What are the safest cities in Mexico for expats to live?

Safety in Mexico varies dramatically by location. While headlines focus on cartel violence in certain areas, many cities are quite safe and home to large expat communities. Here's the data-backed guide:

Safest Cities in Mexico (2026 Rankings)

1. Merida, Yucatan

• Consistently ranked #1 safest city in Mexico
• Very low crime rates across all categories
• Large and growing expat community
• Colonial architecture, rich Mayan culture
• Hot and humid climate
• Safety score: Very High

2. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

• Despite being in Guanajuato state (which has warnings), the city itself is very safe
• ~12,000+ expats
• UNESCO World Heritage site
• Arts and culture hub
• Higher cost of living
• Safety score: Very High

3. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

• Tourism-dependent economy means heavy security presence
• Established expat community
• Beach lifestyle
• LGBTQ+ friendly
• Better infrastructure for English speakers
• Safety score: High

4. Queretaro

• Modern, prosperous city
• Growing tech industry
• Lower tourist presence, more "real Mexico"
• Family-friendly
• Good healthcare infrastructure
• Safety score: High

5. La Paz, Baja California Sur

• Small city feel
• Outdoor lifestyle (kayaking, diving)
• Desert climate
• Less touristy than Cabo
• Growing expat community
• Safety score: High

6. Lake Chapala (Ajijic/Chapala), Jalisco

• Largest American expat community outside the US
• Established infrastructure for foreigners
• "Eternal spring" climate
• Older demographic
• Well-organized community
• Safety score: High

7. Oaxaca City

• Cultural richness
• Food scene
• Smaller city
• Artsy, bohemian vibe
• Very affordable
• Safety score: Moderate-High

8. Guanajuato City

• University town
• Colonial charm
• Student energy
• Safe despite state warnings
• Affordable
• Safety score: Moderate-High

Mexico City:

Special mention for CDMX - it's not the safest but millions live there safely:

• Varies enormously by neighborhood
• Safe areas: Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan, San Angel
• Avoid: Tepito, Doctores, parts of Iztapalapa
• Homicide rate (7.9/100K) is lower than many US cities
• Safety score: Moderate (neighborhood dependent)

Understanding Safety Statistics

Areas to Avoid (US State Department "Do Not Travel"):

• Tamaulipas
• Sinaloa (except Mazatlan)
• Colima
• Michoacan (except some areas)
• Guerrero (except Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo)
• Zacatecas

Safety Tips Regardless of Location:

1. Research neighborhoods before renting
2. Don't flash wealth - jewelry, electronics, cash
3. Use Uber over street taxis
4. Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
5. Register with your embassy
6. Learn basic Spanish - helps in emergencies
7. Trust local expat knowledge - join Facebook groups
8. Get travel insurance that covers Mexico

The Bigger Picture:

• Over 1 million Americans live in Mexico
• Millions more visit annually
• Most expats live incident-free for years
• Headlines don't reflect daily reality in safe areas
• Common sense goes a long way

How Expats Describe It:

Most long-term expats report:

• Feeling safer than expected
• More worried about petty theft than violence
• Biggest issues are pickpockets and scams
• Neighborhood choice is everything
• "Normal precautions" are sufficient

Choose your location wisely, use common sense, and you'll likely find Mexico safer than you expected. The safest cities are genuinely safe by any international standard.