Best Cities to Live in Mexico — 2026
Best Cities to Live in Mexico — 2026 TL;DR
I go over some of the best cities to live in Mexico for expats ensuring there is something for everyone — from “lit” beach party scenes for young digital nomads, to serene tranquility in the highlands for seniors. First, we’ll jump into a brief history of Mexico, as I feel it’s important for wanna be expats to know a bit about the country they’re considering calling home. It’s not too long, promise. I then touch on aesthetic surgical and non-surgical procedures and medical tourism. From there I delve into numerous cities and towns in Mexico that are bound to fit certain expats wants and needs.
Mexico
Mexico, located in the southern part of North America, borders the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. It spans diverse zones including the Bajío region, Caribbean, central highlands, Gulf coast, Pacific coast, northern deserts, and the Yucatán Peninsula. With a 2025 population of roughly 132 million, it’s the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico’s 32 federal entities are called “estados,” as opposed to Colombia’s departamentos or Ecuador’s provincias. Mexico ranks first in the Western Hemisphere and seventh globally for UNESCO World Heritage recognitions, with 35 cultural and natural sites inscribed. Mexico is known for its contributions to global cuisine, its mysterious ancient civilizations including the Aztec, Maya, Mixtec, Olmec, Purépecha, Toltec and Zapotec, and for shaping world history through its artistic traditions, colonial legacy, and Indigenous heritage.
Mexico Vacation Superpower
Cancún stands out as the most visited beach destination globally, having welcomed over 18 million tourists in 2023, surpassing previous records and highlighting its international appeal. Other notable coastal destinations include Cozumel, Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, each attracting travelers with their unique offerings and natural beauty.
Brief History of Mexico
Aztec, Maya, Mixtec, Olmec, Purépecha, Toltec and Zapotec Lived in Mexico
Mexico was originally inhabited by ancient cultures whose history and legacy is recognized worldwide. The first tribe recognized by most historians in Mexico are the Olmecs which means “rubber people”. They are thought to have lived around the east coast state of Veracruz and parts of Tabasco. Other civilizations followed including the Aztec, Maya, Mixtec, Tarascan aka Purépecha and Toltec. The Aztec and Maya civilizations are the most well-known. The Maya left behind important historical sites such as Chichen Itza, Palenque, Tulum and Uxmal. The Aztecs left behind Teotihuacan, meaning City of the Gods in the Aztecs’ native Nahuatl language. It’s the most important and visited Aztec ruin. Current day Mexico City was basically built around Teotihuacan. It lies close to the heart of Mexico City. The sites left behind by the Aztec and Maya civilizations continually draw a great deal of tourists from all over the world.
Hernán Cortés Conquers the Maya and Meets La Malinche
Hernán Cortés Leaves Cuba for Mexico
In 1519, Hernán Cortés disobeyed countryman and first Governor of Cuba, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, and hurried his departure from Cuba to carry out his expedition to what would now be Mexico. Cortés landed for the first time on the coast of what is now the island of Cozumel. Shortly thereafter, the Spanish arrived in Yucatán, where they met the Maya. Hernán Cortez and the Spanish royal army conquered the Maya. The Maya gave Cortés gifts, including 20 female slaves.
La Malinche
A Controversial Figure
La Malinche aka Marina, Malintzin, was a valuable resource since she knew how to speak Maya and Nahuatl — Nahuatl being the language of the Aztecs and their ruler Moctezuma II aka Montezuma II. La Malinche was born in Oluta, Veracruz. She learned some Spanish while being enslaved by the conquistadors. She became Cortés most faithful companion. Malinche’s linguistic abilities were discovered when the Spaniards met Nahuatl-speaking people at San Juan de Ulúa. Cortés spoke Spanish to his interpreter Jerónimo Aguilar, who would then pass on the message to La Malinche in Maya/Spanish. She in turn would translate to Nahuatl for Moctezuma’s Emissaries. Replies to La Malinche would reverse the chain. She was seen as a traitor by her own people. La Malinche and Cortés had a son named Martín Cortés, wrongly considered the first mestizo by many.
Aztec Leader, Moctezuma II Is Killed by the Spanish
The Spaniards landed in Veracruz in 1519, founding Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz where they encountered Aztec emissaries. From there, they marched inland to Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital (now Mexico City). Emperor Moctezuma II, believing Cortés might be a returning god, welcomed him with honor at the Axayácatl palace. However, the Spanish took Moctezuma II hostage and later killed him. The Aztec empire fell on August 13, 1521, when Moctezuma’s cousin and successor, Cuauhtémoc, was captured and later executed in 1525.
Grito de Dolores — End of Spain’s 300-Year Rule
The Viceroyalty of New Spain existed for 300 years from 1521 to 1821. Its first Viceroy was Antonio de Mendoza y Pacheco, who ruled New Spain for 15 years, and later died in 1552 after a brief stint as Viceroy of Peru. After 286 years of Spanish rule, on September 16, 1810, a Priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla summoned the residents to rise up in arms and fight for the independence of Mexico. This historical act is known as the Grito de Dolores. It occurred in the city of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. After 11 years of war, Mexico became independent from Spain on September 27, 1821, although Mexico celebrates its’ Independence Day on September 16th—the day of the Grito.
Mexico Loses Territory After Gaining Independence
The financial cost to fight for Mexico’s independence from Spain created a financial crisis for Mexico. Furthermore, Texas gained independence from Mexico and joined the United States. US President James K. Polk declared war on Mexico on March 13, 1846. The Mexican-American War ended on February 2, 1848, with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, establishing peace and friendship between the United States and Mexico. Mexico ceded territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The treaty also defined the border from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.
Mexico Medical and Pharmaceutical Tourism
Medical tourism is big business in Mexico, driven by proximity to the US and significantly lower prices. Many Americans cross the border daily for doctor’s visits, dental work, and prescription medications. Savings range from 39% to 80% compared to US costs. One of the biggest draws is pharmaceutical tourism—especially in Tijuana—where Americans buy medications at a fraction of US prices. A US Congress study cited by the Salt Lake Tribune found Americans pay nearly four times more for the same drugs than people in 11 other wealthy nations. Mexico’s government negotiates capped drug prices. COFEPRIS (Spanish), Mexico’s equivalent of the FDA, provides regulatory oversight to ensure drug quality and safety. According to the Mexican Council of the Medical Tourism Industry (CMITM), medical tourism brings in more revenue than traditional tourism—worth around $3.3 billion USD per year.
Border Towns & Tourist Destinations Provide Medical Care
Patients visit border cities and towns such as Matamoros, Mexicali, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana, with Tijuana being the most visited. Additionally, some patients visit more traditional tourist destinations such as Cancún, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta. The procedures that draw the most visitors are bariatric surgery, cardiology, cosmetic-reconstructive surgery, fertility, gastro-surgery, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, orthodontics, trauma and spine surgery.
Global Medication Packaging: US Stands Alone
United States
- Medications are dispensed in amber pill bottles, repackaged and labeled by pharmacists
- System supports customized dosing, flexible quantities, and integrates with insurance billing and refills
- US is only country that uses this bottle system as standard practice
Rest of the World
In Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, North America (excluding the US), and Oceania, medications are sold in sealed cartons with blister packs, still in their factory packaging. The rest of the world prioritizes unit dosing, hygiene, tamper resistance, and cost efficiency by keeping medications in their original packaging.
Why the Difference?
The US system evolved to support custom dispensing and tight integration with insurance billing, favoring repackaged pill bottles over manufacturer-sealed blister packs. Other countries emphasize unit dosing, patient safety, and cost efficiency by keeping medications in their original packaging.
| Feature | United States | Rest of the World |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising Allowed | Yes (only US and NZ) | Rare or illegal |
| Handling | Pharmacist counts and labels | Sealed by manufacturer, unopened |
| Hygiene/Safety | Moderate (open containers) | High (tamper-evident packaging) |
| Packaging Format | Repackaged amber plastic pill bottles | Original manufacturer-sealed blister packs |
| Reasoning | Custom dosing, insurance-linked | Consistency, safety, shelf life |
Mexico Aesthetic Surgery
There are 96 hospitals certified before the Consejo de Salubridad General (Spanish) and 9 accredited by the International Joint Commission. The aesthetic procedures and/or surgeries that are performed the most in order of number of procedures are: liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid lift, tummy tuck, butt lift and rhinoplasty. The most common non-surgical procedures are Botox, hyaluronic acid, non-surgical skin tightening, hair removal and non-surgical fat reduction.
Mexico Drops to 6th Place
In 2024, 1,294,946 aesthetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in Mexico. That number is down a whopping 420,006 from 2023 — moving Mexico from third to sixth worldwide behind the United States, Brazil, Japan, Italy, and Germany according to ISAPS. The demand for both surgical and non-surgical procedures keep growing. Incidentally Brazil had the highest number of surgical procedures while the United States had the highest number of total procedures including non-surgical.
Exports and Tourism Drive Mexico’s Economy
Illicit activities aside, the main driver of México’s economy are exports and tourism. Tourism in Mexico is huge. Mexico is the second most visited country in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States according to the World Tourism Organization. Numerous cities and towns in Mexico are filled with colonial charm, while others beckon beachgoers. Mexico’s top tourist destinations are Cancún, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Mérida, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen and Tulum). Cancún isn’t technically part of the Riviera Maya, although it might as well be.
Mexico’s Chief Exports
Auto, Beverage, Cement and Textile
Mexico’s main exports are in the automotive, beverage, cement, and textile industries. The Mexican company Cemex is the third largest cement conglomerate in the world. Mexico has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 46 countries.
CUSMA, NAFTA and T-MEC, the 3 Country Trade Alliance
The best-known trade agreement is the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada. The new agreement dubbed NAFTA 2.0 was signed by President Trump, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 30, 2018, as a result of the three leaders meeting at the 2018 G20 Summit in Buenos Aires. A revision of the agreement was signed on December 10, 2019, and was ratified by all three countries, with the final ratification (Canada) on March 13, 2020.
New NAFTA Gets a New Name
Interestingly the new NAFTA got a new name. In Mexico, the agreement is called T-MEC (Spanish) “Tratado entre-México, Estados Unidos y Canada” abbreviated T-MEC by simply using the first letter of each country after the T, hyphen, and naturally putting Mexico first. In the United States it was signed into law under USMCA, amusingly not too far off from the Village People’s classic hit song YMCA or the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It stands for “United States Mexico Canada Agreement”. Again, naturally the United States places their country first in the acronym. Thirdly, Canada follows suit by officially naming the agreement CUSMA, the acronym for “Canada United States México Agreement”, with Canada putting its nation first in the abbreviation.
UNESCO Recognizes Mexican Gastronomy
Mexican cuisine was awarded the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity honor by UNESCO in 2010 due to its creativity, diversity, history, and transcendence. The culinary techniques and ingredients used represent traditions that are centuries old yet still form part of everyday life in Mexico. There’s a great diversity of colors, flavors, textures and mastery involved. Most of the 32 states have their own specialty, whether it’s Cochinita Pibil in Yucatán, delicious moles in Oaxaca, tortas ahogadas in Jalisco, tacos al pastor in CDMX or tacos de marisco on the Mexican coast. Mexican food is based on the use of agave, amaranth, avocado, beans, cocoa, corn, nopal, tomatillo, tomatoes, squash, vanilla, and of course numerous types of chili peppers. Although purely vegetarian dishes exist and are growing in popularity, most recipes add some type of meat whether it is chicken, ground beef, pork, seafood or steak.
Mexican Food is More than Just Tacos
Without question tacos are king in Mexico whether it be al pastor, barbacoa, birria, canasta, carnitas, cochinita pibil, or seafood. However, Mexico offers so much more delicious food than just tacos. Burritos (mostly in northern Mexico), chilaquiles, chiles en nogada, consome de pollo, flautas, gorditas, mole, pozole, sopa azteca, sopa de frijol, sopa de lima (mostly in the state of Yucatán), sopes/huaraches, tamales, tlayudas, are just a few that come to mind.
Oaxacan Moles Are Delish
Due to the vast assortment of chili peppers, there’s a wide variety of moles and spice levels to choose from. Moles can have up to 30 ingredients and are quite labor intensive to prepare. The state of Oaxaca is known for their seven moles. Many consider Oaxaca to have the best food in Mexico. Oaxacans and other Mexicans also eat grasshoppers called chapulines. No thanks. Additionally, Oaxaca is well-known for the production of mezcal, a smoky, artisanal agave-based spirit.
Tacos Have Toppings
Hot sauce, pico de gallo (sometimes just diced onion), cilantro, limes and pineapple (for tacos al pastor) are often seen accompanying tacos in Mexico.
Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Expats
I’m Confident There’s a Place for Everyone
I’ve categorized different types of expats that are contemplating moving to Mexico. Most people, not all, fall into one of the categories below. Trust me, I know not everyone fits in a box. At the beginning of a new city section. I’ll include which type of expat would typically fit best. I won’t list these for smaller towns or quick mentions, only major Mexican cities.
- Older single person
- Rich of any age
- Senior citizens
- Social security retirees
- Young couple
- Young single digital nomad
Mexico City, Mexico (CDMX)
Mexico City — Best City to Live in Mexico for:
- Older single person
- Rich of any age
- Young couple
- Young single digital nomad
CDMX: Business, Culture, and Politics Converge
From DF to CDMX
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. It’s the cultural, economic and political center. It’s one of the most important cultural and financial centers in the world with an enormous population. Mexico City was abbreviated Distrito Federal or “DF” for 192 years but in an effort to rebrand the country; former President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a reform on January 29, 2016, to change the name to just Mexico City along with the acronym CDMX. The full transformation wouldn’t actually take place until 2018. The rebranding was explained as a decentralization effort to delegate power from the federal government thus allowing the city’s mayor to name senior officials including the police chief. It also turned the capital’s 16 boroughs into municipalities, with their own mayors and councils.
Mexico City Climate
Mexico City’s climate is subtropical highland—Köppen Cwb—with average daily temperatures of 20-24°C (68-75°F). The dry season, from November to April, brings sunny, mild days with low humidity. The rainy season, from May to October, sees afternoon showers with moderate humidity.
Mexico City Crime
Mexico City has a reputation for crime, but the reality is more nuanced. As of June 2025, the city has a crime index of 54.2, lower than Guadalajara’s 62.3. The homicide rate stands at 8 per 100,000 residents—well below Guadalajara’s 21.5. Theft, robbery, and vehicle theft are the most common crimes. While safety during the day is considered moderate, locals report feeling far less secure at night, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Mexico Safety Concerns
Mexico has high crime in many cities. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions that I’m sure you’ve read or heard about a thousand times. Check out the tabs below concerning safety tips for living in Mexico that could apply to anywhere.
I know people want to have fun and for those that drink, I get it. Although I quit drinking, I know what it’s like to be young and want to party. I want people to have fun and “live”. Don’t go to bad areas and don’t get too wasted in some sketchy part of the city. Do your own research in advance of where you’ll be going and let your friends and/or family know where you’ll be at all times. On the other hand, don’t let strangers know your whereabouts.
Also, if you drink make sure you have your drink with you at all times. Don’t go to the bathroom and leave your drink at the bar and come back and drink it. Scopolamine is a drug used in Medellín, and other parts of Colombia to knock people out and rob them of their belongings. I’m guessing Colombia isn’t the only country where this happens.
Contrary to popular believe there are white Mexicans or “Whitexicans” (yes, it’s a term that’s used). Mexico City, with almost 23 million inhabitants is fairly diverse. Your ability to blend in is based on the fact that they’re used to seeing foreigners.
Be careful with your cell phone. Of course, you want to have a good time and get some Instagram worthy pics or videos but just be aware of your surroundings. Be extra cautious at night. Use your gut instinct. We have very powerful instincts. We just need to listen to them.
I don’t recommend bringing any excessive jewelry whatsoever to Mexico. Even if it’s fake and “worth nothing”, a thief doesn’t know that and may still attack. Leave the bling at home.
Personally, I’d stay away from wearing Crocs or Tevas — otherwise just wear comfortable shoes while in Mexico City. It’s a great walking city and I’m sure you’ll be doing a lot of it.
If you want to do a Tepito tour in Mexico City or any tour for that matter, do it during the day with a reputable tour company. Check on Trip Advisor.
Mexico City Traffic
Pollution
Mexico City, being one of the most populated cities in the world, suffers from air pollution. INEGI statistics report that there are 4.7 million vehicles, 80% of which are for private use. Gas powered cars, motorcycles and other vehicles cause pollution. There are numerous air quality index sites you can check for updated information.
Hoy No Circula and Vehicle Verification
Like Colombia’s Pico y Placa (Bogotá and Medellín) and Quito, Ecuador’s Pico y Placa, Mexico City has similar program. It’s called Hoy No Circula (Spanish). It was created in an effort to curb air pollution and congestion. Additionally, the vehicle verification requirement of Mexico City (Spanish), checks the emissions of registered cars. Vehicles must pass the test in order to register. Hoy No Circula limits driving in the city on established days determined by the vehicle’s registration number.
Mexico City Transportation
México City International Airport (MEX)
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of downtown. It handled 47.3 million passengers in 2024 and is Mexico’s busiest airport. Passengers can fly non-stop to 25 countries on 64 international routes, in addition to 44 direct domestic connections across Mexico.
Integrated Mobility Card
The Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (Spanish) is a contactless smart card used across multiple public transport systems in Mexico City, including the Metro, Metrobús, Ecobici, Cablebús, Light Rail (Tren Ligero), RTP buses, and Trolleybuses. The card costs 15 pesos and can be purchased and recharged at Metro stations, Metrobús stations, and other authorized locations.
Metro
The Mexico City Metro (Spanish) is the city’s primary rapid transit system, consisting of 12 lines that cover extensive areas of the city. The fare is 5 pesos per ride, payable with the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada. The Metro operates from 5 AM to midnight on weekdays, 6 AM to midnight on Saturdays, and 7 AM to midnight on Sundays and holidays.
Local Metrobús
The Metrobús is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes, comprising seven lines that traverse major city corridors. The fare is 6 pesos per ride, and payment is made using the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada.
Regional Buses
Mexico City’s regional bus services operate from several major terminals, including Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO), Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte (Spanish), Terminal de Autobuses de Poniente—Observatorio (Spanish) and Terminal de Autobuses del Sur—Taxqueña (Spanish). These terminals connect Mexico City to cities all throughout Mexico. All 6 companies have mobile apps. Pullman de Morelos is really more a local service serving areas around Mexico City. Check out bus company specifics and route info below.
RTP Buses
The Red de Transporte de Pasajeros—RTP (Spanish) operates various bus services, including ordinary, express, eco-friendly, women-only (Atenea), school, and night services (Nochebús). Fares range from 2 to 7 pesos, depending on the service type.
Trolebuses
Operated by the Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos (Spanish), the trolleybus network offers electric bus services along several routes. Fares are typically 4 pesos per ride, payable with the Integrated Mobility Card.
Cablebús
The Cablebús (Spanish) is an aerial cable car system serving hilly, underserved parts of northern and eastern Mexico City. Line 1 connects Indios Verdes to Cuautepec in Gustavo A. Madero. Line 2 links Constitución de 1917 to Santa Marta in Iztapalapa. The fare is 7 pesos per ride.
Ecobici
Ecobici is a public bicycle-sharing program with over 6,000 bicycles and numerous docking stations throughout the city. Users can access bikes using the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada or the Ecobici app.
Ride-On-Demand, Taxis, and Rentals
Ride-on-demands apps InDrive, DiDi and Uber are available in CDMX. People like ride-on-demand services for their affordability, cleanliness and safety. For taxis, the city government recommends using authorized taxi stands (sitios) for safety.
Cars can be rented at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, Mex Rent a Car, National, Payless, and Sixt.
Mexico City 7th Most Populated in the World
According to United Nations estimates, Mexico City has a population of 22,752,400 putting it just under São Paulo, Brazil at 22,990,000. This puts it as the 7th most populated city in the world and 2nd most in the Western Hemisphere. Depending upon what chart one refers to, Mexico City and São Paulo may often flip flop their ranking depending upon the organization classifying the cities.
Globalization and World Cities Research Network “GaWC”
Globalization and World Cities Research Network “GaWC” categorizes the importance of world cities into the following global scales with economics weighed more heavily than political or cultural factors:
Alpha++ Cities
According to GaWC’s interpretation, “In all analyses, London and New York stand out as clearly more integrated than all other cities and constitute their own high level of integration.”
Alpha+ Cities
According to GaWC’s interpretation, “Other highly integrated cities that complement London and New York, largely filling in advanced service needs for Pacific Asia.”
Alpha & Alpha- Cities
According to GaWC’s interpretation, “Very important world cities that link major economic regions and states into the world economy.”
- Alpha++
- Alpha+
- Alpha
- Alpha-
Beta Level Cities
According to GaWC’s interpretation, “These are important world cities that are instrumental in linking their region or state into the world economy.”