Where To Find the Safest Places in Mexico: Your Complete Guide to Living Comfortably

Mexico attracts thousands of retirees, digital nomads, and expatriates every year, drawn by its warm climate, cultural richness, and affordable cost of living. However, safety remains a key concern for anyone considering a move. The good news is that plenty of safest places in mexico exist where you can enjoy a high quality of life without compromising on security. To identify these destinations, researchers analyzed crime data from the Mexico Peace Index alongside affordability metrics from multiple sources, creating a comprehensive ranking of Mexico’s safest and most livable cities.

Coastal Havens: Beach Towns Worth Considering

Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán have long been favorites among international residents seeking a combination of beach lifestyle and reasonable safety. These safest places in mexico near the coast offer unique advantages for those who prioritize ocean access and water-based activities.

Mazatlán, Sinaloa boasts a population of approximately 502,000 and maintains a safety score of 1.22. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for around 10,333 MXN ($617 USD) monthly, while downtown properties cost approximately 2,615 MXN ($156 USD) per square foot. A family of four budgets roughly 37,596 MXN ($2,246 USD) each month including rent.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco ranks as another favored destination among expats seeking safest places in mexico with coastal charm. Monthly expenses for a family of four average 38,646 MXN ($2,310 USD) before rent, with basic utilities around 1,351 MXN ($80 USD). A three-bedroom apartment in the city center commands 34,572 MXN ($2,065 USD) monthly, though outlying areas offer 50% savings on rental costs.

Cultural Centers and Mountain Cities

For those seeking a different atmosphere, several interior cities provide exceptional safety ratings and compelling affordability. These destinations showcase Mexico’s rich colonial heritage while offering modern amenities.

Puebla, Puebla presents an attractive option with a safety score of 1.21. One-bedroom rentals in the city center average 7,486 MXN ($447 USD) monthly. Purchasing property costs approximately 1,219 MXN ($72.84 USD) per square foot, with average home prices around 1,155,664 MXN ($69,039 USD).

Guadalajara, Jalisco accommodates a family of four at roughly 41,102 MXN ($2,457 USD) monthly excluding rent. Utilities cost approximately 821 MXN ($49 USD), while three-bedroom apartments outside the city proper rent for 14,824 MXN ($885 USD). This cultural capital offers vibrant neighborhoods and excellent international amenities.

Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes delivers an impressive safety score of 1.12 alongside remarkably low costs. One-bedroom apartments rent for just 4,700 MXN ($280 USD), while three-bedroom units cost 9,713 MXN ($580 USD). Typical homes sell for 892,205 MXN ($53,300 USD), and monthly food expenses average 3,448 MXN ($206 USD) per person.

Lesser-Known Gems With Excellent Safety

Some of Mexico’s safest places in mexico remain undiscovered by mainstream tourism yet offer outstanding value and security. These destinations attract retirees seeking peace and affordability.

Mérida, Yucatán stands out with a stellar safety score of 1.01 and consistently low crime metrics. Housing ranges from 10,043 MXN to 334,784 MXN ($600 to $2,000 USD) monthly for rentals, while purchases average 3,097,813 MXN ($185,063 USD). Food costs approximately 5,021 MXN ($300 USD) per person monthly.

Ocotlán, Jalisco offers exceptional value for homebuyers, with three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes priced at 1,100,000 MXN ($65,714 USD). Monthly rentals span 6,511 to 13,391 MXN ($389 to $800 USD), accommodating various budgets.

The northeastern cities of Tampico, Altamira, and Ciudad Madero (all in Tamaulipas) share identical safety scores of 0.87, making them among Mexico’s very safest places in mexico. Tampico residents spend approximately 11,985 MXN ($716 USD) monthly on living costs without rent, with food averaging 5,038 MXN ($301 USD) per person. Property costs roughly 14,806 MXN ($884 USD) per square meter. Ciudad Madero offers even lower expenses at 11,717 MXN ($700 USD) per person monthly, or approximately 28,908 MXN ($1,727 USD) for a family of four. Food budgets range from 4,720 to 12,336 MXN ($282 to $737 USD) depending on household size.

Key Considerations for Your Move

When selecting among these safest places in mexico, consider several factors beyond raw safety statistics. Location type matters—coastal towns appeal to those seeking beach lifestyles, while colonial cities offer cultural immersion. Budget constraints naturally influence your choice, as costs vary considerably even among safe destinations. Proximity to family or employment also plays a role for digital nomads and remote workers.

The data presented reflects 2023 information compiled from the Mexico Peace Index, GOBankingRates, and multiple cost-of-living databases including Numbeo and LivingCost.org. While economic conditions may have shifted since the data collection period, these figures provide reliable baseline estimates for planning purposes. Conducting current research specific to your chosen destination remains advisable before making a final relocation decision.

Mexico offers genuine opportunities for those willing to research thoroughly and choose wisely. Whether you prioritize pristine beaches, cultural experiences, or simply the lowest possible expenses, these safest places in mexico deliver on multiple fronts—combining reasonable security with genuine affordability that often surpasses costs in comparable North American destinations.