Deciding where to live in Mexico isn’t just another box to check—it’s a game-changing decision that can set the tone for your entire new chapter. Imagine waking up every day in a place that feels like a dream come true versus ending up somewhere that makes you wonder, “What was I thinking?”
That’s not what we want for you!
But guess what? The honeymoon phase of moving to Mexico will wear off!
As a couple who recently moved to Mexico – we’re going through this ourselves! We learning everyday why picking the right spot is so crucial. Newsflash – our hometown of Merida is so hot!
In this post, we’re diving into the 5 most important things you absolutely need to consider before deciding where in Mexico to call home. We’ll peel back the layers on everything from climate and lifestyle to community vibes and, yes, even the cost of living.
Stick with us as we unpack each potential deal breaker and let us help you find the top places for you to live in Mexico!
Time to jump into the first potential deal breaker… how ready are you to sweat?
1. Climate & Setting: What Makes You Thrive
What are two things about a place you live with every day—the weather and the environment.
Mexico is a large country, with different climates and landscapes. But the vast majority of people moving to Mexico skip sweltering desserts for either the beautiful coast or the charming mountain towns.
How to think about climate:
So that said, think about whether you thrive in a warm and humid coastal area, or do you prefer the fresh cool air found at higher altitudes?
For instance, if you dream of getting rid of all your winter clothes and experiencing endless summer days, you might be eyeing places like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, or Mérida. There’s a good chance you’ll never need a sweater in any of these places, but be prepared for sweaty walks around town to be the norm.
On the flip side, if the idea of cool, dry air is more up your alley, you might lean toward popular mountain towns like San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic, or Guanajuato City. Days will often by sunny and warm, but there can certainly be a chill in the air once the sun sets.
Here’s a simple map showing what parts of the country are more hot, versus more cool.
How to think about setting:
Climate is one thing – but what landscape & setting makes you happy on a daily basis?
Do you like waking up to colonial charm and mountain views? Or would you happily trade that for the sound of the ocean and a cozy spot under the shade of a palm tree?
The tricky part is that both of these probably sound great. But remember that we’re thinking about your day-to-day life, and not a vacation! Consider whether you’ll you be okay climbing steep cobblestoned streets to in the more mountainous towns. And remember that the tropical sun you’ll experience in Mexico’s coastal spots is no joke!
In summary – really think about it!
Personal note: we have experienced both sides of the coin. There have been chilly mornings in the mountain town of Guanajuato where we struggled to get out from under the covers every morning.
And we’re currently experiencing 92 degree days (33.3 C) during the ‘winter’ in Mérida. But thankfully we’re never too far off from a beach or refreshing cenote here on the Yucatán Peninsula 😎
We urge you to really think about how temperature, humidity, altitude, and even walkability affect your everyday comfort. And if possible, visit at different times of the year to really get a feel for the places your considering as options to call home.
2. Lifestyle: Finding Your Happy Place
So you’ve successfully moved to Mexico…
Now here comes the hard part: what’s your ideal day-to-day look like in your new life?
Maybe you’re all about exploring local markets, hosting dinner nights with friends, or perhaps you can’t wait to join a weekly pickleball game. Well, whatever hobbies and interests you want to be a part of your life in Mexico – make sure to choose where to live in Mexico by taking everything into account.
For example, if having access to top-notch international ingredients is crucial for your culinary adventures, know that not every Mexican town will have the same variety of grocery options. Or if you need that pickleball crew, you might have to do a little digging to find a community that shares your passion.
The easiest way to say this is that this is a foreign country with a very different culture and lifestyle from what you’re used to north of the border. So don’t simply assume that the things you love from back home will be available everywhere down here in Mexico.
Here’s how you can search for your ideal lifestyle:
- List Your Must-Haves: Write down every little thing that makes your lifestyle unique—even if it seems silly.
- Research: Check if the places on your radar offer these amenities. Think hobbies, cultural events, nearby airports, and more.
- Connect: Use expat Facebook groups to ask locals if the vibe matches what you’re looking for.
Prefer to watch the video? Click below and get additional info & footage of the different places to call home in Mexico mentioned throughout this post 😎
3. Community & Language: Design Your Social Scene
How do you want to connect with people after moving to Mexico?
Do you see yourself in a tight-knit expat bubble where you won’t feel out of place by not speaking Spanish? Or are you excited about fully immersing yourself in the local culture and language?
Places like San Miguel, Ajijic, and Puerto Vallarta have huge expat communities where you are guaranteed to get by just fine with English. In fact, you may be surrounded by more expats than locals in some of these places.
But if you’re up for a challenge and want to truly experience Mexican culture, less popular expat destinations like Morelia, Guanajuato City, or Puebla might be more your speed—even if that means a little extra effort with Spanish.
My two cents: Even if you end up in an expat hub, learning some Spanish goes a long way in building genuine relationships and really feeling at home here in Mexico. We love platforms like italki where you can take 1-on-1 lessons with native speakers to help kick start your language learning!
4. Healthcare: What Are Your Needs
Let’s be real—for many people out there, great healthcare is a must.
Mexico’s private healthcare system is top-notch and way more affordable than what you might be used to in the US. But there’s a catch: quality and accessibility does vary from place to place. As a general rule, cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have wonderful hospitals with access to all types of specialists.
However, more remote places, especially those that don’t cater to the expat community, may
Imagine falling in love with a beautiful beach town like Cozumel, only to find that you’d need to travel to a nearby bigger city for specialized medical care. That’s why it’s so important to check out local hospitals, emergency services, and whether there are English-speaking doctors around.
Pro tip: If you have specific medical needs, do a little extra research on nearby specialists or top hospitals (cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara often lead the pack). And hey, don’t hesitate to ask expat communities for their insider tips!
5. Cost of Living & Housing: The Final Filter
After you’ve nailed down your dream climate, lifestyle, community and made sure you’re covered healthcare-wise, it’s time to start thinking dollars and cents.
First up, let’s consider monthly expenses for food, utilities, internet, insurance, transportation, and the little extras. For two people, a rough estimate might be around $1,500 per month—but of course, this can vary widely depending on where you are and how you live.
Now, when it comes to housing, imagine you’re set on a beachfront lifestyle with a bustling expat community—and places like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen start to sound like perfect places to live your dream life in Mexico. The question is, can you afford to live in the type of place that makes you happy in one of these more expensive towns?.
You’ll need to research the cost to rent or purchase your ideal home and combine that with your other monthly expenses to see if it makes sense for you. If not you’ll need to review your priorities, and choose somewhere that suits your budget.
Wrapping It Up: Your Mexican Dream Awaits
With the stress and uncertainty of figuring out how to move to Mexico, the decision of where to live is often taken too lightly.
We personally went through the exact process outlined above: ranking our non-negotiables (climate, lifestyle, community, healthcare) and then finding a place where we could afford to live comfortably. That’s why we happily settled in Mérida for the first stage of our Mexico journey!
Oh – and one last tip to leave you with. Before you pack your bags and settle down anywhere: test the waters! Experience all the diverse seasons, rent in the neighborhood you’re considering for your new home, and be sure that really feels like home.
Hasta luego!
Gordon