9 Best Digital Nomad Places in Mexico

Located in North America, the United Mexican States (Mexico) is the third largest country in Latin America. This federal republic lies north to the United States; to the south and west with the Pacific coast; to the southeast with Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east with the Gulf of Mexico.

Mexico is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. Being large enough to be ranked number 3rd, you can imagine the size of it. If you have decided to move to Mexico but aren’t sure about the specific city, keep reading this ultimate digital nomad guide. Let’s talk about the Best Digital Nomad Places in Mexico and explore the best cities.

Why is Mexico a Good Digital Nomad Destination?

Mexico is a desirable digital nomad destination due to various reasons. From affordable cost of living and fast wifi to rich culture and digital nomad infrastructure, this country has it all. 

Mexico’s easy visa is something that attracts digital nomads and tourists to visit here. Most passport holders are given a visa waiver by the government in the form of a FMM card. If your country of residence qualifies for that, you can enter Mexico and live here for 6 months no questions asked. You can stay in the country, settle for a while, travel around, and see sights without any commitment or additional costs. In short, a visa waiver gives you a 180-day free pass. 

If you are looking for a long-term option then consider a Mexico digital nomad visa, also known as a temporary residence visa. This is a good alternative for remote workers to stay in the country. 

1. Mexico City

Mexico City has been gaining popularity among remote workers and turning into a digital nomad hotspot of sorts. Mexico City is the perfect place for digital nomads who wish to enjoy the big city life on a tight budget. Mexico is one of the most affordable countries and its capital city offers a low cost of living. Digital nomads are also attracted to this city because of its vibrant culture and good weather. 

In addition to a rich cultural experience, this vibrant city also offers a ton of digital nomad benefits; coworking spaces, work-friendly cafes, cheap accommodation, etc. 

Internet connectivity in Mexico City

One of the best things about Mexico City is its high-speed internet. The city has an average of 65 Mbps internet speed which is great for remote workers and digital nomads. The two major fiber optic providers are Infinitum and Izzi, both efficient and affordable. You can expect either of these to cost around 25$ per month and offer fast internet.

You can also get a local SIM card upon arriving in the country. The most common provider is Telcel as of now and it provides some great packages. You can purchase a sim at 7-11 stores or your nearest Oxxo.

Cost of Living in Mexico City

Mexico City is especially popular because of its affordable cost of living. Most digital nomads go here to enjoy the large city life scene without having to spend as much money as they would in other major places such as New York City. Here is a rough breakdown of the general prices there. 

Nomad’s cost of living$1917/month (€1780.75)
Cost of living for a family$3089/month (2869)
hotel$1052/month (€977)
Studio in the city center (1br rent)$677/month (€629)
Airbnb$1363/month (€1266)
Coffee $2.28 (€2.12)
Coworking desk $279/month (259)

2. Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City) is a cultural and traditional tapestry that attracts digital nomads from all over the world. In addition to being one of “the top places to live in Mexico”, it is also becoming one of the best places in Europe overall. This city has gained popularity over the recent years and turned into a digital nomad hotspot of sorts. Remote workers and nomads can come here to enjoy a plethora of benefits. From the low cost of living and rich culture to friendly locals and bustling environment, Oaxaca perfectly accommodates a digital nomad life. 

Internet Connectivity in Oaxaca de Juarez

The good news for remote workers is that Oaxaca has a pretty decent internet speed and coverage. You can work remotely and keep a healthy work-life balance, thanks to the fast and reliable internet. While it essentially depends on your location, the average speed is around 40 Mbps in the city.

You can also get a local SIM card after arriving in the city which ensures extra reliability. There are numerous providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages and plans beforehand. 

Cost of Living in Oaxaca

Oaxaca de Juarez is also famous because of its affordable cost of living. You can have a high quality of life while spending less, which is something that every digital nomad looks for. Here is a rough breakdown of general prices in the city.

Meal $5.65 (€5.18)
Coffee$2.54 (€2.33)
Beer $1.98 (€1.81)
Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$692.35/month (€634.40)
Apartment outside the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$494.53/month (€453.14)
Utilities  $65/month (€59.56)
Internet $19.96 (€18.29)
Local transport  $0.45/trip (€0.41)

3. San Cristóbal de las Casas

For those of you who want to enjoy an unparalleled cultural experience, San Cristóbal de las Casas is the best option for you. Tucked behind mountains, this small town is nothing short of a cultural tapestry and a hidden gem. With cozy vibes and stunning landscapes, this city allows you a chance to delve into a beautiful culture.

If nothing else, you’ll certainly appreciate the friendly local community. 

Internet Connectivity in San Cristóbal de las Casas 

While San Cristobal de las Casas doesn’t have the fastest internet in the world, it’s still pretty decent and reliable. You can expect internet speeds faster than 40 Mbps at any given place and time. However, it can be spotty outside the premises. If you want consistent wifi then make sure to buy a local SIM card upon arrival. This is a piece of practical advice as SIM cards allow you to continue working despite power outages. 

Additionally, there are a lot of good providers in the country so make sure to compare mobile data packages before buying a card. 

Cost of Living in San Cristóbal de las Casas 

The good news is that San Cristobal offers great value for money. This is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly destinations in Mexico and you can expect to have a great time here.

San Cristobal is a great place for several reasons and its low cost of living is one of the most attractive features. Here is a rough breakdown of monthly expenses and the affordable prices.

Meal 5.00$ (4.60€)
Coffee2.50$ (2.20€)
Beer2.38$(2.32€) 
Rent (One-bedroom apartment in the city center) 433$(401€)
Rent (One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center) 281$(260€)
Utilities 30.93$(28.64€)
Internet 17.51$(16.22€)
Local transport  $0.45/trip (€0.42)

4. Playa del Carmen

The once-famous fishing village of Playa del Carmen has gained striking popularity over the recent years. Over time, this city has become one of the most desirable digital nomad destinations and tourist attractions in all of Mexico. Tourists, digital nomads, and remote workers come here from all over the world to experience the authentic way of life. If you are planning on packing your bags and moving to this multifaceted area then make sure to learn some essentials. 

Internet Connectivity in Playa del Carmen

One of the benefits of living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico as a digital nomad is the decent internet connection. While it is not great, the average download speed stands at 10 Mbps. Small towns like Tulum are likely to have a better connection. Not only that but nomads have reported that they have never faced trouble with digital work and video chats.

You can also get a local SIM card after arriving in the city which ensures extra reliability. There are numerous providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages and plans beforehand. 

Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s affordable cost of living is one of the many factors that make it a popular destination. Not only is it a great place but it is way cheaper than some other destinations such as Mexico City. 

You can enjoy a high quality of life without having to spend a lot of money. Here’s a rough breakdown of average prices there. 

Meal at a restaurant 4.89$
Coffee 2.74$
one-bedroom apartment (in the city center)807$
Beer 2.57$
Fitness club 44.26$
Internet 21.75$
Basic utilities 90.99$

5. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is easily one of the best digital nomad destinations. Neither is it too crowded with tourists nor too isolated. With a rich history, beautiful Mexican culture, and colonial architecture, this place is a perfect blend of history and art. When in Mexico, be sure to visit here. 

This city houses some popular destinations to keep you entertained, a low cost of living, and welcoming local people. Hence, you can live here as a digital nomad and blend with the beauty.

Internet Connectivity in Puerto Vallarta

The good news for remote workers is that Puerto Vallarta has a pretty decent internet speed and coverage. You can work remotely and keep a healthy work-life balance, thanks to the fast and reliable internet. While it essentially depends on your location, the average speed is around 47 Mbps in the city.

You can also get a local SIM card after arriving in the city which ensures extra reliability. There are numerous providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages and plans beforehand. 

Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta

While Puerto Vallarta is not the cheapest digital nomad hotspot in Mexico, it’s less expensive than most popular destinations and major cities like New York. You can enjoy a high quality of life and access a ton of modern amenities for low costs. Here is a rough breakdown of day-to-day prices in Puerto Vallarta and the average cost of living.

Meal 10.00$ (9.00€)
Coffee3.50$ (3.00€)
Beer2.00$(1.80€) 
Rent (One-bedroom apartment in the city center) 956$(866€)
Rent (One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center) 640$(580€)
Utilities 74.00$(67.00€)
Internet 30.00$(27.40€)

6. Merida

Merida is a culturally rich, beautiful, and affordable place that promises a great living experience. With its historic architecture, rich history, live performances, and museums, it is nothing short of a masterpiece. From traditional to high cuisine, all sorts of food is found here depending on your preferences.

People are attracted to the digital nomad life now more than ever and Merida is undoubtedly a great place for your next stop.

Internet Connectivity in Merida 

One of the benefits of living in Merida Mexico as a digital nomad is the decent internet connection. While it is not great, the average internet speed stands at 35mbps. Small towns like Tulum are likely to have a better connection. Not only that but nomads have reported that they have never faced trouble with digital work and video chats.

The parks and most cafes offer free wifi but if you’re not satisfied with that, you can get a decent 10 GB mobile data for 7.80$ (7.29€) per month. The most commonly used sim card is Telcel and you can get it at local stores for 10$ (9.35€) maximum.

Cost of Living in Merida

The average cost of living for a digital nomad is $850 (794€) /per month in Merida Mexico. However, this may vary based on your accommodation and general lifestyle. You can get local rentals and co-living spaces for less than $500 (€467)/month while a luxurious hotel stay can cost $1000 (€934) per night so it really depends on your personal choices.

Nomad’s cost of living$1786/month (€1661)
Cost of living for a family$2294/month (€2135)
hotel$1114/month (€1036)
Studio in the city center (1br rent)$358/month (€334)
Airbnb$1354/month (€1260)
Dinner $5.42 (€5.04)
Beer $2.64 (€2.46)
Taxi $4.46/trip (€4.15)
Coca-cola $0.85 (€0.79)
Coffee $3.52 (€3.28)
Coworking desk $159/month (€148)

7. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the perfect concoction of ancient tradition and modern tech. Commonly referred to as “Mexico’s Silicon Valley”, this city is somewhat of a tech hub. Digital nomads can take advantage of the countless opportunities here and grow along with the city. This is a great option for remote workers in the tech industry. 

Guadalajara is also good in terms of environment, culture, and history. 

Internet connectivity in Guadalajara

As a tech hub, you can expect Guadalajara to have fast internet speeds and great coverage. Thanks to the high investment, the infrastructure is well-developed and extremely reliable. Guadalajara has average internet speeds of 80 Mbps, which is beyond amazing for remote work.

You can also get local SIM cards upon landing in the country. If you wish to take an extra step towards reliability then local providers are your best option. Almost all the coffee shops, restaurants, and coworking spaces offer free and fast wifi so that’s a bonus too.

Cost of Living in Guadalajara

Guadalajara’s affordable cost of living is one of the many factors that make it a popular destination. You can enjoy a high quality of life without having to spend a lot of money. Here’s a rough breakdown of average prices there. 

Meal $10.01 (€9.27)
Coffee$2.90 (€2.69)
Beer $2.00 (€1.85)
Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$649/month (€601)
Apartment outside the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$425/month (€393)
Utilities  $31.52/month (€29.18)
Internet $25.85 (€23.93)
Local transport  $0.50/trip (€0.46)

8. Tulum

If you are looking for the ultimate bohemian experience then Tulum is the perfect place for you. With a laid-back lifestyle and a calming atmosphere, this city offers you a slower pace of life. You can enjoy the tropical gardens, and delicious food, and delve into the rich history. 

Tulum is also a great place due to its welcoming local community, historic Mayan ruins, and abundance of cultural celebrations.

Internet connectivity in Tulum

Internet connection is one of the main concerns of any digital nomad. Remote workers would be glad to know that Tulum offers fast and reliable internet speeds, with an estimate of 57.33 Mbps. You will find a decent wifi speed at most of the cafes, restaurants, libraries, and public places in this city. 

You can also get local SIM cards upon arrival and buy budget-friendly data packages.

Cost of Living in Tulum

When it comes to the cost of living in Tulum, the answer is not that simple. While some people may regard Tulum as a relatively expensive digital nomad destination, we believe that the prices are nothing compared to the high standard of living found here. Here is a rough breakdown of general prices.

Meal $8.01 (€7.41)
Coffee$3.18 (€2.94)
Beer $2.75 (€2.55)
Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$573/month (€531)
Apartment outside the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$575/month (€532)
Utilities  $81.04/month (€75.03)
Internet 26.97 $ (€24.97)
Local transport  $1.25/trip (€1.16)

9. Cancun

If you are a fan of warm weather and tropical atmosphere then consider seeking in Cancun. With an abundance of coworking spaces, gyms, and yoga studios, this city offers a great living experience for digital nomads and remote workers.

This is a good place for you as long as you are willing to deal with huge tourist crowds and year-long sunny afternoons.

Internet connectivity in Cancun

Remote workers would be happy to learn that they can keep a healthy work-life balance in Cancun, thanks to high-speed internet and good coverage. This city has a median download speed of 60.44 Mbps and a median upload speed of 28.18 Mbps which is fairly decent for remote work.

You can ensure extra reliability by purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. There are a bunch of good providers in the city and most offer affordable packages. In addition to that, most cafes, local restaurants, and coworking spaces offer free wifi as well.

Cost of Living in Cancun 

Despite offering a high quality of life, Cancun is still a lot cheaper than some of the major cities and digital nomad hotspots. This city allows you to enjoy great value for your money and access modern amenities in a budget-friendly way. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost of living.

Meal $10.01(€9.27)
Coffee$3.28 (€3.04)
Beer $2.25 (€2.08)
Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$705/month (€652)
Apartment outside the city center (one-bedroom apartment)$387/month (€359)
Utilities  $106.45/month (€98.565)
Internet $29.96 (€27.74)
Local transport  $0.60/trip (€0.56)

Conclusion

All in all, it’s safe to say that Mexico is a stunning destination that offers a dynamic and diverse experience for digital nomads. Depending on your personal preferences, you can easily find a suitable city that fits your needs. We recommend you do some general research, shortlist the cities that appeal to you, and then do specific digging on that. Another good option is to set base in a conveniently located city (like Oaxaca) and explore the rest of Mexico from there. You can take day trips and weekend getaways to explore nearby sites and attractions. 

We hope this article helped you to see the best digital nomad places in Mexico. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help. 

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