City Guide 2026
Mexico
Living in Cancún
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Cancún, Mexico.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,320
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
45.5/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
26°C
79°F average
Tourist Visa
180 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Cancún
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $675 | $439 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,400 | $910 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$325/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Cancún
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
23.5°
Feb
24.1°
Mar
25.4°
Apr
26.8°
May
27.9°
Jun
28.5°
Jul
28.6°
Aug
28.6°
Sep
28.2°
Oct
26.9°
Nov
25.3°
Dec
24.1°
Air Quality (AQI)
35
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
9
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
450 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Cancún
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Mexico
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 180 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
Residency Pathway
4 years of Temporary Residency leads to eligibility for Permanent Residency.
Tax Overview in Mexico
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 35% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 35% |
| Dividend Tax | 35% |
| Interest Income | 35% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 35% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: RESICO (Régimen Simplificado de Confianza)
Flat rate: 1%
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cancún?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Cancún costs approximately $1,320-2,112/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $675/month.
Is Cancún safe for expats?
Cancún has a safety index of 45.5/100 (higher is safer). Cancún requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 54/100.
What is the weather like in Cancún?
Cancún has an average annual temperature of 26°C (79°F). The warmest months reach 28.6°C and the coolest drop to 23.5°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 35.
What is the internet speed in Cancún?
Average internet speed in Cancún is 85 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Mexico?
Mexico uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 35% (long-term) and dividends at 35%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (RESICO (Régimen Simplificado de Confianza)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Cancún long-term?
Mexico does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 180 days. The typical residency pathway is: 4 years of Temporary Residency leads to eligibility for Permanent Residency..
Is Cancún good for digital nomads?
Cancún has decent internet at 85 Mbps, a large expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 33/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Cancún with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.