If you’re working remotely, you might be wondering what the best places for digital nomads in Mexico are and how to choose one that is best for you. Everyone knows that Mexico is an exciting place to vacation, but what about living there? Courtney and I traveled around Mexico, all while working remotely. I’m going to dive into the Best Places in Mexico for Digital Nomads so you can feel prepared before starting your exciting adventure as a full-time traveler living in Mexico.
- WHERE DO DIGITAL NOMADS GO IN MEXICO?
- COST OF LIVING IN MEXICO
- TOP CITIES IN MEXICO FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: HOW TO FIND A PLACE TO LIVE
- CO-WORKING SPACES FOR DIGITAL NOMADS IN MEXICO
- TOP 10 CITIES IN MEXICO FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
- 1. Mexico City
- 2. Puerto Vallarta
- 3. San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas
- 4. Oaxaca City
- 5. Puerto Escondido
- 6. Tulum
- 7. San Miguel de Allende
- 8. Playa del Carmen
- 9. Merida
- 10. Sayulita
- Enjoy this Best Places For Digital Nomads In Mexico Article? Check out our other related content:
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- Make Sure You're Covered During Your Trip
- Are you a digital nomad looking for the best backpack?
WHERE DO DIGITAL NOMADS GO IN MEXICO?
Mexico instantly captured our hearts with its irresistible charm, and in our opinion, it’s the ideal destination for digital nomads. The country is large and has a great selection of popular cities suitable for remote workers, such as the breathtaking Puerto Vallarta, where one can enjoy picturesque beaches, majestic mountains, and delicious food. There are also hidden gems like San Cristóbal de Las Casas in Chiapas, offering off-the-beaten-path experiences. Let’s not forget to mention that Mexico is overall a fairly affordable place to live, which is why the country is becoming such a popular location for digital nomads.
One of the major advantages of being a digital nomad in Mexico is the convenience of a six-month tourist visa upon arrival. This allows great flexibility to explore cities around Mexico without feeling rushed. We loved that we could find a city, take our time, and really feel part of the community before moving on.
To provide a balanced perspective, it’s important to acknowledge that being a digital nomad in Mexico isn’t without its challenges. While not every city may have lightning-fast wifi, it’s worth noting that the cities we’ll discuss have already established thriving digital nomad communities. We want you to feel prepared and have realistic expectations as to what it’s really like. With that being said, we feel confident that Mexico has some of the coolest places for digital nomads anywhere in the world, and you’re guaranteed to find one that suits you.
COST OF LIVING IN MEXICO
The cost of living in Mexico is generally inexpensive for most travelers. For example, right now, $1 USD is equivalent to 20 MXN, and it costs nearly double to live in the US than it does in Mexico. But remember that the cost of living for digital nomads in Mexico may vary based on the location you travel to, and popular locations are often far more expensive than more remote places.
You’re going to see some higher prices in places like Tulum, Sayulita, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta, whereas in San Cristobal de las Casas, for example, we spent the least amount of money monthly. In the end, it really all comes down to your lifestyle and personal comfort level. Overall, I am a penny pincher, and Sam understands the importance of comfort, so I feel like we do a pretty good job of meeting somewhere in the middle of those two things.
Cost of Living in Mexico as a Digital Nomad for Two:
Make Sure You’re Covered During Your Trip
Thinking about medical costs while on the road was something that always concerned me. Not having medical insurance as a digital nomad or long term traveler can be a little scary. Even if you have medical insurance at home it might not always cover you abroad which is why companies like SafetyWing exist. SafetyWing is our go to travel insurance. It is affordable and has all the coverage we need for travel and medical. They even have specific insurance for Nomads!
TOP CITIES IN MEXICO FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: HOW TO FIND A PLACE TO LIVE
Let’s start this off with the most important part of the process, finding a place to live in Mexico. There are a couple of important factors to consider, such as cost, location, and amenities the space offers.
First, find out what neighborhood you want to be in. We have stayed in neighborhoods that are safe and cheaper, but we had to walk farther to the coffee shop, the beach, or coworking space. You have to figure out what your priorities are and narrow down your choices from there. If you don’t mind walking more to get to the grocery store and want to save on rent, that’s important to know during your search.
For example, Courtney and I enjoy being close to outdoor activities, grocery stores, and coffee shops, so we are willing to pay a little more. This sometimes means there is more noise at night as it puts you in the center of town. There will always be things you have to compromise, this is one that we didn’t mind.
Important things to look for when choosing a place to live in Mexico:
- Always look for reviews about the strength of the wifi. Make sure you don’t see any negative reviews about the wifi, and always check with your host and let them know you are a digital nomad that works remotely. I try to make sure to give them an understanding of what my expectation is.
- If you like to cook most of your meals, look at the pictures to see what type of kitchen setup is available. You can also ask the host what equipment they have, as some kitchens can be very basic.
- There is usually a flag on some Airbnbs that will say if they are known for monthly stays. This is important because people have rated the apartment this way, and you know it is better suited for longer stays.
- Is there somewhere to sit other than the bed? Yes, I know you are going to be out and about most days, but when you are in your apartment and maybe having a few chill hours, it’s nice to have a place to sit that isn’t the bed. This is also important if you want to work from home some days.
- Balcony or rooftop? Depending on where you are, this is always nice to have. Nothing better than enjoying an afternoon beverage on the balcony or rooftop, just taking in the new city that you love.
- Any reviews about the bed? We search for bed specific reviews. We had one terrible bed experience and vowed to never make that mistake again. Let’s just say our backs were broken for a month. It was terrible.
- Double-check the neighborhood. While most areas of popular places in Mexico are perfectly safe for digital nomads, there are still questionable neighborhoods that might make it difficult to walk around. Safety should always be a priority, especially if you’re staying for an extended period of time.
CO-WORKING SPACES FOR DIGITAL NOMADS IN MEXICO
Coworking spots are becoming increasingly popular and are popping up quickly across Mexico. Most coworking locations have daily passes, a pass for a couple of days a week, or monthly unlimited passes. We relied heavily on co-working spaces in cities that had slower wifi. I’ll get into this more below.
Which city in Mexico has best internet?
There are several cities in Mexico that have good internet, especially good enough for digital nomads to get sufficient work done. But with confidence, I can say Mexico City has the best internet out of all of the cities we’ve listed. It was rare we had connection issues, but keep reading to learn more about the other cities in Mexico that we recommend for digital nomads.
Looking for the best laptop for Digital Nomads?
We all know our laptops are the most essential piece of equipment for working remote. Whether you are in need of an upgrade or you are looking to buy your first laptop – Check out our comprehensive laptop guide for digital nomads!
TOP 10 CITIES IN MEXICO FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
1. Mexico City
Why Mexico City is great for Digital Nomads
Mexico’s capital is a sprawling city, which can be quite intimidating when trying to figure out what the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City are. We lived here for three months, and we quickly realized all the taboo things people said about Mexico City were wrong. Yes, of course, there are unsafe areas, and it is a large city to navigate, but the positives far outweighed the negatives in our experience.
Mexico City is a place that artists, chefs, plenty of digital nomads, and more call home. It is a place that visitors from all over the world flock to, to experience its art, culture, archeological ruins, and cuisine.
If you’re looking for a bustling, vibrant metropolis, Mexico City is the perfect choice.
Overview of Mexico City living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, subway, taxi
Cost of Rent: $500 -$700
Internet Speed: Excellent
Things to do: Teotihuacan, Zocalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Templo Mayor Museum
Climate: Warm summers and mild winters
2. Puerto Vallarta
Why Puerto Vallarta is great for digital nomads
Puerto Vallarta is located on the western side of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean in the state of Jalisco. We spent a lot of time in this city, met a lot of people, helped a lot of cats, and ate some great food.
However, our experience here was more than just drinks and good food. Puerto Vallarta is one of the top LGBTQ travel destinations around the world, and the atmosphere is incredible. If you are a gay digital nomad in Mexico, what could be better than a fun beach town that is LGBTQ-friendly?
Read all the details in our Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomad Living article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of Puerto Vallarta living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $300 -$500
Internet Speed: Average to decent
Things to do: Beaches, Los Muertos Beach Pier, Hill of the Cross Viewpoint
Climate: Tropical and wet
3. San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas
Why San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas is great for digital nomads
San Cristobal de las Casas is located in the southernmost state of Mexico, Chiapas. Most people may disagree with me, but I would consider San Cristobal de las Casas to be one of the best cities in Mexico for digital nomads. That being said, it wasn’t a walk in the park to be a digital nomad living in San Cristobal de las Casas. Read our Digital Nomad Living in San Cristobal de Las Casas article for details on wifi speeds, where to stay, and where to work in San Cristobal.
From the colorful streets of San Cristobal to the lush surrounding rainforest, Chiapas has a raw, unique beauty to it that you should experience. During your work week, enjoy one of the many cafes or restaurants in San Cristobal de Las Casas, or take a walk over to the beautiful cathedral for a picturesque view.
When you’re done being productive and it’s time to explore, check out one of the many day trips from San Cristobal de Las Casas and see what Chiapas has to offer. Chiapas itself is often overlooked as a travel destination in Mexico. Most people don’t realize this beautiful area has waterfalls, archaeological sites in the jungle, or a canyon resembling the grand canyon. While it’s considered the poorest state in Mexico, it makes up for it in its rich indigenous culture, affordability, and adventurous activities.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living San Cristobal de Las Casas article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of San Cristobal de Las Casas living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $300 – $400
Internet Speed: Mostly questionable
Things to do: Sumidero Canyon, El Chiflon Waterfall,
Climate: Dry summers and rainy winters
4. Oaxaca City
Why Oaxaca City is great for digital nomads
Oaxaca City is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Mexico. Oaxaca is a slower-paced city, so if you are a digital nomad living in Mexico who is looking for a relaxed environment, this is your spot. Aside from all of the delicious food, mezcal, and culture, Oaxaca City also has plenty of untouched nature. Take trips to explore one of the many ancient ruins, mezcal country, or the popular Hierve de Agua.
Overall, the internet connection is decent, making living in Oaxaca City as a digital nomad worth it. After you explore the city, head over to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca’s coast. I’ll dive into that below!
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in Oaxaca City article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of Oaxaca City living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $200 – $400
Internet Speed: Decent
Things to do: Hierve de Agua, Mezcal Country, Barrio de Xochimilco
Climate: Hot summers and chilly winters
5. Puerto Escondido
Why Puerto Escondido is fun for Digital Nomads
Puerto Escondido is located on the Pacific Ocean, in the southern part of Oaxaca. The beautiful location and city atmosphere are why it is on this list of best places for digital nomads in Mexico. It’s a beautiful beach town and a surfer’s mecca, so if you are a surfing digital nomad, this may be a location you can’t pass up. Puerto Escondido has been pretty popular for digital nomads in the past with its chill vibe and vibrant backpacker community.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in Puerto Escondido article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of Puerto Escondido living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $400 – $600
Internet Speed: Average to decent
Things to do: Dolphin watching, Huatulco, Manialtepec Lagoon
Climate: Hot year-round with rainy summers
6. Tulum
Why Tulum is great for Digital Nomads
Tulum is located in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum is known for Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and wild parties. Because of this, Tulum has become a top city for digital nomads, not to mention it’s a small community, so it is really easy to meet people and make friends.
There are some really awesome things to do during your time in Tulum like visiting some of the popular cenotes in the area and the famous Chichen Itza ruins. Or, simply kick back and enjoy the white sand beaches with a drink in hand.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in Tulum Mexico article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of Tulum living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $700 – $900
Internet Speed: Great
Things to do: Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen, Tulum Ruins
Climate: Tropical with rainy summers and drier winters
7. San Miguel de Allende
Why San Miguel de Allende is a digital nomad city
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico in the state of Guanajuato. This city is easy to get to from Mexico City and is one of the best places in Mexico for digital nomads looking for a place to call home for a few months. It’s a colonial city that’s full of culture with beautiful Spanish architecture and lots of delicious street food. If you are a digital nomad that prefers to go to smaller towns and slower-paced cities that are culturally rich, this might just be your new favorite in Mexico.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in San Miguel De Allende article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of San Miguel de Allende living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $300 – $500
Internet Speed: Decent
Things to do: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, trolley tour, museums
Climate: Warm year-round
8. Playa del Carmen
Why Play Del Carmen is a great digital nomad city
Playa del Carmen is located south of Cancun and just north of Tulum. This beach town is easy to get to by flying straight into the Cancun International Airport and taking transportation south for about 45 minutes. The area is popular for vacationers, ex-pats, and digital nomads alike, turning Playa del Carmen into a bustling hotspot for nightlife and adventure.
Playa del Carmen has a good infrastructure for internet, so digital nomads shouldn’t have any issues connecting. There is a ton to do in the area and plenty of beaches to explore, which is why it is such a popular destination.
Overview of Playa de Carmen living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $600 – $800
Internet Speed: Great
Things to do: Chichen Itza, water sports, nightlife
Climate: Comfortable winters and rainy summers
9. Merida
Why Merida is good fit for Digital Nomads
Merida has been gaining popularity as a great destination for digital nomads. The cost of living is relatively low making it an affordable location for digital nomads. In recent years Merida has improved its internet infrastructure and you can find several co-working spaces and cafes with reliable internet. The expat and nomad community has grown which makes it easier to connect and socialize with like-minded people. Merida is known for being one of the safest cities in Mexico which also attracts digital nomads. Merida has a rich history, vibrant culture and some of the best cuisine in Mexico which appeals to all travelers. Merida is in close proximity to other tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsular and beautiful beaches which makes Merida an excellent central location for working and playing.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in Merida Mexico article about everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of living in Merida as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $400-800
Internet Speed: Great
Things to do: Plaza Grande, Chichen Itza, Izamal, Swim in the nearby cenotes
Climate: Warm climate year around and showers during wet season
10. Sayulita
Why Sayulita is fit for Digital Nomads
Sayulita is located just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean in the state of Nayarit. This cute little beach town is surrounded by mountains with a great vibe that shouldn’t be missed. If you are a surfing digital nomad or someone that has always wanted to try surfing, then you definitely don’t want to skip on Sayulita since this spot is mainly known for being a surfing and yoga destination. In the last couple of years, the local infrastructure and internet connection are constantly being improved, so it is becoming a more popular destination to visit for digital nomads looking for a small beach town to work from.
Sayulita is also really easy to get to. You can fly right into the Puerto Vallarta airport, and it’ll take you about 1 to 1.5 hours to get over to Sayulita. You can find all the details in our Sayulita travel guide.
Read all the details in our Digital Nomad Living in Sayulita article about everything we love, and everything you need to know before living here.
Overview of Sayulita living as a digital nomad
Transportation: Uber, public buses, taxi
Cost of Rent: $300 – $500
Internet Speed: Sometimes questionable but improving slowly
Things to do: Marietas Islands National Park, surfing, whale watching
Climate: Wet summers and dry winters
Are you a digital nomad looking for the best backpack?
We know how important it is to make sure you have the right functional backpack on your travels to protect your electronics which is why we’ve made a comprehensive list of our favorite digital nomad backpacks. Check it out!
Enjoy this Best Places For Digital Nomads In Mexico Article? Check out our other related content:
- Digital Nomad Living in Tulum Mexico
- Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomad Living
- Digital Nomad Living in Oaxaca City
- Digital Nomad Living in Sayulita
- Digital Nomad Living in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide
- Best Backpack for Digital Nomads – Our Top 3 Brands
- Best Laptop for Digital Nomads – Our Top 7 Picks
- Essential Gear And Equipment For Digital Nomads In Mexico
- Digital Nomad Living in Merida Mexico
- Digital Nomad Living in San Miguel de Allende
- Digital Nomad Living in San Cristobal de Las Casas
Like Best Places for Digital Nomads in Mexico article? Pin it for Later!
I’m Courtney and as blonde and gay as they come! I fell in love with travel on my first international trip with my wife. Travel reminds me to live in the moment and I feel like the truest version of myself. My wife and I love meeting new people and feeding street animals while we travel. There is so much of this world to see and we can't wait to explore it!
