This blog originally appeared at Travel Off Path.
Sunny Mexico has long been the preferred destination for American remote workers seeking a change of scenery. It’s close enough to the U.S. to retain that at-home feeling, boasts a culture and climate that’s undeniably warm, and features excellent infrastructure.
However, not all Mexican destinations are budget-friendly for digital nomads. Nightly stays in cities like Los Cabos average around U.S. $600, and the cost of living in the Mexican Caribbean has seen a significant increase. This leaves prospective border-crossing digital nomads pondering:
Where can they go without emptying their wallets?
Fortunately, GOBankingRates, a banking firm, has evaluated numerous Mexican destinations for budget-conscious expats, considering the cost of living. From their list, we’ve identified the five most economical destinations where you can comfortably live on less than US$1,200 a month:
Ensenada
Population: 443,000+
State: Baja California
Single Person Average Monthly Expenses With Rent: $1,195.85
A hidden treasure in the state of Baja California, Ensenada is a rising tourist destination thanks to its idyllic beaches, charming downtown area, and, perhaps most significantly, its unhurried way of life. This is particularly appealing to remote workers seeking respite from the fast-paced environments of larger cities.
Ensenada boasts a vibrant surfing scene, with destinations like Playa San Miguel and Playa Hermosa offering incredible waves for water sports enthusiasts. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, the serene El Faro, situated close to Downtown Ensenada, and Playa Estero are ideal for sunbathing and swimming
Situated along the Bahia de Todos Santos, a sheltered bay and a significant migration point for various marine species, Ensenada serves as an excellent hub for exploring the broader Northern Atlantic coast of Mexico. Surprisingly, the local culture carries the influence of Russian settlers.
And let’s not forget the outstanding culinary scene. Ensenada is renowned nationwide for its fish tacos, a beloved local delicacy, as well as its mouthwatering shrimp wraps, delectable ceviches, and exquisite wines. These, among other factors, make it a compelling destination for an extended stay, especially when considering its astonishing affordability, with average monthly expenses totaling just $1,195.85.
Puebla de Zaragoza
Population: 6,583,000+
State: Puebla
Single Person Average Monthly Expenses With Rent: $1,067.49
Ranking among the likes of Guanajuato and Guadalajara, even though they don’t make the top five list, Puebla stands out as one of Mexico’s most charming colonial-era cities. Newcomers need only take a brief stroll through the immaculately preserved cobblestone streets of Centro Historico to be inevitably captivated by its charm.
Puebla’s skyline is notably distinctive, featuring a UNESCO-protected Old Town adorned with countless historic monuments, set against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Those choosing to establish themselves in Angelopolis, the city’s modern “business” district, will discover an array of cafes and co-working spaces to suit their needs.
While immersing themselves in the historic district, and particularly neighboring Cholula, a charming and colorful town within Puebla’s Metropolitan Area, renowned for its striking yellow church situated atop an ancient Mayan pyramid, visitors may experience a sensation of time standing still for centuries.
Puebla’s unique blend of historical and contemporary elements creates an ambiance distinct from any other Mexican city. What’s more, it’s relatively cost-effective to reside here, with monthly expenses totaling a modest $1,067.49 – an amount equivalent to the rent for a central apartment in a major U.S. city.
Veracruz
Population: 405,000+
State: Veracruz
Single Person Average Monthly Expenses With Rent: $1,000.31
Veracruz, the second coastal destination on this list, graces the Gulf of Mexico and stands as one of Mexico’s smaller cities, with a population of under half a million. Its distinction arises from its historical role as the largest Atlantic trading center in Mexico, coupled with an immaculately preserved colonial center.
As the cultural heart of its state, it was settled as early as 1519 and, due to its significance in the Transatlantic Spanish Empire, it thrived as a prominent mercantile port, occasionally rivaling the economic importance of Mexico City. Suffice to say, the cultural richness of Veracruz is immeasurable.
Besides the myriad Instagram-worthy houses that grace the waterfront, visitors will discover a Baroque-style Municipal Palace, the oldest of its kind in Mexico, an 18th-century cathedral adorned with Neoclassical features, and the Castle of San Juan de Ulúa, a monumental fortress constructed to shield residents from pirate raids.
Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz provides convenient access to untouched Gulf beaches, especially along the fittingly named Emerald Coast. Digital nomads can savor all of this while keeping their monthly expenses slightly over a thousand dollars, which includes rent.
Saltillo
Population: 807,000+
State: Coahuila
Single Person Average Monthly Expenses With Rent: $884.74
Situated in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, Saltillo is a city with a history spanning 445 years, tracing its origins to the early days of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. As one of the initial European settlements in this region, it hosts a wealth of historical sites.
This encompasses an 18th-century cathedral, the Santiago Apóstol, known for its Neo-Romanesque bell tower and intricate facade. There’s also the Neoclassical Fernando Soler City Theater, and at the heart of the city lies the Plaza de la Nueva Tlaxcala, surrounded by grand civic structures.
The city, along with its metropolitan area, serves as both a vastly underappreciated cultural center and an industrial powerhouse. It hosts major players like General Motors, Magna, Nemak, and even a Tesla plant. This dynamic blend of culture and industry makes it a highly appealing spot for culture enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs.
Surprisingly, it’s one of the most budget-friendly destinations for nomads in Mexico. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is a modest $264.94, with total expenses amounting to $884.74.
Aguascalientes
Population: 934,000+
State: Aguascalientes
Single Person Average Monthly Expenses With Rent: $861.59
Aguascalientes, located near the heart of Mexico, is the most affordable but by no means the least appealing Mexican city for digital nomads. It’s renowned for its rich architectural heritage, delightful climate, rejuvenating hot springs, and diverse population.
Aguascalientes boasts magnificent landmarks such as the San Antonio de Padua Church, the European-inspired main square known as La Exedra, the grand Government Palace, and even a striking Brutalist Opera House, making it one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.
Each year, it hosts the San Marcos Fair, Mexico’s largest festival, drawing over 7 million attendees and celebrating the city’s Spanish-influenced bullfighting and cockfighting traditions.
According to GOBankingRates, Aguascalientes has the lowest cost of living in all of Mexico, with an average monthly rent of just $384.31 for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center. Total monthly expenses average around $861.59.
Now you’re aware that you don’t require a million-dollar business or substantial savings to temporarily move to and work remotely from Mexico. Americans can stay visa-free for up to 6 months.
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