More people than ever are ditching the office for the digital nomad life, and Mexico has quickly become one of the world’s top destinations for digital nomads. While Mexico does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, as many other countries do, Americans and Canadians can stay up to 180 days. Mexico’s welcoming culture, year-round sunny climate, and affordability are some of the reasons why it has become so popular.
But not every destination is ideal for remote work. In general, digital nomads look for amenities, including:
- Fast and reliable WiFi
- Co-working spaces or laptop-friendly cafes
- Vibrant and welcoming local and digital nomad communities
- Accommodation availability
- Affordability
- Access to activities – nature escapes, beaches, museums, nightlife, etc.
Mexico has plenty of options that tick all those boxes. Here is our list of the top 5 Mexican destinations for digital nomads.
Oaxaca
Digital nomads looking for an urban environment with a small-town vibe can’t go wrong with Oaxaca. This vibrant city is known for incredible food, mezcal, and coffee and has plenty of options for co-working spaces and laptop-friendly cafes. Accommodation in Oaxaca can go quickly, so make sure to book well in advance for the best options.
- Average cost of living for a digital nomad: $2,033/month
- WiFi speeds: 33.92mbps download, 13.59mbps upload
- Why people love it: great nightlife, lots of history and culture, incredible food
Puerto Vallarta
Digital nomads looking for a work/life balance that is heavy on the “life” can’t go wrong with Puerto Vallarta. Because it is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations, it has all the creature comforts one might want when living abroad. Additionally, there is a strong community of digital nomads who come for the lifestyle provided by the popular beachside city.
- Average cost of living for a digital nomad: $4,141/month
- WiFi speeds: 26.81mbps download, 9.51mbps upload
- Why people love it: great community of digital nomads, plenty of modern comforts, great mix of beach and city vibes
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque colonial town in the state of Guanajuato with a foreign population of nearly 20%. The charming historical center is home to beautiful architecture and rich history, as well as funky shops, galleries, and markets. Its recent rise in popularity means that accommodations have become more expensive, but if you book well in advance and plan to stay long-term, you can find more reasonable prices.
- Average cost of living for a digital nomad: $3,251/month
- WiFi speeds: 47.54mbps download, 15.64mbps upload
- Why people love it: perfect year-round weather, safe place to live, slow pace of life
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is another great choice for nomads who want to be by the beach and want to join an established digital nomad community. The town offers plenty of conveniences for remote workers – there are co-working spaces and cafes, and the town is very walkable if you stay near the center.
Perhaps one of the best reasons for choosing Playa del Carmen is its proximity to other fun spots, including Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel, as well as the beautiful surrounding natural and historic sites.
- Average cost of living for a digital nomad: $2895/month
- WiFi speeds: 25.87mbps download, 15.28mbps upload
- Why people love it: beautiful beaches and nature nearby, fantastic nightlife, close to other fun destinations
Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the fastest-growing digital nomad destinations in the world, and it has a lot to offer anyone who chooses to work there. As one of the world’s largest cities, it is incredibly diverse and has plenty of social and cultural activities, as one would expect from a city that size. There are accommodation options for a range of budgets, and the general cost of living is inexpensive compared to other big cities.
- Average cost of living for a digital nomad: $1,969/month
- WiFi speeds: 27.39mbps download, 11.16mbps upload
- Why people love it: the plethora of cultural sites, it is easy to make friends, and very friendly to LGBTQ+ nomads
