City Guide 2026
Mexico
Living in Mexico City
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Mexico City, Mexico.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,090
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
48/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
16°C
61°F average
Tourist Visa
180 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
75 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Mexico City
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $700 | $455 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,400 | $910 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$220/month
Healthcare
$90/month
Utilities
$50/month
Transport
$30/month
Climate in Mexico City
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
14°
Feb
15°
Mar
17°
Apr
18°
May
18°
Jun
17°
Jul
16°
Aug
16°
Sep
16°
Oct
15°
Nov
14°
Dec
14°
Air Quality (AQI)
58
Moderate
Avg Rain Days/mo
10
days per month
Beach Distance
350 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
60 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Mexico City
Walkability
70/100
Internet Speed
75 Mbps
Cultural Score
90/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
65/100
English Proficiency
40/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
120+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
good
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
Tourist -> Temporary Resident (4yr) -> Permanent Resident -> Citizenship (5yr)
Tax Overview in Mexico
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: good
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 10% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 35% |
| Dividend Tax | 10% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 35% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Mexico City?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Mexico City costs approximately $1,090-1,744/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 $700/month.
Is Mexico City safe for expats?
Mexico City has a safety index of 48/100 (higher is safer). Mexico City requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 65/100.
What is the weather like in Mexico City?
Mexico City has an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F). The warmest months reach 18°C and the coolest drop to 14°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 58.
What is the internet speed in Mexico City?
Average internet speed in Mexico City is 75 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 120+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Mexico?
Mexico uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 10% (long-term) and dividends at 10%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year.
Can I get a visa to live in Mexico City long-term?
Mexico does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 180 days. The typical residency pathway is: Tourist -> Temporary Resident (4yr) -> Permanent Resident -> Citizenship (5yr).
Is Mexico City good for digital nomads?
Mexico City has decent internet at 75 Mbps, a large expat community, and 120+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is limited at 40/100. The cost of living index is 33/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Mexico City with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.