Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is the epitome of perfection and an excellent place for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and abundance of cafes, it invites people from all over the world.
Mexico has always been famous among short-term travelers and tourists but things have changed over the recent years. The city has been gaining popularity among remote workers and turning into a digital nomad hotspot.
If this beautiful city has convinced you to pack your bags and move here then keep reading this article. Let’s discuss what it’s like to live in Mexico City and get an insight into the digital nomad lifestyle.
Where is Mexico City located?
Mexico is the largest city in the western hemisphere and the capital of Mexico. This major city is located in an inland basin known as the Valley of Mexico. It lies within the high Mexican central plateau, situated 2300 meters above sea level.
Fact: Did you know that Mexico City is the second most populous city in the entire world?
Why Choose Mexico City as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Mexico City has a lot to offer but every place has its fair share of flaws. Let’s see some of its pros and cons to evaluate whether this city is a good place for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost of living | Congested roads |
| Fast internet | Crowded |
| Friendly locals | Medium healthcare |
| Good weather | Average education |
| Plenty of things to do | |
| Digital nomad community |
As you can see, Mexico City has some cons that may appear too problematic for some people. For instance, digital nomads traveling with family members and children may find “average education” to be a deal breaker while others may find traffic intolerable. However, make sure to note that Mexico City has tons of benefits too. From its democracy to its hospitality towards lgbtq+ members, the place promises a great experience and a good lifestyle.
How to Get to Mexico City?
There are several ways of getting into Mexico City. Here are some of them.
By air
One of the best ways of getting into Mexico City is via air travel. You can take a direct flight or a connecting flight to land in Mexico country. From there on out, you can reach your desired location by different routes. Several airlines offer flights to Mexico City so make sure to compare prices first.
You can land at one of the following airports.
- Mexico City International Airport
- Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
- Cancún International Airport (CUN)
By car
You can also get to Mexico City via car but this is only a viable option if you live in the U.S. (near the border). Please note that you’ll still require all the necessary documents such as a valid passport and vehicle insurance to enter the city. You can drive all the way to Mexico but make sure to update your insurance policies and abide by the border formalities.
By boat
Boat travel is also a good option for getting to Mexico City. If you can find a cruise line that has Mexico as one of the destinations or stops then you can simply take that.
Transportation and How to Get Around Mexico City?
Once you have entered the country, here’s how you can get around.
Public transportation
Mexico City’s local transportation is pretty great and has a variety of options. You can travel via buses, subways, and trains to get around the city. All of these modes are well-developed, connected, and maintained by the government. Mexican buses are especially known to be convenient while trains are known for their comfortability. Public transport is also affordable and easily accessible, making it a good option for digital nomads.
Ubers
Luckily, Uber also functions in Mexico City. Since it’s a reputable mode of transport, it’s bound to be safer than other options. Uber is also cheap and easily accessible.
3 Best Accommodation Options in Mexico City
When it comes to accommodation in Mexico City, it’s getting limited and difficult by the day. The key is to find residence in popular digital nomad areas rather than local or shady regions. Here are some of the best options in the Roma Norte neighborhood.
Alebrije stylish retreat
Alebrije stylish retreat is one of the most picturesque accommodations in Mexico City with a unique and contemporary interior. The apartment is spacious and airy with large terrace doors. Additionally, there is plenty of room for natural light to come in. You can work from home comfortably and enjoy beautiful city views from the terrace.
Miraflores Roomy Flat
The Miraflores Roomy Flat is undoubtedly one of the best accommodations in Mexico City. As a remote worker, you would find this apartment’s location very beneficial. There are a ton of bars, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance that keep you entertained. The living space has big windows that allow natural light and air to come in. Furthermore, they have a nice rooftop with good internet as well.
Americas comfy retreat
Another good option is the Americas comfy retreat. This place is a great option for couples or just 2 people traveling together. The apartment can house two people but please note that the bedroom doesn’t have a door. Built with an open layout, this one-bedroom apartment is modern and contemporary.
Internet Connectivity in Mexico City
One of the best parts 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. Convenience stores usually keep sims but you can get them at the airport too.
Other than that, most cafes and coworking spaces offer free and reliable wifi so that’s a bonus as well.
E sim
The good news for remote workers is that E-sims also function in Mexico City! If you want to avoid the hassle of a physical sim card then opt for E sims. Here are some packages you might wanna compare.
Holafly
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited | 5 days | 21$ (19.51€) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | 29$ (25.08€) |
| Unlimited | 10 days | 37$ (34.37€) |
| Unlimited | 15 days | 51$ (47.38€) |
| Unlimited | 30 days | 75$ (69.67€) |
Airalo
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 6.00$ (5.57€) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 11.50$ (10.68€) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 15.00$ (13.93€) |
| 5GB | 30 days | 23.50$ (21.83€) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 42.00$ (39.01€) |
5 Best Places to Work from in Mexico City
Mexico City is quite literally filled with coworking spaces. There are plenty in each neighborhood. Here are some of the best and most recommended ones.
Coffice
Coffice is one of the best coworking spaces in Mexico City, especially for short-term travelers. They allow you to work in a peaceful environment without having to make any commitments. You can go there without a membership and pay by the hour or day. Additionally, they have a cafe-style interior that makes the workday so much easier. Remote workers get one cup of coffee/tea free but they have to pay extra for additional food.
Impact hub
The famous impact hub coworking space is also found in Mexico City and needless to say, it’s one of the best options. Located on the main street, this coworking space is close to various coffee shops, restaurants, and taco stands. With friendly staff, fast wifi, comfortable seating, and great memberships, the Impact Hub offers a great working environment. Lastly, its close proximity to Metrobus makes access easier for digital nomads.
WeWork
Another great option is the WeWork coworking space. They have plenty of branches located all over Mexico City so you can go to your nearest one. The Paseo de la Reforma branch specifically offers quite a view. You can have a productive workday while overlooking the Angel of Independence monument. Additionally, WeWork also provides free soda, water, and coffee along with a fully developed cafe.
Blend Station
If you prefer working from cafes rather than coworking spaces then consider going to the blend station. In addition to serving the best coffee in town, the blend station also offers a great working environment. You can sit here for hours and focus on your work without any interruptions. While you’re at it, make sure to try some of the desserts from their menu.
Freims
Freims is also a good cafe to work from but that is only if you can find a table. The vibrant and colorful interior of this place attracts various remote workers while the delicious food calls for breakfast and lunch crowds. However, if you do manage to find a spot, Freims will offer you amazing food, a good environment, and a fast internet connection.
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 big 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) |
| Dinner | $4.75 (€4.41) |
| Beer | $2.44 (€2.27) |
| Taxi | $1.74/trip (€1.62) |
| Coca-cola | $1.14 (€1.06) |
| Coffee | $2.28 (€2.12) |
| Coworking desk | $279/month (259) |
As evident, the cost of living in Mexico City is extremely affordable. You can enjoy value for money and high quality of living while staying on a budget! However, please note that these costs are merely estimates and the cost of living adapts based on a person’s spending patterns and preferences,
Prices may also change due to currency fluctuations.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Mexico City
Mexico City has a vibrant culture, depicted in its food, art, and environment. Mexican culture is influenced by European colonization as well as the ancient civilizations. The people respect their history and perform several events and activities to celebrate their heritage. In addition, the local Mexicans are lively, welcoming, and joyous.
Mexico City is situated 2200 meters above sea level and the place is surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes. There are several natural attractions within and near the city as well. You can visit parks, appreciate wildlife, and spend some time in the refreshing air.
When it comes to the food in Mexico City, it’s astounding, to say the least. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are located all over the city that offer delicious and amazing food. The local Mexican cuisine is flavorful and several people still follow the traditional recipes. Additionally, the street food scene is also pretty big in the city as there are vendors on every corner. The food also tends to be affordable and budget-friendly!
Best Time to Visit Mexico City
Mexico City is warm all year long but some other factors affect the desirability of the city during different periods. There is an 80% chance of rain daily from June to September so avoid coming here if you are not a huge fan of the rainy season and continuous showers. Other than that, there is a high inflow of tourists during the summer months and the city is even more crowded than usual. March-May offers great weather but as previously mentioned, the crowds are big and inflation is high.
Based on these factors, the best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season. November to April is a pretty decent time as you get to explore the city without dealing with rain, tourists, and high rates.
12 Best Things to Do in Mexico City
There are plenty of things to do in Mexico City but here are the 12 best ones.
1. Visit the metropolitan cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the largest and oldest cathedrals in all of Latin America. This cathedral also currently features the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico. Make sure to visit this historical landmark and marvel at its stunning architecture.
2. Visit the Palacio de Bellas Arte
The Palacio de Bellas Arte is one of the most popular places in Mexico City. It is an art nouveau, best for art lovers and admirers. This cultural center hosts various art, performing arts, and literature events all around the year. You can visit here to have an amazing time, surrounded by rich culture and art.
3. Visit the house of tiles
The house of tiles, commonly referred to as Casa de los Azulejos is another must-visit place in Mexico City. Built in the 18th century, this palace has a unique colonial architecture. It is especially distinguished by its blue and white tile facade.
4. Visit the Templo Mayor museum
Templo Mayor is one of the most important archaeological sites and popular destinations in the city. This temple was once the main place for ceremonial activities during the Aztec empire but now it has turned into a tourist attraction. You can visit here to appreciate the history and heritage of Mexico.
5. Visit the National Palace
The national palace is technically a government building but you can visit here for free and explore in-depth. Palacio Nacional is the residence of Mexico’s president and home to Diego Rivera’s artwork “the history of Mexico”.
6. Explore the centro historico
Centro Historico is the central neighborhood in Mexico City that is also said to be the historical capital. This place is the heart of the city and home to various historical landmarks. There are also iconic buildings, museums, modern restaurants, and plenty of street vendors in this area. The bustling and lively environment of Centro Historico is guaranteed to entertain you.
7. Visit the volcanoes
For those of you who wish to appreciate astonishing geography, make sure to visit the volcanoes located just outside of Mexico City. You can hike these mountains and take a full-day tour as well.
8. Hot air balloon flight
If you want to have a fun-filled day then take a hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacan in Mexican City. This valley is mesmerizing as it is but a bird’s eye view makes it even more spectacular. This 45-minute trip will amount to an unforgettable experience.
9. Eat at a taco joint
Your visit to CDMX will be incomplete without eating tons of tacos! There are plenty of taco joints and taco stands located at every corner of the city and it’s safe to say that most taste amazing. These joints tend to remain open past midnight which means you can get a delicious meal even at 3 am.
10. Take a guided tour
When in Mexico City, make sure to make the best of your time and explore the city properly. You can travel around on your own but it won’t be nearly as joyous as exploring the city with fellow tourists. Other than that, the professional guide will take you to the best spots and provide you with interesting information about the city.
11. Take a day trip
Once you are done exploring Mexico City properly. Consider taking a day trip and visiting one of the nearby cities. Mexico is full of tourist attractions so it only makes sense to explore as much as you can. A bus ride can take you to San Miguel de Allende, Playa Del Carmen, puerto vallarta, Guanajuato, or even Puebla.
12. Hang out with fellow nomads
Mexico is a big city that is filled with digital nomads and expats. One of the best things to do is connect with them and perhaps do some fun activities together. You may meet some like-minded people at coworking spaces or cafes but Facebook groups are also good for this.
Is Mexico City safe?
Unfortunately, Mexico City can’t be labeled as the safest place on earth. While the city is relatively safer than some other places in the region, it still has some problems. Mexico has a high crime rate including violent crimes such as drug cartels, kidnapping, and armed robbery. However, it all depends on your lifestyle. If you avoid the shady neighborhoods, stay away from isolated areas, and keep out of criminal activities then you have nothing to worry about. Mexico City can be dangerous for those who seek trouble but everyone else is pretty much safe. Make sure to take necessary precautions and spend your time in crowded areas.
The locals are usually welcoming and friendly but thanks to the increase of foreign inflow in the country, some might appear to be hostile. If you give it enough time and blend in with the people, you’ll find Mexico City to be a great place.
Visa Requirements in Mexico City
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.
Once the six months have passed, you can leave the country and come back for another six months after a while. This doesn’t always work but it’s worth a try!
Here are some basic requirements for the tourist visa:
- Bank account statements
- Valid passport
- Certificate of employment
- Proof of residence
- 1 colored passport-sized photo
- Completed application form
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.
Conclusion
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.
If you have been dazzled by Mexico City’s beauty like several other remote workers then make sure to save this article! We delved into all the important factors and discussed what it’s like to live as a digital nomad.
We hope this article answered your questions and settled your concerns. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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