Four Best Places to Retire in Mexico as an American

Many Americans dream of finding the perfect location in Mexico to retire, and Mexico meets a high standard that doesn’t disappoint. There are more than two million Americans who have chosen to retire in Mexico.

The numerous American expat communities in Mexico offer something different for every retiree. Some places offer the conveniences of the USA, others provide a complete cultural experience, and some perhaps offer the perfect climate for American retirees. 

So, whether you speak Spanish or not, are on a budget or wealthy, in your 50s, 60s, or 70s, you can find the perfect community in Mexico for retirement.

Well, be happy because we did the work for you and identified some awesome cities for you to retire in. We think these are the four best places to retire in Mexico as an American retiree to experience and enjoy a new lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen’s partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.

Factors

Whether you’re a snowbird or thinking about gaining Mexican residency, Mexico is a great place to live out your later years and offers options for everyone with all types of budgets.

Since Mexico is a big country, choosing the best place to retire isn’t easy. So, we have come up with four main factors, including location, healthcare, housing, and living style. 

• Location: We looked at these four cities based on location. Two are located in the eastern part of Mexico and two are located in the western part of Mexico. In addition, there are two inland locations and two situated along a major body of water, such as the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea.
• Healthcare: The number of hospitals, accessibility, healthcare costs, medications, and more.
• Housing: Types of accommodation, neighborhoods, as well as expenses you’ll encounter from grocery shopping to food to amenities that are ideal for retired people.
• Activities: We looked into the types of activities you can enjoy in your later years. Mexico boasts plenty of culture, fun, and unique experiences that we have identified for you.

After considering these factors, these are our four best places to retire in Mexico as an American. We believe this information will help you make the right retirement decision in Mexico.

These four places offer different weather and living styles. 

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is located in Guanajuato, about 3.30 hours away from Mexico City by car. It is a great option for retirees who want to live in a cultural city with good weather all year round, and with conveniences similar to those in the United States. 

San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a unique place to live. Many of the houses in the area still feature historic colonial architecture. 

There are several reasons why San Miguel de Allende is a great place to retire as an American expat:

• Affordable low cost of living compared to other cities in Mexico
• Mild weather all year round
• Great healthcare facilities 
• Great food and culture
• Large American expat communities 
• Plenty of conveniences you’d find in the USA
• Unlike other big Mexican cities, locals in San Miguel de Allende treat you like one of their own

In addition to culture, San Miguel de Allende is known for its food, ranging from typical American fast-food restaurants to French cuisine. Of course, there is also plenty of Mexican food. 

Many streets in San Miguel de Allende are filled with the aroma of food, making it a great place if you want to enjoy a good meal every day at an affordable price.

Healthcare facilities in San Miguel de Allende are also excellent for retirees. For example, General Hospital Dr. Felipe G. Dobarganes is a good option if you are with the IMSS. 

The quality of private hospitals here, such as Hospital Joya San Miguel and Hospital MAC San Miguel de Allende, is also excellent, with experienced English-speaking doctors and modern facilities. 

There are also many activities to enjoy in San Miguel de Allende, including:

• Walking or cycling in the World Heritage Site
• Golfing
• Visiting nearby spas and hot springs

In addition to that, you can enjoy cultural and music festivals throughout the year here. 

But the city isn’t perfect. Some drawbacks include:

• You may need to speak Spanish when relying on public services
• No international airport; you need to visit a nearby city, which can take more than a two-hour drive
• Increasing cost of rent
• Weather can be too dry during the summer months

Puerto Vallarta

If you want to live near a coastline, Puerto Vallarta can be the perfect city to retire in. 

Puerto Vallarta is located on the central coastline of the Pacific Ocean, in the state of Jalisco. 

Advertisement

While it’s a popular tourist city because of its beautiful beaches, there are many quiet neighborhoods that are great for retirees, offering the convenience of modern amenities close by. 

Here’s what makes Puerto Vallarta a great place to retire:

• A large beach town that is convenient to live in, with modern facilities and conveniences
• Plenty of American food and restaurants, including a Costco
• Swimmable beaches and many water activities
• A good bus system that can take you to various places
• Plenty of public and private hospitals

Puerto Vallarta is not only known for its beautiful beaches. Being a popular tourist city, it is well developed with many conveniences and offers a variety of transportation options. For example, you can easily get around using buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps. The city also has an international airport with direct flights to the United States.

Food is easy to find. You may not need to adjust your eating habits at all. In addition to affordable Mexican street food, you can find many fast food restaurants, steakhouses, BBQ spots, and even American supermarkets here in Puerto Vallarta. 

Since Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination, healthcare here is among the best in Mexico. You can easily find English-speaking doctors and dentists throughout the city who provide quality treatment at a fraction of the cost in the US. 

Regarding housing, there are options for all types of budgets. For instance, you can rent a house in Zona Romantica for around US$2,000 a month, or rent a one-bedroom apartment in Emiliano Zapata for just US$500 a month. 

But Puerto Vallarta may not be for everyone. Here are some of the main disadvantages of living here:

• Being a popular tourist destination, the cost of living is quite high by Mexican standards. You need at least US$2,000 a month to live comfortably here.
• Heavy rainfall can occur during the rainy season, and the city is prone to tropical storms.
• The city can become too busy during the peak tourist season.
• Even if you live here long-term, you may still be treated as a tourist.

Merida

If you want to enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, can be the best place to retire in Mexico.

Living in Merida offers a similar experience and convenience to other big Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, but with better weather and less pollution. 

Additionally, Merida is much safer, with less crime but without the metro system seen in other cities. 

Here are the advantages of living in Merida:

• You can enjoy a city lifestyle without the crowding of other large Mexican cities
• It’s one of the safest cities in Mexico
• Affordable cost of living
• Great healthcare with plenty of options, from small clinics to large hospitals
• Easy to get around, both locally and internationally
• You can reach a nearby beach in less than 40 minutes

As the capital city of Yucatan state, Merida provides everything you need to live conveniently, from large shopping malls and daily services to excellent dining options. 

You’ll find a wide variety of food options in Merida, including international cuisines, alongside grocery stores that offer both local and imported foods. 

Getting around in Merida is also easy. Buses cost only US$0.15 per trip to most parts of the city. If you’re in a rush, taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available. 

In terms of healthcare, you have many options available. You can visit a pharmacy for quick and affordable medications or go to private hospitals such as Starmedica or Clinica de Merida. 

Since Merida is only 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, it takes less than 40 minutes to reach Playa Puerto Progreso, a long, sandy beach that isn’t as crowded as other popular Mexican beaches. 

There’s plenty to do in Merida, from adventures in cenotes, strolling through historical sites, visiting art venues, riding the Mayan train, to exploring museums and cultural events. 

Housing in Merida is affordable. You can rent a two-bedroom house in a growing community like Cholul for less than US$1,000 a month. 

Here are the main cons of living in Merida:

• The expat community is smaller than in many other Mexican cities
• You’ll need to speak some Spanish to live comfortably here
• It’s hot all year round, with summer temperatures reaching up to 96°F (36°C) 

Cozumel

If you want to retire on an island, look no further than Cozumel. This small island in the state of Quintana Roo could be your perfect retirement destination. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is truly a beach paradise in Mexico while still offering modern conveniences for everyday living. 

Advertisement

Here’s why you should consider retiring in Cozumel:

• A true beach paradise with crystal-clear water, world-class beaches, and white sand
• A scuba diver’s haven, with some of the best diving spots in the world
• A laid-back island lifestyle
• Convenient living with modern amenities in a compact area
• Fresh seafood readily available
• A wide range of quality healthcare facilities

When retiring in Cozumel, you can take advantage of a popular island destination with a relaxed lifestyle at the same time. You’ll enjoy a tropical atmosphere that combines beach life with the conveniences of a small but modern city. 

One of the benefits of retiring in Cozumel is the availability of U.S.-style amenities. You’ll find many supermarkets and stores, including Sam’s Club, Mega, and Bodega Aurrera, which provide everything you need for daily life. 

Additionally, many people in Cozumel speak English, making it easy to retire here without needing to learn Spanish immediately. 

While Cozumel can get crowded with tourists during the day, it becomes much more relaxed in the evenings. You can unwind on the beach, enjoy live music, and take in the island’s peaceful ambiance.

Healthcare in Cozumel is also excellent. There are many quality and affordable hospitals, including Amerimed Hospital, Hospital Costamed Cozumel, and Cozumel International Hospital. If you’re enrolled in IMSS, you can also visit IMSS Cozumel H.G.S.Z. No. 2.

Getting to Cozumel is easy as well. In addition to cruise ships, there are direct flights from major U.S. cities like Dallas, Miami, and Houston to Cozumel’s international airport. 

However, there are also a few disadvantages to retiring in Cozumel:

• While it’s convenient to live here, you may need to travel to the mainland for some activities
• Heavy rain during September and October
• Tropical storms and the potential for hurricanes
• The city can be packed with tourists during the daytime

Despite these drawbacks, Cozumel remains a top choice for those seeking a beach paradise with a laid-back lifestyle. The combination of island charm and modern conveniences makes it an attractive retirement destination.

Which Place Should I Retire in Mexico?

The decision of where to retire in Mexico is ultimately up to you, but after exploring the four best places we’ve outlined, it’s time to consider your personal preferences and priorities. 

Here’s a quick summary of the four top retirement destinations:

• San Miguel de Allende – A cultural city with mild weather year-round
• Puerto Vallarta – A beach city that offers modern conveniences and stunning coastline views
• Merida – A cosmopolitan city known for its safety and strong city-life offerings
• Cozumel – A tropical island paradise for those seeking laid-back beach living

Of course, there are many other cities in Mexico that are great for American retirees, including Mexico City, Oaxaca, Lake Chapala, and more. 

Ultimately, it’s all about what lifestyle you are looking for in your retirement years. Whether you prefer cultural immersion, cosmopolitan living, or laid-back beach life, Mexico has plenty of options that can cater to your needs. 

Final Tips for Retiring in Mexico

Here are two final tips to help you plan for retirement in Mexico:

• **Visit each place personally** – It’s crucial to spend some time in each city before making your final decision. This will give you a true sense of the area’s vibe, climate, and amenities, ensuring that it aligns with your retirement goals.
• **Brush up on your Spanish** – While many people in Mexico speak English, especially in popular expat areas, learning basic Spanish will greatly enhance your experience. From negotiating prices to understanding cultural nuances, having some Spanish skills can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. 

With these considerations and tips in mind, you can confidently plan your retirement in Mexico, enjoying the ideal balance of lifestyle, affordability, and culture that suits your needs. Whether you choose the cultural charm of San Miguel de Allende, the coastal beauty of Puerto Vallarta, the cosmopolitan appeal of Merida, or the island paradise of Cozumel, Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement. 

Start planning today, and soon, you’ll be soaking up the sun and savoring the rich culture of your new home in Mexico!