Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mexico Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Mexico City's property market is included in our pack
Everything you need to know about living in Mexico City as an expat in 2026, from realistic budgets and neighborhood choices to safety, healthcare, schools, and residency paperwork.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data, government changes, and on-the-ground realities so you always get current information.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mexico City.
Is Mexico City a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Mexico City is mixed, with some practical improvements but persistent challenges in safety perception and housing affordability that keep the overall trajectory uneven.
One area that has genuinely improved over the past two to three years is the expansion of cycling infrastructure and car-free Sunday programs along Paseo de la Reforma, which has made central neighborhoods more livable and encouraged outdoor activity for residents.
However, the most persistent challenge remains safety perception, which actually worsened nationally from 61.7% in December 2024 to 63.8% in December 2025 according to INEGI's ENSU survey, and this unease continues to shape how residents experience daily life in Mexico City.
So while infrastructure and cultural amenities keep improving, the "feeling" of safety has not caught up, which is why choosing the right neighborhood matters more than ever.
Are hospitals good in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, Mexico City has excellent private hospitals that meet or exceed Western European and North American standards, though public healthcare tends to have longer wait times and fewer English-speaking staff.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Mexico City include Hospital Medica Sur (ranked number one in Mexico by Newsweek and affiliated with the Mayo Clinic network), Centro Medico ABC (with campuses in Santa Fe and Observatorio, both JCI-accredited), and Hospital Angeles Pedregal (part of Mexico's largest private hospital network).
A standard private doctor consultation in Mexico City in 2026 typically costs between 800 and 2,500 MXN (roughly 40 to 125 USD or 38 to 120 EUR), with specialists at top hospitals charging toward the higher end of that range.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Mexico City because it transforms "great hospitals exist" into "you can actually use them without financial shocks," especially since public healthcare requires residency status and involves significant waiting times.
Are there any good international schools in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, Mexico City has one of the deepest international school benches in Latin America, with over 25 accredited international schools offering curricula including IB, American, British, French, and German programs.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Mexico City include The American School Foundation (ASF), Greengates School (offering IB and Cambridge programs), and Westhill Institute (known for its inclusive American-IB approach).
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Mexico City in 2026 typically range from 180,000 to 450,000 MXN per child (roughly 9,000 to 22,500 USD or 8,500 to 21,500 EUR), with premium schools like ASF exceeding 400,000 MXN when you add enrollment fees, capital contributions, and activities.
Waitlists at the most in-demand schools can be long, especially for early years and transitional grades, so applying well in advance is essential, while public schools are generally not a practical option for expat children due to language barriers and curriculum differences.
Is Mexico City a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Mexico City is best described as "patchwork safe," meaning many expats live very safely for years in certain neighborhoods, while petty crime and harassment risks are real, especially around transit, nightlife, and phone theft.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Mexico City include phone snatching on the Metro, credit card skimming at ATMs, harassment in crowded public transport (particularly affecting women), and the need to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi rather than street taxis at night.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats in Mexico City include Benito Juarez (which showed only 14.8% perceived insecurity in INEGI's survey), Polanco, Roma Norte, Condesa, and San Angel, all of which have active police presence, walkable streets, and established expat communities.
Women can generally live alone safely in Mexico City in the right areas with standard big-city habits, though the ENSU survey shows women report higher perceived insecurity than men (69.4% versus 57.1%), so awareness around public transport, nighttime ride-hailing pickup points, and crowded areas is particularly important.
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How much does everyday life cost in Mexico City in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in central Mexico City neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, or Del Valle on a budget of 45,000 to 65,000 MXN per month (roughly 2,250 to 3,250 USD or 2,150 to 3,100 EUR), covering rent, food, transport, entertainment, and a modest buffer for weekend trips.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Mexico City in 2026, a single person could manage on around 30,000 to 40,000 MXN per month (1,500 to 2,000 USD or 1,450 to 1,900 EUR), though this would mean choosing less central neighborhoods, cooking at home more often, and limiting dining out.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Mexico City in 2026, which would include a nicer apartment in Polanco or premium Roma, frequent dining out, gym membership, and regular travel, would require 70,000 to 100,000 MXN per month (3,500 to 5,000 USD or 3,350 to 4,800 EUR) for a single person, or 95,000 to 150,000 MXN for a couple.
Housing takes up the largest share of most budgets in Mexico City, with the citywide median rent for a two-bedroom apartment sitting around 20,300 MXN per month according to Inmuebles24 data, while top colonias like Polanco can reach 30,000 MXN or more for similar units before utilities.
What is the average income tax rate in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Mexico City can expect an effective income tax rate (ISR) of around 15% to 25%, though this varies based on exact salary level since Mexico uses a progressive tax system.
Mexico's personal income tax brackets in 2026 range from 1.92% at the lowest income levels up to 35% for the highest earners, with most salaried professionals in Mexico City falling somewhere in the 15% to 30% effective range depending on their gross salary and applicable deductions.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mexico versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Mexico City in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Mexico City come from the United States, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela, with Americans forming the single biggest contingent due to geographic proximity, favorable exchange rates, and remote work flexibility.
While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, estimates suggest that foreign residents make up around 1% to 2% of Mexico City's population, with the broader Mexico hosting between 1 and 2 million American expats alone according to various surveys.
The main reason expats from these top countries are drawn to Mexico City is the combination of lower cost of living compared to major Western cities, excellent food and cultural scene, good international connectivity, and the ability to maintain a high quality of life on a remote salary or retirement income.
The expat population in Mexico City is a genuine mix of working professionals (especially in tech, finance, and consulting), digital nomads and remote workers, entrepreneurs and creatives, and some retirees, though the city skews younger and more professionally active compared to beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta.
Where do most expats live in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods where expats concentrate in Mexico City include Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Juarez, Del Valle, Coyoacan, and San Angel, with Roma and Condesa forming the main "expat corridor" due to their walkability, cafe culture, and restaurant density.
What makes these neighborhoods particularly attractive to expats is the combination of tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, high concentration of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable WiFi, easy access to Metro and Metrobus lines, and a sense of community among both locals and internationals.
Emerging neighborhoods in Mexico City that are starting to attract more expats include Narvarte, Escandon, Santa Maria la Ribera, and San Rafael, which offer lower rents than Roma or Condesa while still being relatively central, safe, and increasingly well-served by restaurants and amenities.
Are expats moving in or leaving Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trend for expat migration in Mexico City remains a net inflow, though new arrivals are being more selective about neighborhoods and value than during the post-pandemic "digital nomad boom" of 2021 to 2023.
The main factor driving expats to move to Mexico City right now is the combination of global-city amenities at a fraction of U.S. or European costs, strong cultural offerings, excellent food scene, and favorable time zones for remote work with North American companies.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Mexico City recently is rising rents in popular neighborhoods (up 20% to 30% in Roma and Condesa since 2020), combined with air quality concerns during certain seasons and frustration with bureaucratic processes like visa renewals.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Medellin, Lisbon, or Buenos Aires, Mexico City continues to attract strong interest due to its sheer scale and variety, though it now faces more competition from smaller Mexican cities like Merida, Oaxaca, and Queretaro that offer lower costs and a slower pace.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Mexico City in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Mexico City are the Temporary Resident visa (Residente Temporal, valid for 1 to 4 years), the Permanent Resident visa (Residente Permanente, for those with family ties or after 4 years of temporary residency), and work authorization visas sponsored by Mexican employers.
The most commonly used expat visa, the Temporary Resident visa via economic solvency, requires applicants to demonstrate either a minimum monthly income of approximately 4,000 to 4,500 USD over the past six months or savings of around 70,000 to 75,000 USD over the past twelve months, though exact amounts vary slightly by consulate.
Mexico does not currently offer a dedicated "digital nomad visa," but remote workers typically use the Temporary Resident visa route by proving sufficient income or savings, which allows them to live in Mexico while working remotely for employers or clients based outside the country.
The Temporary Resident visa is initially valid for 1 year and can be renewed for up to 4 consecutive years, after which holders can apply to exchange it for Permanent Residency, which then requires no further renewals and allows the holder to work in Mexico without additional permits.
How long does it take to get residency in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain temporary residency in Mexico is 4 to 12 weeks end-to-end when documents are clean and appointments are available, though planning for 2 to 4 months is wise to allow for unexpected delays.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Mexico City include difficulty getting consulate appointments (especially at busy U.S. consulates), incomplete or incorrectly formatted financial documents, and the 30-day window to complete the second phase at INM after arriving in Mexico, which can be tight if appointments are scarce.
An expat must live in Mexico as a Temporary Resident for 4 consecutive years before becoming eligible to apply for Permanent Residency, or can qualify directly for Permanent Residency through family ties to a Mexican citizen or existing permanent resident.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Mexico. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Mexico City in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Mexico City are professional and financial services (including consulting, banking, and corporate functions), technology and IT (software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity), and commerce and retail (both traditional and e-commerce operations).
Getting hired in Mexico City without speaking Spanish is realistic but limited to certain niches, primarily at multinational companies in tech, finance, or consulting where English is the working language, though learning Spanish massively expands your options and seniority ceiling.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Mexico City include English teaching positions, customer service and sales roles at bilingual call centers, tech and IT positions at international companies, marketing and content roles requiring native English skills, and management positions at multinationals seeking global experience.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in formal positions in Mexico City span from 25,000 to 120,000 MXN gross per month (roughly 1,250 to 6,000 USD or 1,200 to 5,750 EUR), with significant variation based on industry, seniority, and whether the role is local-hire or part of an international relocation package.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Mexico City typically offer salaries of 25,000 to 60,000 MXN gross per month (1,250 to 3,000 USD or 1,200 to 2,900 EUR), common for roles like English teachers, junior marketing positions, customer service representatives, or early-career tech roles.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Mexico City can command salaries of 80,000 to 250,000 MXN gross per month (4,000 to 12,500 USD or 3,800 to 12,000 EUR), particularly for country managers, senior finance or legal professionals, tech leads, and executives at multinational companies.
Large multinational companies in Mexico City commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires, especially for roles where specific expertise or language skills are needed, though smaller local firms are less likely to navigate the visa process unless you bring truly scarce skills.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Mexico City right now?
What do expats love most about living in Mexico City right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Mexico City include the world-class food scene (from street tacos to fine dining), the walkable neighborhood culture in areas like Roma and Condesa, and the sheer density of cultural offerings including over 150 museums, live music, and vibrant markets.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Mexico City is the ability to enjoy a high quality of life, great food, and active social scene at a fraction of what it would cost in cities like New York, London, or San Francisco.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Mexico City is the convenience of services, including affordable ride-hailing with Uber and DiDi, easy access to delivery apps, availability of domestic help at reasonable rates, and generally responsive private healthcare when insured.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Mexico City particularly enjoyable for expats is the warmth and openness of Mexican culture, the ease of making friends through shared meals and social gatherings, and the sense that the city rewards curiosity with endless discoveries.
What do expats dislike most about life in Mexico City right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Mexico City include unpredictable traffic that can turn a 20-minute trip into 90 minutes, air quality that deteriorates noticeably during dry season thermal inversions, and the persistent risk of phone theft in crowded areas.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Mexico City is the traffic and commute unpredictability, which makes scheduling meetings across the city stressful and often forces people to build their lives around avoiding peak hours or staying within their own neighborhood.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Mexico City is dealing with INM (National Immigration Institute) for visa renewals or exchanges, where appointment availability can be scarce, paperwork requirements change without notice, and processing times are unpredictable.
Despite these frustrations, most expats find them manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially if they choose neighborhoods wisely, build flexibility into their schedules, and use a good immigration facilitator for residency matters.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Mexico City right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Mexico City include how dramatically different the city feels from one neighborhood to another (you can feel like you changed countries within a 20-minute drive), the visible class stratification that affects everything from services to housing, and the importance of personal relationships in getting things done.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Mexico City is the indirect communication style, where "yes" doesn't always mean yes, people avoid saying "no" directly, and building trust through personal connection often matters more than formal processes or contracts.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest for expats to adjust to in Mexico City is the later schedule for everything, with lunch typically happening between 2 and 4 PM, dinner rarely starting before 8 or 9 PM, and social events often beginning well after the stated start time.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mexico compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Mexico City in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property directly in Mexico City because the city is located inland, outside the "restricted zone" that applies to properties within 50 kilometers of the coast or 100 kilometers of international borders.
The main restriction that applies to foreigners buying property in Mexico City is the requirement to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (costing around 1,500 to 2,000 USD), though this is a straightforward administrative step rather than a barrier to ownership.
Foreigners can own all property types in Mexico City including apartments, houses, and land, with the same ownership rights as Mexican nationals, and there are no restrictions on the number of properties a foreigner can own in the city.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Mexico City.
What is the average price per m² in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Mexico City is approximately 50,000 to 55,000 MXN (roughly 2,500 to 2,750 USD or 2,400 to 2,650 EUR), based on the Inmuebles24 citywide index showing 49,309 MXN per m² in August 2025 with modest inflation adjustment.
Property prices in Mexico City have been on a steady upward trend over the past two to three years, driven by strong demand from both local buyers and the influx of foreign remote workers, with neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa seeing particularly sharp appreciation.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Mexico City here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Mexico City in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Mexico City are available but limited, with stricter requirements than for Mexican nationals and not all banks willing to lend to non-residents, making cash purchases or international financing more common among foreign buyers.
Banks in Mexico City that are known to offer mortgages to foreigners include Santander Mexico, HSBC Mexico, and Scotiabank Mexico, though eligibility and terms vary and typically require established residency status.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Mexico City include a down payment of 30% to 50% (higher than the 10% to 20% often available to Mexicans), interest rates ranging from 10% to 14% annually, and maximum loan terms of 15 to 20 years.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Mexico City, you typically need proof of legal residency status (temporary or permanent), documented income in Mexico or strong international income verification, a Mexican bank account with credit history, and standard property documentation including an appraisal.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Mexico.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mexico City, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| INEGI (Mexico's national statistics office) | Mexico's official producer of national statistics on labor, safety, and demographics. | We used INEGI data to ground "what life feels like" in Mexico City using official survey results. We also cross-checked safety perception trends and labor market conditions. |
| INEGI ENSU (Urban Public Security Survey Q4 2025) | Official quarterly survey measuring perceived insecurity across Mexican cities and boroughs. | We used ENSU to quantify perceived safety and highlight differences across Mexico City boroughs. We also used the gender breakdown to address women's safety concerns. |
| Banco de Mexico (Banxico) | Mexico's central bank providing official inflation outlook and monetary policy guidance. | We used Banxico's inflation convergence timeline to translate 2025 prices into early 2026 estimates. We avoided guessing macro conditions by relying on institutional forecasts. |
| SAT (Mexico's tax authority) | Official source for 2026 income tax withholding brackets used by employers. | We used SAT's 2026 Anexo 8 tables to explain how income tax works for salaried employees. We calculated average tax rate examples at common salary levels. |
| Inmuebles24 | Major real estate portal publishing city indices with consistent methodology and neighborhood detail. | We used Inmuebles24 to estimate realistic rents and sale prices per m² for Mexico City. We anchored budget calculations on their CDMX market index data. |
| OECD (Economic Outlook and Better Life Index) | International organization providing standardized macroeconomic assessments and well-being comparisons. | We used OECD data to sanity-check the economic direction around early 2026. We contextualized Mexico's strengths and weaknesses relative to peer countries. |
| Joint Commission International (JCI) | Leading international hospital accreditation body recognized worldwide for quality standards. | We used JCI to identify hospitals with internationally recognized quality systems. We verified accreditation status for hospitals commonly recommended by expats. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Directory | Official registry of IB-authorized schools worldwide. | We used the IB directory to verify that named schools actually offer authorized IB programs. We avoided relying on marketing claims or unverified school lists. |
| INM (National Immigration Institute) | Mexico's official immigration authority responsible for residency and visa regulations. | We used INM guidelines to describe visa options and residency requirements accurately. We referenced the July 2025 updated guidelines for current financial criteria. |
| Mexperience | Established resource for practical immigration guidance in Mexico with regularly updated information. | We used Mexperience to interpret UMA-based financial requirements and processing timelines. We cross-referenced their analysis with official INM publications. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Mexico. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.