Top 13 Best Places to Retire in Mexico
Mexico is a popular destination for retirees due to its diverse culture, friendly people, and affordable cost of living. If you are best place to retire in Mexico, there are many different places to choose from, each with its own unique character and amenities.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to retire in Mexico, including information on the local climate, cost of living, and expat communities.
My Top 13 Best Places to Retire in Mexico
1. San Miguel de Allende
Located in the state of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial-style city with a vibrant arts scene and a pleasant climate. It is known for its friendly expat community and low cost of living.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in San Miguel de Allende is about 50% lower than in the United States, making it a very affordable place to live.
San Miguel de Allende is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Instituto Allende, a prestigious art school, and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a beautiful church with a distinctive pink dome.
The city has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
2. Puerto Vallarta
Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent seafood. It has a large expat community and a relatively low cost of living.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is about 30% lower than in the United States.
In addition to its many beaches, Puerto Vallarta is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Malecon, a popular seaside promenade.
The city has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
3. Tulum
Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Tulum is a laid-back town known for its beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-tourism. It has a growing expat community and a moderate cost of living.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Tulum is about 20% lower than in the United States.
In addition to its many beaches, Tulum is also home to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which are a popular tourist attraction.
The town has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
4. Playa del Carmen
Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. It has a large expat community and a moderate to high cost of living.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Playa del Carmen is about 10% lower than in the United States.
In addition to its many beaches, Playa del Carmen is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Playacar Archaeological Zone and the Xcaret Eco Theme Park.
The town has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
5. Lake Chapala
Located in the state of Jalisco, Lake Chapala is a popular retirement destination known for its beautiful lake, temperate climate, and low cost of living. It has a large expat community and a number of amenities and services geared towards retirees.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Lake Chapala is about 50% lower than in the United States.
In addition to its beautiful lake, Lake Chapala is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Ajijic Malecon, a popular seaside promenade, and the Ajijic Cultural Center, which hosts a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year.
The region has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
6. Mazatlan
Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Mazatlan is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic center, and vibrant nightlife. It has a large expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many beaches, Mazatlan is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Mazatlan Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.
The city has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
7. Oaxaca
Located in the state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca is a city known for its rich culture, colonial architecture, and delicious cuisine. It has a small expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many cultural attractions, Oaxaca is also home to a number of natural beauty spots, such as the Hierve el Agua mineral springs and the Mitla Archaeological Site.
The city has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
8. Merida
Located in the state of Yucatan, Merida is a city known for its colonial architecture, cultural events, and outdoor activities. It has a large expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many cultural attractions, Merida is also home to a number of natural beauty spots, such as the Dzibilchaltun Archaeological Site and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
The city has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
9. Cozumel
Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cozumel is an island known for its beautiful beaches and diving opportunities. It has a small expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many beaches, Cozumel is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site and the Chankanaab National Park.
The island has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
10. Cabo San Lucas
Located on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It has a small expat community and a high cost of living.
In addition to its many beaches, Cabo San Lucas is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Cabo San Lucas Arch and the El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.
The city has a desert climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
11. Cancun
Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cancun is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It has a large expat community and a high cost of living.
In addition to its many beaches, Cancun is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the El Rey Archaeological Zone and the Cancun Underwater Museum.
The city has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Read: Cabo vs Cancun
12. Costa Maya
Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the Costa Maya is a region known for its beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-tourism. It has a small expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many beaches, the Costa Maya is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and the Kohunlich Archaeological Site.
The region has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
13. Guadalajara
Located in the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and the capital of Jalisco. It is known for its rich culture, colonial architecture, and delicious cuisine. It has a large expat community and a moderate cost of living.
In addition to its many cultural attractions, such as the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Tlaquepaque Art District, Guadalajara is also home to a number of natural beauty spots, such as the Guadalajara Zoo and the Bosque Los Colomos.
The city has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to retire in Mexico?
Mexico is generally a safe place to retire, but like any country it has its own unique challenges and safety concerns. It is always a good idea to do your research and stay informed about local conditions before moving to a new place.
What is the cost of living in Mexico compared to the United States?
The cost of living in Mexico varies depending on the location, but in general it is lower than in the United States. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in San Miguel de Allende is about 50% lower, while the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is about 30% lower, and the cost of living in Tulum is about 20% lower. The cost of living in Playa del Carmen is about 10% lower, and the cost of living in LakeChapala is about 50% lower than in the United States. The cost of living in Mazatlan, Oaxaca, Merida, and Cozumel is moderate, while the cost of living in Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and Costa Maya is high. The cost of living in Guadalajara is moderate.
Are there expat communities in Mexico?
Yes, there are many expat communities in Mexico, especially in the popular retirement destinations. These communities can be a great resource for meeting new people, getting help with the transition to living in Mexico, and finding out about local events and activities.
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