Mexico’s capital city has been a popular expat destination for families and young couples from all over the world. The rich and diverse cultural heritage of the city is one reason behind many travelers falling in love with it and coming back as permanent residents. This is a city that accommodates people with different budgets and lifestyle preferences.
Does it make sense for US citizens to move to Mexico?
To find the answer, you need to take a look at various aspects of moving to Mexico City.
The Power of Agoyu
While we do not prefer to beat our drum, the truth is that Agoyu is one of the best moving apps on the market. While estimating the cost of a move the main hurdle is the correct weight estimation. Agoyu brings forward the magic of AI visual analysis that categorizes items and accurately checks dimensions and volume. And all you need for that is your smartphone.
The moving cost calculator in the app uses proprietary algorithms to calculate weights and create a list of the items that you want to ship. Next, you get an accurate pricing based on the move’s origin, destination, and approximate weight. We do not offer inflated “not-to-exceed” prices and our estimates are around 90% accurate.
Now, you can compare rates from some of the top movers and pick the one that matches your budget. From booking warehouses for storage to international car shipping, Agoyu can help you with all moving requirements.
Our platform aims to make the move a seamless and stress-free experience for you. If you are moving to Mexico City, use Agoyu to find the best international moving company for managing your move.
About Mexico City
The capital of Mexico is one of the largest cities in North America and an important financial hub. With a population of around 25 million, the city has an average elevation of 8,000 feet and is surrounded by the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica mountain ranges. The climate is tropical and the average annual temperature of the city is 59 °F.
December and January are the winter months and in May, the temperatures reach the highest. Even with its high altitude, the tropical sun can get hot in spring and the summers can be warm and humid in Mexico City. Most rainfall occurs between June and September.
Life in Mexico City
The vibrant culture of Mexico City is one aspect that will have you fascinated. The city is a grand mix of a historical past going back to the Aztecs with modernism, woven together by a rich culture of music and dance. Beyond the history and culture, the city is also a hotspot for art and creativity.
Beyond that, you can enjoy some unique festivals like the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The city is a delight for gastronomists with some iconic dishes like Pozole, Tacos al pastor, Esquites, and Tamales.
The best part about Mexico City is that it is affordable on most budgets. The cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than in the US. The public transport is cheap and the street vendors offer delicious meals at affordable prices.
For school-age children, the city has multiple international schools that offer a global educational experience. Since there is an active expat community in the city, you will find a vibrant social circle ready to welcome you. If you don’t know Spanish already, it is best that you take a course to learn the language. This will help you to better interact with the locals.
Mexico has a reputation for being the homeland of drug cartels and some areas may not be safe, especially at night. However, as long as you do the necessary research and avoid stepping into any risky situations, the city is a safe destination for expats.
Best Places to Live in Mexico City
Mexico City is massive and has around 350 distinct localities with diverse characteristics. If you prefer an upscale residential location, Polanco, Condesa, and Santa Fe are good options. Due to their proximity to the business districts and popular spots, the rental demands in these areas are also high.
Once you move away from the central districts, property prices become more affordable. Iztapalapa and Gustavo A. Madero are such areas with a peaceful community, even though public services can be limited.
Many young professionals are choosing hotspots like San Rafael, Juárez, and Narvarte. Compared to the central location these areas lack certain amenities, but housing is more affordable and they have a strong community feel.
Here is a closer look at some of the best places to live in Mexico City. As always, individual preferences matter when choosing a location for your new home.
Roma Norte and Condesa
These are two upscale neighborhoods in the downtown area with tree-lined streets, manicured parks, European-styled architecture, and a vibrant setting. The multicultural neighborhoods and the proximity to galleries, cafes, restaurants, and studios make them popular for young expats.
Expect regular social events like food fairs and art exhibitions in these locations. Roma Norte is also a paradise for foodies with a diverse range of cuisine available at every corner. If you are moving with your pet, Condesa is the right place as it has multiple dog-friendly parks and plazas.
Polanco
Polanco is the perfect neighborhood for those who prefer a luxurious lifestyle and a posh neighborhood. There are high-end boutiques, contemporary art museums, and luxury shopping malls scattered around the neighborhood. The price of luxury housing in the area can range between USD 6,000 to USD 12,000 per square meter.
Polanco is also close to the financial centers of Santa Fe, and Reforma as well as the cultural centers. It enjoys excellent connectivity and has plenty of green areas. Plus, it is one of the most secure neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Bosques de las Lomas
Bosques de las Lomas is a great location for families as it has modern gated communities and plenty of greenery for the residents. Compared to the other upscale neighborhoods in Mexico City, the property prices are affordable. It is close to business centers like Interlomas and Santa Fe and has schools that offer English-language education.
Coyoacan
Once an independent city, Coyoacan is a good choice if you want to escape the hustle of the city center. It is an affluent neighborhood with a warm community feel and the Frida Kahlo Museum in the area is a tourist magnet.
Being a perfect mix of modernity and Mexican tradition, it attracts a diverse range of expats. However, Coyoacan can get crowded on weekends and the property prices are higher than in some of the other areas.
Juarez
Juarez attracts expats from around the world because of its old-world charm and artsy vibes. There is a lot to enjoy here, including designer art galleries, world-class restaurants, hip cafes, and amazing colonial-era architecture.
It is also close to the business districts and major entertainment venues. You can choose from a wide range of housing options including condominiums, apartments, and single-family homes.
San Angel
Located in the southern part of the city, San Angel has a tranquil setting and an upscale vibe. Even so, you can find affordable living quarters in the neighborhood. While it is some distance from the city center, it does not lack amenities. The cobblestone streets are a popular hangout for artisans and the Diego Rivera House Museum is a major attraction.
Healthcare in Mexico City
There are both public and private healthcare facilities in Mexico City and the services are good. The best facilities are available within the private healthcare system and it is more expensive. Some of the top private hospitals in the world are in Mexico City. In public hospitals, the waiting period for non-emergency and specialist procedures can be long.
The cost of treatment will depend on the hospital, the severity of the condition, and the doctor. That said, the average cost of doctors and major medical procedures is much less than that in the US. You can also pick up common medicines from pharmacies at no extra cost. Note that English-speaking staff is mostly found in pharmacies associated with large hospitals.
The average cost for doctor consultations and house calls is around USD 50. Most expats prefer private healthcare facilities supported by private health insurance plans offering full coverage.
Transportation in Mexico City
Getting around in Mexico City is easy as the top destinations are well connected by the efficient Metro service. Besides, with a ticket fare of USD 0.25, it is cheap. The other option is to make use of the Metrobus network and adults over 60 can use the bus network for free. There is a separate Trolleybus service as well.
Taxis or taxi de sitio are a popular choice and there are “Sitio” stands located around the city. Uber services are also available. While you can rent a car, driving is not easy as the streets are congested. Also, parking is hard to find.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Mexico City
Can US citizens move to Mexico City?
Yes, they can. An FM3 visa allows you to stay in the country for 6 months. If you want to sift permanently, an FM2 (immigrant visa) is needed.
Is Mexico City a good place to live?
Absolutely. It is one of the most vibrant cities in North America with a laid-back lifestyle and great facilities.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Mexico City?
The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Mexico City is between USD 2,500 to USD 3,000 excluding rent. For a single person, it is around USD 750, excluding rent.
Is it better to live in Mexico or the USA?
That depends on your personal preferences. If you want to live in a culturally vibrant city where the cost of living is lower than that in the US, Mexico City is a great choice.
Moving to Mexico City
Any American moving to Mexico City will need to do a lot of in-depth research and planning. Once you have finalized your move, you need a mover who can handle long-distance moving without any hassles.
Agoyu is the most dependable platform that helps you choose the best moving company as per your budget. It stands ahead of the other moving apps on the market with its simplicity and AI-driven capability. With Agoyu, your move to Mexico City is easier to manage than ever before.
