10 Best Digital Nomad Places in Mexico
Are you considering Mexico as your next digital nomad destination? You're onto something special!
With its perfect blend of culture, jaw-dropping nature, and those modern comforts we can't live without, Mexico has always been a favorite choice among remote workers. And get this – the number of digital nomads has tripled in Mexico since the pandemic hit, solidifying its position as a leading hub in Latin America and second on the continent.
Stick around because we're about to dive into Mexico's best spots for digital nomads!
What Makes Mexico Ideal for Digital Nomads?
Let's break down the reasons why Mexico is the talk of the town amongst digital nomads.
First off, its cost of living is attractively lower than in many U.S. and Canadian tech hubs. Mexico is a pocket-friendly paradise, especially if you're just starting or savvy about nomading on a budget.
Internet? Mexico’s got it sorted. Whether you're working on the beach in Puerto Escondido or a cafe in Mexico City, staying connected here is super easy. And let’s not forget the vibe – Mexico is full of colorful traditions, friendly locals, and can't-get-enough cuisine.
There’s also another nugget for you: the US State Department estimates that 1.6 million Americans live in Mexico, many of whom are digital nomads either residing or staying temporarily.
As remote work becomes more mainstream, Mexico is strutting its stuff as the go-to destination. What's not to love? From heritage-rich cities to sun-kissed beaches, Mexico is an ideal backdrop for those seeking work-life balance.
Once we got out of the way, the reasons why you should pick Mexico as your next destination, let's see which Mexican places are worth a stay for digital nomads like us. Ready? Vamos!
1. Mexico City: The Vibrant Capital
Think of Mexico City as New York City's fun, tropical cousin - where the snow is replaced by an abundance of sun! Recognized as the 4th fastest-growing remote work hub in the world, Mexico's capital is a paradise for digital nomads who love the urban hustle but hate the idea of owning a car. Stroll through neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, and you'll find great co-working spaces, like Impact Hub and PÚBLICO, or plenty of coffee shops to work from. After work, Mexico City's nightlife and street food scene are a foodie's dream. Trust me, you're likely to make new nomad pals just standing in line for your tacos al pastor!
Cost of Living
Okay, let's talk numbers. The cost of living for digital nomads in Mexico City is approximately $1,984 per month. That's rent in a cool city center studio for roughly $930, a hot desk in a coworking space for about $300 per month, and other everyday expenses like dining out and mobile data.
Internet Speed
Mexico City is known for its excellent internet connectivity. We're talking average download speeds of 73.98 Mbps and uploads at 20.24 Mbps. So, whether you're uploading work files or video calling home, expect silky-smooth connections.
2. Playa del Carmen: Tropical Experience
Playa del Carmen is where digital nomads swap the urban jungle for sandy beaches and rooftop bars. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned, and who can blame you with highly-rated coworking spaces like WORK IT, BUNKER, or NEST, offering chill vibes and perfect Wi-Fi. These spots reflect the vibrant digital nomad community in Playa del Carmen, which, along with Tulum (which we'll cover in the next section), has become a prime location for remote workers. Plus, the food here is so good, it'll ruin you for anywhere else.
Cost of Living
Living in Playa del Carmen can range from 'saving every penny' to 'living the high life,' depending on your style. Rent in the town center starts from $1,000 per month and goes up if you want extras like a pool although you can get a pretty decent room in a coliving for around $500 a month. Dining out is still relatevely affordable (not the cheapest though), with most meals costing between $5-$10. Initially, you could get by on $2,800 a month, but as you settle in and start enjoying more, that number could go up or down based on your lifestyle and needs.
Internet Speed
In Playa del Carmen, fast internet is a given. With an average speed of 54.19 Mbps, you can work from pretty much anywhere – be it a beach club or a café. It's the kind of place where you won't have to worry about your Zoom call dropping for sure.
3. Tulum: The Bohemian Haven
Tulum is one of the hottest spots in Mexico for digital nomads looking for a slower pace of life. The town's got coworking spaces like CoWorking Tulum and Digital Jungle, nestled within lush tropical gardens for a boho-artistic feel. The locals? Super friendly! And let's not forget the delicious eateries dishing up everything from panuchos to the freshest seafood you can imagine. Oh, and if you're into history, Tulum's got it in spades with nearby Mayan villages and annual cultural celebrations that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
Cost of Living
Renting in Tulum? You're looking at around $800-900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Tulum. If you're willing to live a bit away from the beach, your wallet will certainly thank you. Groceries will set you back around $50-$60 per week, and dining out is also pretty decent – think $9 per meal unless you opt for fancier options in the Hotel Zone. All in all, you can expect to spend around $3,110 per month as a single digital nomad in Tulum.
Internet Speed
In the world of remote work, Tulum gets a gold star for internet reliability. Most spots around town boast a pretty impressive Wi-Fi speed of around 57.33 Mbps. But if you’re planning to make a villa or apartment your work base, pick somewhere in town for the fastest connection.
4. Puerto Escondido: The Surfer's Retreat
Puerto Escondido is a surfer's dream that's rapidly becoming a favorite for digital nomads. This beach town in the state of Oaxaca is a haven with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back culture. The digital nomad community in Puerto Escondido is vibrant and growing, with an average trip length of more than 2 weeks for digital nomads. For coworking spaces, COWORKING ÑUU RINCONADA and Paulina Cowork are highly recommended for their good internet and chill atmosphere. Here, you're as likely to spend your day working on the beach as you are catching the next big wave.
Cost of Living
For accommodation in Puerto Escondido, you can get cozy spots close to the beach for about $700 per month. The food scene? It's a delicious mix of cheap eats and gourmet treats, with street tacos for just 80 cents and full meals for around $5. Overall, for all your living needs, including an eSIM and even travel insurance, you're looking at around $2,200 per month.
Internet Speed
In Puerto Escondido, you'll find decent internet connectivity, with an average internet speed is about 34.65 Mbps. While not ultra-fast, the Wi-Fi in coworking spaces and cafes is reliable for most online work needs, so you can easily blend productivity with the pleasure of living on the beach.
5. Guadalajara: Tech Hub of Mexico
Guadalajara is where tradition meets tech in a colorful, vibrant dance. This city is buzzing with a lively atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and a tech scene that's rapidly growing, earning it the nickname "Mexico's Silicon Valley." Here, you'll find coworking gems like Nevermind and Colabora. After work, whether you're exploring the historic squares, savoring traditional Mexican meals, or dancing the night away in trendy clubs, Guadalajara has an eclectic mix that'll keep you on your toes.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for digital nomads in Guadalajara is approximately $2,110 per month. Housing options are varied and cater to all tastes – from chic Airbnb apartments in the city center costing around $700 per month to cozier, budget-friendly options outside the city center for around $500 per month. Co-living spaces like Leveli Coliving are also popping up, offering both private and shared spaces. The food scene here is a dream, with street tacos and fine dining options that won't leave your wallet empty - you're looking at around $300 - $500 monthly for groceries and $10 per day for dining out. And let's not forget about getting around – public transport is super affordable, and taxis and Ubers are readily available for those short rides across town.
Internet Speed
The city has invested heavily in fiber-optic internet, offering lightning-fast speeds up to 80 Mbps. So, if you choose Guadalajara as your next nomad destination, you won't be disappointed – especially if you find yourself in a newly built neighborhood!
6. Oaxaca: The Rising Star
Oaxaca is the hidden gem of Mexico which is recently gaining traction among digital nomads and remote workers for its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and pleasant climate. Known as the food capital of Mexico, Oaxaca is a paradise for foodies, offering specialties like mole, chocolate, and mezcal at affordable prices. The streets are a carnival of colors, especially during the Day of the Dead and the Guelaguetza festival. And for digital nomads, neighborhoods like Jatalaco and Xochimilco offer a cozy escape from the touristy hustle, with plenty of friendly faces and chilled-out cafes to set up your laptop. Alternatively, you can check out community-focused coworking spaces like Céntrico Cowork Centro and Gubixi Coworking Space.
Cost of Living
Living in Oaxaca is surprisingly affordable, with a monthly cost of living around $1,900 for a single nomad. Picture renting a charming apartment in a friendly neighborhood for $720 per month, or joining a vibrant co-living space like Co404 Oaxaca for a bit more. The street food? It's an adventure for your taste buds without the hefty price tag. And getting around is very easy (and easy on the pocket too) with affordable public transport and taxis.
Internet Speed
In Oaxaca, finding fast internet can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some spots boast top-notch Wi-Fi, perfect for those Zoom calls back home, while others... not so much.
Pro tip: always double-check the internet situation with your Airbnb host to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
7. Puerto Vallarta: The Beach City
Ah, Puerto Vallarta! It's like stepping into a postcard where the ocean meets the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city. Here, you're just as likely to find a quiet corner in a cozy café as you are to mingle with fellow nomads in a lively coworking space like Vallarta Cowork or Natureza Cowork. The cobblestone streets of El Centro offer an inspiring backdrop for a peaceful walk, and the close-knit community of digital nomads and expats makes it super easy to make new friends. Plus, Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ friendly vibe makes it a welcoming spot for everyone.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living for solo nomads in Puerto Vallarta hovers around $3,228 per month. For about $700 per month, you can snag a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center, while the same apartment in the oh-so-charming Zona Romántica will cost you way more at about $1,110 per month. Dining out is relatively affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing you around $8.
Internet Speed
Fibre optic speeds are the norm in Puerto Vallarta, with average download speeds of 58.90 Mbps and uploads at 19.64 Mbps. That being said, consistency may vary across rentals, so we highly recommend you do a quick check with your landlord to avoid any 'no-internet' surprises!
8. Merida: The Colonial City
Merida is like a colonial-era painting coming to life, but with Wi-Fi! It's the kind of place where the pastel-hued architecture is as stunning as your Instagram filter. Merida is winning hearts in the digital nomad community for its safety, mouth-watering Yucatecan cuisine, and a vibe that's both relaxing and invigorating. It's not just a tourist destination; it's a place where your work-from-anywhere dream gets a historical backdrop. There is not a massive community of digital nomads yet, but we expect it to grow in the upcoming years!
Cost of Living
Affordability meets charm in Merida. You can live comfortably on about $1,740 per month. Think $550 per month for a one-bedroom studio apartment and another $400 per month for dining out at inexpensive restaurants. Groceries won't break the bank either, at around $350 per month. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy the good life without the guilt of overspending and where every penny spent feels like an investment in lifelong memories.
Internet Speed
In Mérida, you can expect download speeds of 59.70 Mbps – more than enough to stream, work, and keep up with your Insta stories. If you crave even speedier Wi-Fi, coworking spaces like Conexión 60 and Enter_Work are where it's at, with speeds hitting a whopping 99 Mbps!
9. San Cristóbal de las Casas: The Cultural Gem
San Cristóbal de las Casas is not your average digital nomad destination. It's a magical little mountain town where every cobblestone street tells a story. It's the kind of place where you ditch the beach for a cozy café by a fireplace, soaking in the rich indigenous culture and history. For digital nomads seeking a change of scenery, San Cristóbal offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, community vibes, and a surprisingly well-set-up scene for remote work. Among the popular coworking spaces, Centralita Coworking stands out, offering fast wifi speeds (around 20 to 35 Mbps at Centro location and 25 to 35 Mbps at Cerrillo location) and a welcoming community vibe across its two locations.
Cost of Living
San Cristóbal is one of those rare places where your dollar stretches further, letting you enjoy the full digital nomad experience without the hefty price tag. For solo travelers, think around $1,530 a month, and for a family, about $1,959. This includes cozy accommodation, delicious local eats, and weekend adventures that won’t drain your wallet.
Internet Speed
While San Cristóbal may not boast city-like internet speeds, it offers more than enough for a seamless digital nomad experience. The average internet speed here is around 43.08 Mbps, accommodating most online needs, from video calls to content uploading.
10. Cancun: The Resort Destination
Cancun is where the digital nomad lifestyle gets a tropical twist. Imagine working under the warmth of a tropical sun, with temperatures averaging around 80°F (27°C) year-round - it's the perfect escape for those fleeing colder climates. It's a global hub for remote workers, boasting a variety of coworking workspaces, like Colabora and beNuk Coworking, and a community that's as warm as the weather. Health and wellness are also prioritized, with numerous gyms, yoga studios, and health food options catering to a balanced lifestyle. Expect though a lot of tourists as it's a pretty popular place (you can guess why from the picture!).
Cost of Living
In Cancun, living the dream doesn't mean emptying your wallet. On average, a single person's monthly expenses are around $2,580, which includes rent, dining, and other essentials. You can snag a one-bedroom place in the heart of the action for about $950 a month. Dining out is a treat with meals in inexpensive restaurants around $10 or less. The local street food is even more affordable.
Internet Speed
In Cancun, staying connected is very easy, with a median download speed of 60.44 Mbps and a median upload speed of 28.18 Mbps. The city's well-developed infrastructure means you'll find reliable Wi-Fi in most places, whether you're working from a trendy café or your beachside accommodation. And for those days when you want to work with your toes in the sand, many beach clubs offer Wi-Fi, so you can send emails with a view of the turquoise sea.
Are You Ready To Explore Mexico as a Digital Nomad?
If you want more digital nomad guides like these, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
Make sure to sign up for our digital nomad forum to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!
Freaking Nomads is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free, helpful content. Learn more
Travel tips, hacks, and news
Exclusive travel discounts
Offers and promotions
Digital nomad inspiration
Latest articles form our blog
Comments ()