Why I Chose Mexico Over the U.S.
After living most of my adult life bouncing around California and Texas, skyrocketing rents, healthcare costs, and that never-ending hustle culture finally caught up with me.
I knew I needed a change — something more affordable, more colorful, more balanced.
That’s when I seriously started looking south.
I wasn’t interested in just a vacation — I wanted a new life.
Through months of research (and a few scouting trips), I realized Mexico checked nearly every box: affordable healthcare, rich culture, diverse cities, and yes — a beach or a mountain for almost every mood.
And once I read guides like Living in Mexico: Pros and Cons, it confirmed what my gut was already telling me:
it was time to make Mexico home.
1. How I Researched the Best Places to Live
I didn’t just pick a city at random.
I spent months (okay, maybe years) diving into every article, expat blog, and YouTube vlog I could find.
When it came to choosing the best places for Americans living in Mexico, I focused on three main metrics:
1. Cost of Living
Affordable living was non-negotiable.
I compared real-world data from sources like Numbeo and expat cost breakdowns, like the ones in the Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta and Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen guides.
La Paz, Mérida, and Guadalajara quickly jumped onto my short list because I could live comfortably — even thrive — on what would barely scrape by back in the U.S.
2. Safety and Stability
Safety myths swirl around Mexico, but the reality is much more nuanced.
Cities like Mérida, Querétaro, and San Miguel de Allende ranked extremely high in national safety indexes.
Reading Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now? helped me understand how and where to stay secure.
3. Lifestyle and Culture
I didn’t want to just live in a tourist bubble.
I wanted places rich in culture, where daily life was still authentically Mexican — with local markets, festivals, traditions, and a strong community vibe.
Some cities like Tulum and Cancún, while beautiful, felt a little too polished and international for what I was looking for long-term.
2. Top Challenges Americans Face When Moving to Mexico
Let’s be honest: moving abroad isn’t just about sunsets and margaritas.
Even in the best cities, there are challenges — and Mexico is no exception.
Here’s what surprised me the most:
Language Barriers
Yes, you can survive in places like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen speaking mostly English.
But if you want to integrate into daily life, you’ll need Spanish — especially in cities like Mérida or Querétaro.
Taking classes (and studying Learning Spanish in Mexico) was one of the smartest investments I made before moving.
Culture Shock
Mexico isn’t the U.S. — and that’s part of the appeal.
But the small things (like mañana time, local bureaucracy, or unexpected fiestas that shut down half the town) can catch new expats off guard.
I had to learn patience, flexibility, and how to laugh when plans changed — because they often did.
3. Playa del Carmen: Beach Living with Modern Comforts
When I first visited Playa del Carmen, I got it — the hype, the buzz, the steady flow of American accents on every corner. This beach town in Quintana Roo is one of the most popular places for Americans moving to Mexico, and for good reason.
It’s got:
- Caribbean beaches with swimmable water year-round
- A huge digital nomad and expat community
- Walkable streets and tons of English-speaking services
I rented a modern 1BR condo just a 10-minute walk from 5th Avenue (the main pedestrian street) for $950 USD/month — a little pricey by Mexican standards, but worth it for the location and high-speed fiber internet.
Groceries were more expensive than inland cities, especially if you shopped at stores like Soriana or Chedraui Selecto. But eating out? You can still get street tacos for $1.50 USD each.
The real draw? The lifestyle. Morning beach walks, afternoon coworking, and tacos at El Fogón became my rhythm.
If you’re seriously considering Playa, I highly recommend reading Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen. It breaks down expenses in a way that helped me plan my move realistically.
4. Puerto Vallarta: Expats, Beaches, and Vibrant Culture
After Playa, I headed to Puerto Vallarta, one of the most established expat hubs in Mexico. It’s especially popular with retirees, LGBTQ+ Americans, and anyone looking for a beach town with better infrastructure and cultural depth.
Located on the Pacific Coast in Jalisco, PV offers:
- Reliable hospitals and English-speaking doctors
- A beautiful old town full of cobblestone streets
- One of the most accepting, diverse expat scenes in Mexico
I found rent prices a bit more flexible here. A friend rented a 2BR in Zona Romántica for $1,200 USD/month, while I found a furnished 1BR for $850 USD in Versalles — a rising local neighborhood full of amazing food.
Daily life was easy. English is spoken widely. Ubers were cheap. The expat community had weekly beach meetups, hikes, and even a local English-speaking library.
But what really stood out was how integrated Americans were with the community. You’ll find people here who came for six months and stayed ten years.
If Puerto Vallarta is on your radar, read Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta for up-to-date pricing and tips on where to live.
5. San Miguel de Allende: Colonial Beauty and Community
I wasn’t sure I’d love San Miguel de Allende — I’m more of a coast person — but this UNESCO World Heritage city charmed me fast.
Located in the central highlands, it’s known for:
- Gorgeous colonial architecture
- World-class art galleries and music
- A strong, supportive expat network (many of them American retirees)
It’s not a budget city. Rent in Centro can range from $1,000–$1,800 USD/month, and restaurants are priced similarly to mid-range U.S. spots. But you’re also getting top-tier amenities, walkable beauty, and a serious sense of community.
I met retirees hosting language exchanges, artists running galleries, and families who had put down permanent roots. San Miguel is consistently ranked one of the top places Americans retire in Mexico, and I totally see why.
For a broader sense of how this compares to other cities, check out the Top Expat Destinations in Mexico post — it’s what helped me decide which cities matched my lifestyle.
6. Mérida: The Safest City in Mexico
Mérida wasn’t even on my radar at first — until I kept hearing one thing: it’s the safest city in Mexico. That grabbed my attention fast.
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida is popular among American retirees, families, and solo expats who want affordability, calm, and colonial charm — without sacrificing safety.
Safety and Cost of Living
Mérida regularly ranks at the top of the Mexico Peace Index.
Walking alone at night felt completely safe, even as a foreigner. The city has a strong middle-class base, a local university vibe, and little of the tourism chaos found in Cancún or Tulum.
I rented a modern 2-bedroom home in the Itzimná neighborhood for $750 USD/month.
Utilities were another $80–100 USD/month, and groceries were incredibly cheap if you shopped at Mercado Lucas de Gálvez instead of supermarkets.
It was also the first place I truly felt immersed in Mexican culture — live music in the plazas, Sunday street closures for biking, and local families out until late sharing marquesitas and elote.
If you’re comparing safety across Mexico, check out Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now? — it’s part of what gave me peace of mind before moving here.
7. Mexico City (CDMX): Big City Life Done Right
Mexico City is the beating heart of the country — and honestly, one of the coolest cities I’ve ever lived in.
As an American, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but I was blown away by the art, food, walkability, and sheer energy of the place.
Cost, Culture, and Neighborhoods I Loved
Yes, it’s more expensive than inland cities.
My 1BR in Roma Norte cost me $1,250 USD/month — about what I paid back in Los Angeles for a closet. But the quality of life was so much better.
- I could walk to coffee shops, coworking spaces, parks, and museums.
- Dinner at Lalo! or Contramar was world-class — for half the price I’d pay in NYC.
What stood out most? The city’s mix of tradition and trend.
One minute you’re eating tacos al pastor at a street stand, the next you’re sipping mezcal cocktails in a rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
To compare the best areas, Best Neighborhoods to Live in Mexico City is the most useful guide I found.
8. Guadalajara: Mexico’s “Silicon Valley”
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect to love Guadalajara.
But after six months in Playa and a few in CDMX, I wanted a place that combined city life with slightly slower pace and lower cost — and Guadalajara delivered.
The city has a booming tech and startup scene, beautiful colonial architecture, and a younger population. It’s often called “Mexico’s Silicon Valley,” and I totally get why.
Why I Ultimately Moved Here
I stayed in Chapalita and later moved to Providencia — both safe, tree-lined neighborhoods with local cafés, coworking spaces, and fast internet.
My 2-bedroom apartment cost $900 USD/month, and it had way more space than anything I could’ve found in Mexico City at that price.
Guadalajara also gave me the best of all worlds:
- Cultural depth: mariachi, tequila, folklore
- Access to nature: day trips to Tequila, Chapala, and nearby mountains
- Fewer tourists, more locals — and very walkable areas
If you want the balance of modern amenities and a “local” feel, it’s worth comparing Guadalajara to other mid-sized cities — Cost of Living in Guadalajara breaks it down nicely.
9. La Paz, Baja California Sur: Affordable Beach Town
When I finally made it to La Paz, I realized I’d found something rare — a beach town that wasn’t overrun by tourism, had calm waters, and still felt Mexican.
It’s a top choice for Americans who want the sea but not the chaos of places like Cabo or Cancún.
And as someone who lived in both, I can say: La Paz was a breath of fresh (and salty) air.
Quiet Life, Sea Adventures, and Hidden Gems
I lived five blocks from the Malecón (the waterfront boardwalk) and rented a furnished 1BR apartment for $700 USD/month — far cheaper than anything with an ocean view in California.
Here’s what a typical month cost me:
- Groceries (local markets): $220 USD
- Internet (fiber): $40 USD
- Private health insurance: $95 USD
- Fish tacos on the beach? $1.50 USD each
Weekends were spent snorkeling, hiking, or heading to Playa Balandra, arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And because it’s not as saturated as other expat cities, La Paz still feels like a real place — not just a postcard.
For my full deep-dive, check out Living in La Paz, Mexico.
10. Querétaro: Best City for Families and Professionals
I almost skipped over Querétaro — and I’m so glad I didn’t.
It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico and a favorite for American families, remote professionals, and retirees who want clean, safe, and modern — without Mexico City’s chaos.
Colonial Charm Meets Modern Growth
Querétaro has a UNESCO-designated historic center, a booming tech economy, and some of the best roads and infrastructure I’ve seen in Mexico.
I stayed in Juriquilla, a planned suburban-style neighborhood with gated communities and big box stores like Costco, H-E-B, and Walmart.
My friend who moved here with two kids rented a 3BR home with a garden for $950 USD/month — a steal compared to Austin or LA suburbs.
Querétaro is also extremely walkable in Centro, with tons of restaurants, galleries, and cafés. And while English isn’t as common as in Puerto Vallarta, it’s growing fast.
If you want a family-friendly or business-minded base in central Mexico, Querétaro should definitely be on your shortlist.
11. Tulum: Eco-Luxury and Yoga Culture
Tulum is probably the most overexposed-yet-irresistible city on this list.
Instagram made it famous. Developers made it expensive. But despite the gentrification, it still attracts thousands of Americans each year — especially creatives, remote workers, and wellness entrepreneurs.
Living Costs and Realities
Rent in central Tulum has exploded in recent years.
Expect to pay:
- Studio in Aldea Zama or La Veleta: $1,200–1,800 USD/month
- Local housing farther out: $700–900 USD/month (if you’re lucky)
What Tulum lacks in affordability, it makes up for in:
- Natural beauty (cenotes, jungle, beach)
- Wellness culture (think yoga studios, juice bars, plant-based cuisine)
- Entrepreneurial vibe (many expats run Airbnb rentals or digital businesses)
But be warned: infrastructure is still catching up.
Power outages, water pressure issues, and rising prices are a real part of life here.
That said, I met dozens of Americans who were fully committed — and building dream lives around beach mornings and laptop afternoons.
For more realistic pros and cons, I found the Living in Mexico Guide gave a grounded take on what to expect before committing to cities like Tulum.
12. Oaxaca City: Authentic Culture and Cuisine
Out of every city I visited, Oaxaca City felt the most culturally alive.
It’s not as polished or expat-heavy as places like San Miguel or Puerto Vallarta — but that’s part of its magic.
This city is known for:
- Indigenous culture and traditions
- World-famous cuisine (mole, mezcal, tlayudas)
- Vibrant street art, markets, and community festivals
A Foodie and Artist Paradise
I lived in Barrio de Xochimilco, a charming area filled with local bakeries and colorful alleyways.
Rent was $550 USD/month for a 1BR in a traditional colonial home with a courtyard — incredibly affordable compared to the coast.
Groceries were also cheaper than any other city I’d lived in. Weekly produce from the Mercado de Abastos ran me $18–20 USD, and I ate out often for under $8 USD a meal.
Oaxaca isn’t for everyone — it’s slower-paced, less English-speaking, and not ideal for fast-paced remote work unless you have fiber installed. But for creatives, foodies, and culture lovers, it’s heaven.
For the full cultural rundown of Mexico’s most artistic cities, I’d start with Top Expat Destinations in Mexico.
13. How I Handled Visas, Residency, and Healthcare
One of the biggest learning curves as an American moving to Mexico? Immigration and healthcare.
Here’s what I actually did — and what I wish I knew sooner.
Visa and Residency
I entered on a tourist visa first (180 days), and after scoping out cities, I applied for temporary residency via the income route.
In 2025, the income requirement for temporary residency is roughly:
- $3,300 USD/month in income or
- $55,000–60,000 USD in savings
I gathered bank statements, made an appointment at a Mexican consulate in the U.S., and finalized the residency once I was back in Mexico.
The full process (appointments, translations, fingerprinting) took about 8 weeks.
If you’re considering making the move, the Moving to Mexico Ultimate Guide walks through the residency process step-by-step.
Healthcare
Private healthcare in Mexico blew me away — fast, affordable, and professional.
Here’s what I paid on average:
- General doctor visit: $30 USD
- Specialist appointment: $45–60 USD
- Teeth cleaning: $40 USD
I enrolled in a private expat insurance plan for $95/month that included hospital coverage and emergencies. I also kept reliable travel insurance for Mexico on hand during trips.
Most doctors in bigger cities speak some English, but I still brushed up on medical Spanish just in case.
14. What I Wish I Knew Before Moving
Moving to Mexico was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — but I’ll be honest: I learned a lot the hard way.
Here are a few things I wish someone had told me earlier:
1. You Don’t Need to Pick a City Right Away
It’s tempting to choose a place based on Instagram. But living somewhere short-term before committing is smarter.
I traveled across 6 cities in 12 months before deciding where to settle — and my priorities changed with every stop.
2. Prepare for Bureaucracy
Whether it’s registering your residency or setting up internet, bureaucracy can be slow.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything, arrive early to appointments, and bring patience.
3. Community Matters More Than Location
I thought the perfect beach or cheap rent would make me happy — but what really mattered was who I had around me.
Start building community early through meetups, coworking spaces, and local events. That’s what turns a place into a home.
15. My Personal Ranking of the Best Cities for Americans in Mexico
After living in and exploring over a dozen cities in Mexico, here’s my personal ranking based on affordability, livability, culture, safety, and long-term potential — as someone who moved here from the U.S. and actually stayed.
🥇 1. Guadalajara
Why?
Big city amenities, affordable living, creative energy, and not touristy. It had the perfect mix of everything for me — I stayed the longest here.
Cost of Living in Guadalajara
🥈 2. La Paz
Why?
Affordable beach town, peaceful, local vibe, safe. Easily my favorite coastal city.
Living in La Paz, Mexico
🥉 3. Mérida
Why?
Clean, colonial, safe, and budget-friendly — great for families or anyone seeking long-term roots.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?
4. Puerto Vallarta
Why?
Expats, LGBTQ-friendly, beaches, healthcare — just a bit pricey in the popular zones.
Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta
5. Mexico City
Why?
Unmatched culture, food, and energy. Ideal for urbanites who don’t mind crowds and higher rent.
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Mexico City
6. San Miguel de Allende
Why?
Community-driven, beautiful, walkable — but expensive and tourist-heavy.
Top Expat Destinations in Mexico
7. Oaxaca City
Why?
Culture and food capital of Mexico — affordable, but less developed and more isolated. Great for creatives.
8. Querétaro
Why?
Modern and super safe, ideal for professionals and families. Just didn’t capture me emotionally.
9. Playa del Carmen
Why?
Convenient, connected, expat-heavy — but increasingly expensive and crowded.
Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen
10. Tulum
Why?
Beautiful but overpriced, unreliable infrastructure, and heavily gentrified. A dream for some, but not my forever city.
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