents and changed the character of neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. Being respectful of this dynamic — learning Spanish, supporting local businesses, paying fair prices — goes a long way toward positive community integration.

Climate

CDMX sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) elevation, giving it a surprisingly mild climate year-round despite its tropical latitude:

• Dry season (Nov–Apr): Sunny and pleasant, 15–25°C. Clear skies, low humidity. The best months.
• Rainy season (May–Oct): Warm mornings, afternoon thunderstorms, 15–27°C. Rain usually clears by evening.

The altitude makes CDMX significantly cooler than coastal Mexico — you’ll want a light jacket for evenings year-round. Air quality can be poor during the dry season, with contingencia ambiental (pollution alerts) occasionally limiting outdoor activities. Check AQI readings during apartment hunting — upper floors in well-sealed buildings make a difference.

Insider Tips

1. Negotiate rent directly with landlords. Facebook groups like “Departamentos CDMX” and “Renta en Roma/Condesa” connect you directly with property owners. Avoid Airbnb long-term — monthly rates on direct leases are 30–50% cheaper.
2. Get a Mexican phone number immediately. Telcel has the best coverage. A prepaid SIM with data costs under $10/month. You’ll need it for Uber, Rappi (delivery), and WhatsApp — which is how Mexico communicates.
3. Use Uber, not taxis. Uber is safe, reliable, and cheap in CDMX (most rides under $5). Avoid street-hailed taxis, especially at night. DiDi is another reliable ride-share option, often with even lower fares.
4. Learn about earthquake safety. CDMX is seismically active. Know your building’s exit routes, locate the nearest punto de reunión (assembly point), and download the SASSLA earthquake alert app. The city’s early warning system is excellent.
5. Explore beyond the expat bubble. Neighborhoods like Narvarte, Del Valle, and San Rafael offer authentic CDMX life at much lower costs. Some of the best food in the city is in these less-trendy colonias.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City safe for expats?

CDMX is generally safe in the neighborhoods where expats live (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán). Use common-sense precautions: avoid flashing expensive items, use ride-shares at night, and be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft is more common than violent crime in expat areas. Check our best cities for digital nomads for safety rankings.

Can I work remotely on a tourist visa?

Technically, Mexico’s tourist visa doesn’t authorize work of any kind. In practice, thousands of remote workers operate on tourist entries without issue, as they’re not competing for local jobs. For legal clarity and access to banking and contracts, a Temporary Resident visa is the better long-term option.

Is the water safe to drink?

No — do not drink tap water in CDMX. Use a garrafón (20-liter jug) delivery service, which costs about $2 per refill and is the standard Mexican solution. Most apartments have a dispenser. Street food stalls and restaurants use purified water and ice, so eating out is generally safe.

How’s the altitude adjustment?

At 2,240 meters, CDMX’s altitude can cause mild symptoms (headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath) for the first few days. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol initially, and take it easy with exercise. Most people adjust within a week. If you’re coming from sea level, you might feel winded climbing stairs for the first few days.

What about the earthquake risk?

Earthquakes are a reality in CDMX, but the city has invested heavily in early warning systems and building codes since the devastating 1985 and 2017 quakes. The seismic alarm system typically gives 30–90 seconds of warning. Choose post-2017 or retrofitted buildings for added safety.