Oaxaca is often ranked among the top destinations for digital nomads in both Mexico and the world. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide about what it’s like to live in Oaxaca as a digital nomad.
In 2020, working remotely became the norm worldwide. As borders closed, people who had never experienced remote working had to adapt to working from home. Companies found that letting employees work from home saved money and improved morale. This shift in work culture seems to have a lasting impact.
With borders reopening, more remote workers are seizing the chance to work from abroad, expanding the digital nomad landscape. Well-established digital nomad hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Chiang Mai, Berlin, Playa Del Carmen, and Medellin are bustling with remote workers. Meanwhile, places like Oaxaca de Juarez in southern Mexico are rising in popularity yet remain less crowded.
I’ve been a digital nomad in Oaxaca since October 2016, drawn here after living in Asia for five years. Though initially planning to stay just a month, I quickly fell in love with Oaxaca and decided to make it my home.
At 1500 meters above sea level, Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its mezcal farms, mountains, unique cuisine, and diverse indigenous populations. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, colorful buildings, welcoming locals, thriving expat community, stunning mountain views, and international cuisine make it one of my favorite places in the world.
Oaxaca is perfect for digital nomads thanks to its supportive community, affordability, and numerous amenities. It offers easy access to natural and historical sites and a diverse local culture enriched by its 11 major indigenous groups. This cultural diversity adds unique food, textiles, music, festivals, and traditions to the already vibrant Mexican culture.
The city has a vibrant nightlife, numerous gyms, yoga studios, and an impressive coffee shop scene. Oaxaca enjoys year-round perfect weather, without the hurricane threats faced by coastal cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Living here means enjoying nature, mountains, and forests right on the city’s edge.
For digital nomads, Oaxaca offers plenty of housing options from long-term co-living spaces and basic studios to private colonial houses and modern condos. The expat community has been growing for over 20 years, making the rental market competitive. Facebook groups for housing in Oaxaca are beneficial, but popular listings get rented quickly, often within hours.
If planning a long stay, consider flexible arrangements like guesthouses, hostels, or hotels while searching for suitable long-term housing. Furnished accommodations tend to be more expensive than unfurnished ones, and location greatly affects price. The neighborhoods of Jatalaco and Xochimilco are popular among digital nomads for their trendy cafes, beautiful colonial architecture, and proximity to the historic center.
Accommodation in these areas ranges from 6000-12,000 pesos/month ($300-600 USD). You can find listings by searching Facebook groups, using real estate agents, or simply walking around and looking for ‘RENTA’ signs.
One challenge for digital nomads in Oaxaca is finding reliable high-speed WiFi. WiFi speeds in homes range from 2 to 30 MBS, averaging around 16 MBS. Negotiating for a faster connection is possible but depends on infrastructure availability.
There are three main co-working spaces in Oaxaca: Convivio, Work Coffee Inc, and Selina. Convivio is known for its high-speed WiFi, strong community, and additional perks like free coffee and discounts. Work Coffee Inc offers affordable daily and monthly rates, private meeting rooms, and variable WiFi speeds. Selina, although a well-known chain, has slower WiFi but offers amenities like a rooftop bar and communal areas.
Living in Oaxaca comfortably costs between $1200 – 1400 USD per month. The cost of living is low, making it a budget-friendly option for digital nomads. You can enjoy delicious local food for as little as 10-20 pesos per taco or sandwich, or splurge on fine dining for up to $100 USD.
Accommodation costs vary: expect to pay 3000-20,000 pesos ($150-1000 USD+) per month depending on location and amenities, with the average for a private, centrally located furnished apartment around 8000-10,000 pesos ($400-500/mo).
Most digital nomads spend moderately, enjoying a mix of local and international cuisine, occasional day trips, and nights out.
Though living in Oaxaca has many advantages, there are a few downsides. Visa requirements vary by nationality, but most visitors can stay for 6 months on a free visa. For those who fall in love with Oaxaca (which is almost guaranteed), obtaining temporary or permanent residency is manageable with a steady income and some savings.
Safety in Oaxaca is generally good, although petty crime and homelessness do exist. Exercise common sense—don’t flaunt valuables and stay mindful of your surroundings in crowded places. Protests and blockades occasionally occur but are typically peaceful.
The local economies benefit greatly from foreign spending. Support local businesses as much as possible, and immerse yourself in the welcoming and humble culture of Oaxaca’s people.
If you’re considering Oaxaca as your base as a digital nomad, prepare to potentially fall so in love with the city that you might never want to leave.
