Thinking about diving into the digital nomad lifestyle in Mexico? With a generous six-month tourist visa, affordable living costs, sunny weather, and delicious tacos, Mexico has lots to offer for remote workers.
You’ll find everything from beautiful beach towns like Tulum and Puerto Vallarta to bustling cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City. Many digital nomads take advantage of their time by moving from city to city, while others might prefer the long-term option of the digital nomad visa, which is valid for up to four years.
I’ve been living as a digital nomad in Mexico since 2018 and I can tell you there’s an endless array of places to explore. I’ve traveled to half of Mexico’s states, lived in three, and visited each location on this list, yet there’s still so much more to see!
While not every spot in Mexico has fiber optic internet, each place on this list has a reliable digital nomad community with internet that suffices for most online work needs. Mexico truly stands out as one of the best countries for digital nomads.
Ready to find your perfect spot in Mexico? Here are the top places to consider:
Mexico City:
This bustling capital offers something for everyone. It’s a major international hub attracting expats and digital nomads from around the globe. With numerous co-working spaces and friendly locals, you’ll find it easy to meet interesting people. Expect to pay around $200 USD for a hot desk and $350 USD per month for a private office. The most popular and safe neighborhoods for expats include Roma, La Condesa, Reforma, and Polanco.
Start your stay with an Airbnb as hosts often offer discounts for month-long bookings, and it gives you time to get a feel for the city before committing longer. A good one-bedroom Airbnb will run around $1,000 USD per month. Transportation is affordable with options like buses, the metro, and bike-sharing programs, costing about $50 USD per month. You can keep food costs low by enjoying street tacos and shopping at local markets, aiming for a monthly food budget of around $400 USD.
Despite its many perks, Mexico City also has drawbacks such as poor air quality, higher crime rates, and crowded areas with nearly nine million inhabitants.
Playa del Carmen:
What used to be a sleepy fishing village is now a hotspot for tourists, expats, and digital nomads, thanks to its good internet and vibrant community. Co-working spaces like The Nest and Bunker cater well to remote workers. Popular neighborhoods include Gonzalo Guerro, Zazil-Ha, and Tohoku. Start your search on Airbnb, where a one-bedroom near the beach can be as low as $800-$900 USD per month. Plan for transportation and food costs not to exceed $500 per month.
Playa del Carmen is all about beach life, but the tropical climate can be hot and rainy, with hurricanes being a possibility. If you don’t mind the summer heat, you’ll enjoy the vibrant nightlife, Mayan ruins, and stunning beaches.
Oaxaca:
Known for its rich culture and food, Oaxaca City offers a slower pace of life. Internet could be a hit or miss, but spots like Convivio Coworking provide strong WiFi. Popular neighborhoods for remote workers are Jalatlaco and Xochimilco. Start with a stay in Selina Hostel, which covers both housing and co-working space. Expect to pay $650-$800 USD per month for an Airbnb in prime neighborhoods. Food from local markets will keep your monthly costs around $450 USD.
Oaxaca has a desert climate, making it walkable with minimal rain. Although it lacks some of the comforts of larger cities, its cultural richness and beautiful nature make it a worthwhile choice.
Tulum:
Perfect for those who seek either a spiritual community or a party scene, Tulum offers beautiful beaches and a strong digital nomad community. Internet speeds have improved, and several co-working spaces are available. Rent an Airbnb in Downtown for about $800-$900 USD per month. Food costs might be higher due to the focus on organic options, so plan for $500 USD per month. Buying a bike is a popular, eco-friendly way to get around.
Tulum is a lively but small town, perfect for making new connections. It’s hot year-round, with daily summer rains and hurricanes being a possibility.
San Miguel de Allende:
This colonial city has a quieter vibe with a focus on arts and culture. While it’s more expensive, the beauty and charm make it worth considering. Rent an apartment with strong WiFi, or start with an Airbnb for $1,200-$2,000 USD per month. Monthly food expenses will be around $400 USD if you mostly cook at home. Expect a more retiree-focused community, but with beautiful architecture and perfect weather.
Puerto Vallarta:
Puerto Vallarta combines authentic Mexican culture with the perks of a tourist city. It’s a great choice for its solid infrastructure, international airport, and wide range of activities. Start with an Airbnb in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood for local flair and cost savings, with prices around $700-$800 USD per month. Plan for about $100 USD per month for Ubers and $450 USD for food. Co-working options include Vallarta CoWork and Natureza Cowork.
Merida:
Offering a mix of big-city living with small-town charm, Merida is perfect for those seeking culture rather than parties. Start out in a Paseo de Montejo or Centro Historico Airbnb for $850 USD per month. Food and transportation costs stay affordable, with Uber rides ranging from $3-$5 USD. Known for its hot, tropical climate, Merida is ideal for experiencing authentic Mexican life with easy access to an international airport and city amenities.
Other Notable Cities:
Consider Guadalajara for its vibrant city life and nearby attractions, Zihuatanejo for its beachside tranquility, Querétaro for its small-town vibe with big-city amenities, Guanajuato for its rich culture, and Puebla for its colonial charm and close proximity to Mexico City.
While each city has its unique charm, you’ll get a six-month visa to explore, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your digital nomad journey in Mexico. It’s an amazing country with endless opportunities for remote work and adventure.
