Where to Settle in the Safest Part of Mexico: A 2026 Guide to 10 Secure Communities and Their Living Costs

For years, Mexico has attracted remote professionals, retirees, and those seeking a lifestyle change. The appeal is clear: year-round pleasant weather, vibrant culture, manageable expenses, and an inviting community of international residents. However, safety remains a legitimate consideration before relocating. While Mexico does have areas with crime concerns, the good news is that numerous communities within the safest part of Mexico combine security with affordability and comfort. This guide helps you navigate those options.

Why Mexico Attracts Global Residents and What Makes These 10 Areas Safer

Mexico’s allure extends beyond vacation postcards. The combination of lower property taxes, affordable real estate markets, and quality amenities attracts professionals from across the globe. Beyond financial advantages, many residents report an enhanced quality of life with access to excellent healthcare, culinary experiences, and rich historical sites.

Understanding which areas are genuinely safer requires looking at comprehensive data rather than anecdotes. Security researchers measure communities across multiple dimensions: homicide rates, violent crime frequency, firearm-related incidents, organized crime presence, and unlawful detention cases. By examining these factors across popular expat destinations, a clear picture emerges of the safest part of Mexico for your relocation plans.

The following 10 communities stand out as offering both safety credentials and livability. Each combines lower crime metrics with practical affordability and established expat-friendly infrastructure. Costs reflect 2023 data, providing a reliable baseline for budgeting purposes.

Ranking Mexico’s Safest Communities: Northern and Central Options

Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas - Safety Leader

In the northern region, Ciudad Madero ranks among the safest part of Mexico with a comprehensive safety score of 0.8656. The city maintains notably low homicide rates (1.636) and manageable violent crime figures (2.740). Monthly living expenses average approximately 11,717 MXN ($700 USD) per person without housing, or around 28,908 MXN ($1,727 USD) for a family of four. Food costs range from 4,720 to 12,336 MXN ($282-$737 USD) monthly depending on household size, making it exceptionally budget-friendly.

Tampico, Tamaulipas - Coastal Security Alternative

With an identical safety score of 0.8656, Tampico offers coastal charm in one of the safest part of Mexico. Individual living expenses run around 11,985 MXN ($716 USD) monthly excluding rent, with food costs approximately 5,038 MXN ($301 USD) per person. Property costs average 14,806 MXN ($884 USD) per square meter, offering reasonable entry points for property purchases.

Altamira, Tamaulipas - Emerging Safe Haven

Home to just over 212,000 residents, Altamira provides another secure option in northern Mexico with a safety score of 0.8656. Housing ranges considerably from 950,000 to 3,545,000 MXN ($56,730-$211,694 USD), accommodating various budgets and preferences. The city’s combination of affordability and security makes it attractive for retirees and remote workers alike.

Tropical Paradises in the Safest Part of Mexico for Expat Life

Mérida, Yucatán - Cultural Hub with Strong Safety Profile

Mérida stands out with the lowest homicide rate (1.091) and minimal violent crime (1.068) among all surveyed cities, achieving a safety score of 1.00767. This colonial city attracts those seeking cultural immersion with security. Monthly housing rental ranges from 10,043 to 334,784 MXN ($600-$2,000 USD), while home purchases average 3,097,813 MXN ($185,063 USD). Typical monthly food costs per person run approximately 5,021 MXN ($300 USD).

Guadalajara, Jalisco - Major City with Balanced Living

Mexico’s second-largest metro area offers urban amenities within the safest part of Mexico. A family of four typically spends around 41,102 MXN ($2,457 USD) monthly excluding rent. Basic utilities cost approximately 821 MXN ($49 USD), while 3-bedroom apartments outside city limits rent for roughly 14,823.53 MXN ($885 USD). The city provides professional services, healthcare, and entertainment alongside reasonable expenses.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco - Pacific Coast Living

Popular with retirees and international residents, Puerto Vallarta maintains a safety score of 1.00919. A family of four expects monthly expenses of 38,646 MXN ($2,310 USD) excluding rent, with utilities around 1,351 MXN ($80 USD). Three-bedroom apartments in downtown areas cost approximately 34,571.62 MXN ($2,065 USD) monthly, though suburban rentals offer savings of roughly 50%.

Central Mexico’s Affordable Safe Communities

Ocotlán, Jalisco - Smaller Town Tranquility

For those preferring quieter communities, Ocotlán offers a safety score of 1.00919 with intimate small-town character. Three-bedroom homes can be purchased for around 1,100,000 MXN ($65,714 USD), while rentals range from 6,511 to 13,391 MXN ($389-$800 USD) monthly. The city appeals to those seeking slower-paced living within the safest part of Mexico.

Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes - Budget-Conscious Choice

With a safety score of 1.11689, Aguascalientes offers exceptional affordability. One-bedroom apartments rent for approximately 4,700 MXN ($280 USD), while three-bedroom units cost 9,712.50 MXN ($580 USD). Typical homes average 892,205 MXN ($53,300 USD), and monthly food costs per person are around 3,448 MXN ($206 USD)—among the lowest in this guide.

Puebla, Puebla - Heritage and Commerce

Puebla combines UNESCO-listed architecture with reasonable living costs (safety score: 1.21452). One-bedroom apartments in the city center rent for 7,485.71 MXN ($447 USD), with purchase prices around 1,219.34 MXN ($72.84 USD) per square foot. Average home prices stand at 1,155,664 MXN ($69,039.38 USD), making it attractive for both renters and buyers exploring the safest part of Mexico.

Mazatlán, Sinaloa - Coastal Climate Appeal

Home to approximately 502,000 residents, Mazatlán offers beach living with a safety score of 1.22012. One-bedroom apartments in the city center rent for 10,333.33 MXN ($617 USD) monthly. Downtown purchases average 2,615.32 MXN ($156 USD) per square foot. A family of four budgets approximately 37,596 MXN ($2,246 USD) monthly with rent included.

Budget Breakdown: How Much You’ll Spend in Mexico’s Safest Destinations

The safest part of Mexico encompasses communities ranging from ultra-affordable northern cities to more expensive colonial and coastal destinations. Northern communities like Ciudad Madero and Tampico offer the most budget-conscious options, with single individuals managing on $700-$716 USD monthly. Central and southern regions require $1,700-$2,500 USD for families of four depending on lifestyle choices.

Key cost variables include proximity to tourist infrastructure, local economic development, and expatriate community size. Smaller towns typically offer lowest expenses, while established expat hubs like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta command higher rents despite remaining affordable compared to North American standards.

Making Your Decision: Which Safe Locale Fits Your Lifestyle

Selecting among the safest part of Mexico requires matching your priorities with community characteristics. Remote workers and digital nomads often thrive in mid-sized cities offering reliable internet and professional services—Guadalajara and Mérida excel here. Retirees frequently choose coastal communities like Puerto Vallarta for medical accessibility and social infrastructure. Budget travelers and those with passive income gravitate toward northern cities or smaller central towns.

Consider whether you prioritize cultural immersion, medical facilities, international community, climate type, or pure affordability. Each community within the safest part of Mexico offers different advantages. Research current conditions, connect with existing resident communities online, and potentially visit before committing to your move. Safety considerations have evolved, and firsthand accounts from recent residents provide valuable perspective alongside official data.

The pathway to comfortable living in Mexico exists for those willing to do proper research and match their lifestyle requirements to suitable communities.