Mexico is a popular destination for ex-pats. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the move to this South American country from all over the world to start afresh. It’s a popular choice for American citizens who want to buy a second home, too.

Whether you aim to work, study, or retire in Mexico, the country. It receives great weather all year round, has stunning landscapes, and offers high-quality healthcare services.

If you are considering Mexico as your ex-pat destination country, you will need to decide which area of the country you would like to live in. Mexico is a relatively large country with almost 1,000 cities and thousands more towns.

Because there is so much choice reagrding places to live in Mexico and every city and town has something unique to offer, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect place for yourself and your family. To make your decision a little easier, we have combined a list of the best places to live in Mexico as an ex-pat below.

Mexico City

We couldn’t write an article on the best places to live in Mexico without mentioning the country’s capital city, Mexico City.

Despite having everything to offer, Mexico City is a lot less expensive than other capital cities. The cost of living in Mexico City averages around 40% of the total cost of living in New York or Los Angeles. Although cheaper to live in, the quality of life in Mexico City is just as good, if not better than these North American equivalents.

As expected, Mexico City has one of the largest populations in the country and it’s one of the go-to choices for ex-pats. Currently, around 22 million people reside in the capital city, so it’s the perfect place to meet people and make new friends. However, if you don’t enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, Mexico City may not be a suitable choice for you.

Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about the Mexico City safety levels. It’s one of the safest places in the country, making it the perfect place to raise your family. It’s home to lots of incredible educational facilities and businesses, so whether you are a young professional starting your career or an older adult with teenage children, you will thrive in Mexico City.

San Miguel de Allende

Located in the center of the country, San Miguel de Allende is another popular city for travelers and ex-pats alike. It is known for being safe, family-friendly, and welcoming to all new residents.

One of the most unique defining features of San Miguel de Allende is its historical nature. It is packed with baroque architecture, picturesque streets, and breathtaking landscapes that nowhere else in the world can compare to.

There are plenty of amenities and great healthcare facilities in this stunning city that you can access as soon as you move, provided you have valid health insurance. Although a relatively small city, its population has grown rapidly in recent years as more people have discovered its charm. However, there’s still plenty of room for you and your family if you fancy San Miguel de Allende as your new home!

Cancun

Cancun is one of the most well-known areas of Mexico, and it’s a hotspot for tourists. Although it attracts more tourists than ex-pats currently, we’re certain that this will change in the upcoming years and we’re already seeing a shift towards people choosing to live in Cancun over simply visiting it.

Located along the Caribbean coast, Cancún has stunning beaches and jaw-dropping views you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a particularly good choice for you if you enjoy sunny weather, long walks along the coastline, and water activities.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen (locally known as Playa) is another hugely popular destination in Mexico that is perfect for ex-pats looking to start afresh in a new country. It’s a coastal town that resides on the East side of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea.

Playa del Carmen offers gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water or beach activities. It’s close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where you can go snorkeling or diving to explore the waters to a deeper depth.

The residents of Playa del Carmen accept ex-pats with open arms. Thanks to the welcoming nature of its locals, the area is highly multicultural and hosts a diverse community of people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Although Playa del Carmen is slightly more expensive to live in than elsewhere in Mexico, this is reflected in the quality of life that you can lead living in this coastal region. The lifestyle in Playa del Carmen is one to be desired, with a low crime rate, affordable healthcare, great housing options, and a good public transport system.