4 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Mexico
A nation of quaint, laid-back beach towns and bustling, diverse cities, Mexico has countless great homes for digital nomads seeking an authentic Central American experience.
Whether you’re looking for a diverse international community, great food, intriguing history or anything else, Mexico is a fantastic destination for both new digital nomads and seasoned travelers seeking their next big adventure.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what life is like for digital nomads in Mexico, and a list of four of the best cities for nomads who want to explore this beautiful part of the Americas.
Why be a Digital Nomad in Mexico
Mexico has been a popular spot for remote workers ever since the recent explosion in digital nomadism, and there’s plenty of reasons why.
Here are some of the biggest benefits you can expect from living as a digital nomad in Mexico:
Low Cost of Living
Life in Mexico is very affordable for most nomads, especially if you receive your income in US dollars, Euros, or a similarly strong currency.
There’s a lot of variance in cost within the country, for example accommodation tends to cost more in tourist towns like Playa del Carmen than lesser-traveled spots like Merida
Regardless, nomads who are usually based in North America or Europe will generally find accommodation, food, and entertainment much more affordable than in their home countries.
Active International Community
Many of Mexico’s major settlements have a long history of hosting a diverse international community, both as tourist hotspots and important centers of business.
Today, digital nomads in Mexico won’t find it hard to immerse themselves in an active and diverse community of like-minded world travelers, both in huge metropolises like Mexico City and smaller, more rural towns.
This makes Mexico an especially great destination for digital nomads who travel solo and are always looking for good ways to make new connections in the countries where they set up.
Unforgettable Food
Mexican cuisine is delicious and varied, with every state and city offering its own unique takes on popular Central American dishes. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy street food or a more relaxed dine-in experience, many places throughout Mexico can promise a rich gastro scene you won’t quickly forget.
Aside from the delicious local cuisine, Mexico’s status as a cultural melting pot has meant that you can find dishes from across the world, many of which will have a distinct Central American twist on old favorites.
4 Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Mexico
Now that you know why Mexico has grown to be such a popular destination for remote international workers, here’s four of the best cities for digital nomads in Mexico to consider for your next adventure.
Mexico City
Mexico's capital and the country’s most populous settlement, Mexico City was attracting expats long before the digital nomad revolution.
Today, Mexico City continues to bring in digital nomads from a broad range of nationalities and professions, promising fascinating museums and art spaces, delicious street food, and high-energy nightlife.
Entrepreneurs in Mexico City have risen to meet the city’s new digital nomad population, and there are now a variety of coworking spaces and trendy cafes which can provide the perfect place for you to set up and get some work done.
The city contains a mesh of safe and distinct neighborhoods, where a low cost of living is reflected in affordable rental prices.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a Mexican coastal city where there’s never a dull moment. Every year it attracts countless revelers and long-term expats with its gorgeous sandy beaches and one-of-a-kind night life scene.
As one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations, Playa del Carmen may be a little too “touristy” for digital nomads who prioritize having an authentic experience.
However, its status as an international hub makes Playa del Carmen a great place to build your network with other foreign visitors and become a part of the city’s diverse global community.
This exciting environment combined with reliably fast WiFi and an affordable cost of living makes Playa del Carmen a fantastic place for digital nomads to explore the best Mexico has to offer.
Tulum
Tulum ranks alongside Mexico City as one of the country’s most popular hubs for digital nomads, and if you decide to visit you’ll quickly discover why.
Within easy reach of fascinating Mayan ruins and some of the best beaches on Mexico’s eastern coast, as well as a small but active community of digital nomads, Tulum is an ideal place for both history buffs and nomads seeking a more laid-back and slower-paced stay in Mexico.
Though Tulum used to be infamous for having poor-quality internet, new infrastructure and the growing popularity of the area has helped this develop in recent years. Today, you can even find reasonably-priced fiber in many nomad-friendly accommodations.
Merida
Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, offers all the amenities you could want from a big city with less of the rush and bustle. One of the older settlements in Mexico, Yucatan is full of stunning colonial buildings that help you get an authentic taste of Mexican culture.
Merida’s rich history stretches back to the very first Spanish contact in Central America, and staying in the city puts you within easy reach of Chichen Itza, one of the largest and most well-preserved Mayan ruins anywhere in the Americas.
As the state capital, Merida is often considered one of the best places to get a full and immersive taste of Yucatec culture. Combined with its surprisingly low cost of living and plenty of great accommodation, Merida is great for nomads who want to make their trip to Mexico as authentic as possible.
South of the Border…
Mexico’s developed infrastructure, low cost of living, and thriving international community has made it home to several cities that are ideal spots for setting up as a digital nomad. If you’re planning to visit this beautiful country, we hope this introduction has given you some inspiration as you plan your upcoming travels.
If you’re looking for insurance for your Mexican adventure, be sure to check out some of our global insurance plans for digital nomads.