After eight visits to Mexico over the years—spending weeks exploring different regions—I got serious about researching where my wife and I could actually live. I analyzed cost of living indices, crime statistics, healthcare quality rankings, average temperatures, expat community sizes, internet speeds, and proximity to international airports.
But data only tells half the story. I leaned heavily on expat friends already living throughout Mexico who contributed their real experiences to this article…the stuff you won’t find on Google. The result? Twelve cities that balance affordability, safety, infrastructure, and quality of life better than anywhere else in the country. Here’s what I found.
Top-Rated Places to Live in Mexico
Mexico isn’t one place…it’s a dozen countries in one. The Pacific Coast delivers endless surf and sunsets. The Caribbean side offers turquoise water and Maya ruins. Central Mexico’s colonial highlands sit at 5,000+ feet with perfect spring weather year-round. The Yucatán Peninsula blends beach life with affordable inland cities. Each region has its own vibe, cost structure, and expat scene. Here are some of my absolute favorite spots at a glance.
- Best for Caribbean beaches: Cancun
- Best for history and culture: Guanajuato
- Best for luxury living: Los Cabos
- Best for colonial charm: Merida
- Best for vibrant city life: Mexico City
- Best for business and innovation: Monterrey
- Best for beach life and expats: Playa del Carmen
- Best for students and intellectuals: Puebla
- Best for beach resorts and nightlife: Puerto Vallarta
- Best for eco-tourism and adventure: Riviera Maya
- Best for arts and expat community: San Miguel de Allende
- Best for bohemian lifestyle: Tulum
Now, here are the top residential locations in Mexico that you should call home in 2025-2026.
1. Cancun
Imagine waking up to crystal-clear waters and endless sunshine. Let me tell you…Cancun is the dream. This city is way more than just a vacation spot. It’s one the best Mexico towns to live in, offering a mix of modern amenities and stunning natural beauty.
Beyond its famous beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cancun provides a high quality of life with international schools, top-tier hospitals, and a strong expat community. The hotel zone is perfect for luxury waterfront living, while El Centro offers a more authentic and affordable lifestyle. The food? Incredibly delicious!
Living here means being close to adventure—snorkel in coral reefs, explore Mayan ruins, or relax at beachside cafés. With a thriving job market and an international airport, Cancun is a nice city to live in Mexico for those who want a perfect combination of relaxation and excitement.
2. Guanajuato
Step into Guanajuato, and it feels like walking through a living museum. This colorful, historic city is among the coolest places to live in Mexico, filled with colonial architecture, winding alleys, and underground tunnels that make every stroll an adventure. From pastel-hued buildings to lively plazas, Guanajuato has a magic all its own.
Culture thrives here. The International Cervantino Festival draws artists from around the world, filling the city with music, theater, and creativity. Cozy cafés, bustling markets, and intimate theaters add to its vibrant charm. For me, this makes every day feel like a celebration of art and history.
With affordable living, top universities, and a welcoming community, Guanajuato is one of the best places to live in Mexico for those who love culture and connection. Life moves at an easy pace, yet there’s always something happening—a perfect blend of relaxation and inspiration.
- Read next: My Favorite Airlines that Fly to Mexico
3. Los Cabos
Ah, Los Cabos. If you dream of a life where luxury meets paradise, this is one of the places to be. Nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the desert mountains, Los Cabos is one of the best places to live in Mexico for those who crave high-end living, outdoor adventures, and stunning coastal views.
This destination is famous for its world-class golf courses, five-star resorts, and exclusive beach clubs. But beyond the glitz, there’s a laid-back, small-town charm. You’ll find upscale restaurants, yacht-filled marinas, and boutique shopping, yet also quaint fishing villages and quiet beaches perfect for peaceful escapes.
Whether you’re looking for oceanfront villas, luxury condos, or gated communities, Los Cabos offers the best of both worlds…sophisticated living with a relaxed coastal vibe. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a thriving expat community, it’s such a paradise to call home.
- Discover more stunning spots: 12 Amazingly Beautiful Places in Baja California That Feel Unreal
4. Merida
In the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, Merida is a cultural gem that blends colonial charm with modern comforts. It’s known for its rich Mayan heritage, grand plazas, and colorful streets—and it’s one of the best cities to live in Mexico for those seeking safety, affordability, and community.
Merida has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, making it a great choice for families and retirees. The city is also a foodie’s paradise, with markets and restaurants serving up authentic Yucatecan cuisine like cochinita pibil and panuchos. On weekends, the streets come alive with music, dance, and festivals.
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With a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming expat community, Merida offers an easygoing lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences. If you love history, warm weather, and a close-knit community, Merida is a great place to call home. It’s definitely one of the prettiest locations in Mexico.
5. Mexico City
This vibrant metropolis is the beating heart of Mexico, where history, culture, and innovation collide. As one of the best Mexico cities to live in, it offers an exciting urban lifestyle filled with world-class dining, buzzing nightlife, and iconic landmarks.
Neighborhoods like Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte are hotspots for expats, creatives, and professionals, each offering a unique blend of history and modernity. Museums like the Frida Kahlo House and the National Museum of Anthropology showcase Mexico’s deep cultural roots, while trendy cafés and rooftop bars give the city a cosmopolitan edge.
Despite its size, Mexico City has plenty of green spaces like Chapultepec Park, perfect for an afternoon escape. With endless career opportunities, diverse neighborhoods, and a constant flow of festivals and events, this city is for those who thrive in energy and excitement while enjoying all the modern conveniences imaginable.
6. Monterrey
There’s something magnetic about Monterrey. Maybe it’s the way the Sierra Madre Mountains frame the city or how its streets hum with innovation and ambition. This isn’t just Mexico’s industrial and business hub—it’s a place where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs find opportunity while enjoying a high quality of life.
The skyline is modern and polished, but nature is always within reach. Locals spend weekends hiking Chipinque, climbing La Huasteca, or taking a scenic drive to Cola de Caballo waterfall. And when the sun sets, Monterrey’s social scene comes alive, with upscale restaurants, craft breweries, and legendary street tacos.
Food here is serious business, and you haven’t truly lived until you’ve had cabrito, the city’s signature slow-roasted goat dish. For those who thrive in a city that blends ambition, culture, and adventure, Monterrey is the place to be.
7. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has a rhythm that’s hard to resist. Once a quiet fishing village, it has evolved into one of the best places to live in Mexico, offering the perfect mix of beachside tranquility and cosmopolitan energy. The turquoise waters and swaying palms set the scene, but it’s the town’s inviting atmosphere that makes people stay.
A walk down Quinta Avenida takes you past vibrant cafés, boutique shops, and an international crowd that gives the town its unique character. Despite its growth, Playa still feels intimate…mornings are for sunrise swims, afternoons for exploring cenotes, and evenings for live music under the stars.
With modern conveniences, a strong expat community, and easy access to both adventure and relaxation, Playa del Carmen strikes an effortless balance. It’s a place where life slows down just enough, but never feels dull.
- Thinking about Baja life? Explore the region’s beauty: Beautiful Places in Baja California
8. Puebla
Nestled in the shadow of towering volcanoes, Puebla is a city that blends history, culture, and modern comforts. As one of the best places to live in Mexico, it offers city life without the overwhelming hustle of the capital. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with colorful colonial buildings, Baroque churches, and lively plazas that showcase the city’s rich heritage.
Puebla is famous for its culinary scene, particularly mole poblano and chiles en nogada, making it a haven for food lovers. The cost of living is lower compared to bigger cities, yet the infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and public services—is top-notch. Whether it’s browsing artisan markets, enjoying local festivals, or exploring nearby mountains, there’s always something to do.
For those who want a high quality of life, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community, Puebla is an exceptional choice.
9. Puerto Vallarta
Perched between the Pacific Ocean and lush Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is a city where every day feels like a vacation. It’s one of the best places to live in Mexico for those who want a balance of beach town charm and modern amenities. The Malecón boardwalk, lined with street performers and oceanfront cafés, captures the town’s vibrant energy, while nearby beaches and hidden coves offer a quieter escape.
Beyond the coastline, Puerto Vallarta has a thriving arts scene, gourmet dining, and a welcoming expat community. The city is known for its safety, high-quality healthcare, and walkability, making it popular among retirees, digital nomads, and families. Outdoor enthusiasts will love whale watching, jungle hikes, and water sports, all just minutes from home.
With its laid-back lifestyle, breathtaking scenery, and warm community vibe, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a beach town. It’s a place to truly call home!
10. Riviera Maya
Stretching along the Caribbean coastline, the Riviera Maya is a tropical paradise that offers some of the best places to live in Mexico. Home to destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal, this region is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungles.
Life here is about embracing nature. Snorkeling in cenotes, exploring Mayan ruins, and diving in coral reefs are all part of the daily routine. The Riviera Maya has also developed into a hub for eco-conscious living, with sustainable communities and organic markets becoming the norm. While it’s a tourist hotspot, many expats and locals have built a life here, drawn by the relaxed atmosphere and modern infrastructure.
For those who dream of coastal living with a sense of adventure, the Riviera Maya offers the perfect mix of tropical beauty and modern convenience.
- Read also: My Guide to Mexico’s Best Hidden Gems
11. San Miguel de Allende
Few places in Mexico have the timeless charm of San Miguel de Allende. This colonial gem, with its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and artistic energy, is one of the best places to live in Mexico…especially for those who appreciate history, culture, and community.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende is known for its thriving arts scene, international expat community, and vibrant festivals. The iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a pink-hued neo-Gothic church, stands at the heart of the city, surrounded by lively cafés and artisan markets. Despite its growing popularity, the town retains a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
With a strong sense of community, a mild climate, and a high quality of life, San Miguel de Allende is perfect for those looking to slow down and savor life in one of Mexico’s most picturesque towns.
- Ready to fall in love with Baja? Read: Baja California’s Most Stunning Destinations
12. Tulum
Tulum moves at its own pace…slow, intentional, and effortlessly cool. It’s one of the best places to live in Mexico for those who crave natural beauty, bohemian charm, and eco-conscious living. Here, the ruins of an ancient Mayan city overlook turquoise waters. And of course, the sound of the waves blends with the rustling palms.
This town has a way of making every day feel like a retreat. Mornings start with sunrise yoga on the beach, followed by fresh smoothie bowls at a jungle café. Afternoons are for exploring cenotes, biking through shaded pathways, or simply unwinding in a hammock. While Tulum has grown in popularity, it still holds onto its off-the-grid feel, with boutique hotels, open-air restaurants, and a community that values sustainability.
For those who want a laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing style or modern comforts, Tulum offers nature at its purest, with just the right touch of luxury.
