Looking for the safest places in Mexico to relocate or are you worried due to crime rates and want to settle down in one of the safest cities of Mexico? Well, we got you.
Crime rates vary from city to city and if you take necessary precautions you will feel more safe and secure.
Keeping in view the safety concerns, we have found some of the safest cities of Mexico to live in for foreigners and locals as well.
So, if you are moving to Mexico from the US or any other state, consider the following list of 15 safest places in Mexico to call them a home.
- Cancun
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas
- Mexico City
- Tulum
- Guadalajara
- Playa Del Carmen
- Oaxaca
- Cozumel
- Puebla
- San Miguel De Allende
- Monterrey
- Mazatlan
- Ensenada
- Merida
Besides the dangerous places, Mexico also has many safest places to reside.Moreover the vibrant cities are full of scenic beauty, luxurious living and delicious food cuisines that are popular all over the world.
So, living in Mexico as an expat, foreigner and local resident is totally safe but you must also take a few preventive measures for your own safety to avoid any crime.
Let’s discuss in detail about the safest cities in Mexico, crime rate, common crime and places to avoid in Mexico.
Is Mexico Safe to live?
Yes, Mexico is safe for anybody to live in. The quality of life in Mexico is good enough and travelling in most of the cities is safer and easier.
You might have heard about the crime rates in Mexico, although a few of the cities in Mexico are unsafe and you must avoid relocating and travelling in dangerous places.
Moreover the safest places in Mexico to live in are discussed below.
15 Safest Cities in Mexico to live
Mexico is a popular destination for tourists and people looking for delicious foods. As for the safety concerns, Puebla and Merida are the safest cities to live in Mexico.
Moreover, Puebla is the cheapest place with a low cost of living in Mexico.Besides, Puebla and Merida following cities are also safe to live in.
1. Cancun – Best Tourist spot
| City Crime Rate | Moderate Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Corruption & Burglary |
| Population | 1,023,000 |
| Median Income monthly | 38,900 MXN |
Cancun is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of the Caribbean Sea. Cancun is popular due to its stunning beauty, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage.
Cancun is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Travelling in the city is also safe for tourists and local residents.
Every year, Cancun welcomes millions of tourists to enjoy its breathtaking beauty.
However, a few of the crime related reports can not be neglected as well. Crime rates are moderately low in Cancun. Violent crimes including Corruption and Burglary have been reported.
Moreover, you must be careful while travelling in Cancun and any other state in the world.
Avoid walking outside late at night and carry less cash while travelling. Keep your passport at a safe place or in your room.
2. Puerto Vallarta – Best for family & friends
| City Crime Rate | Less crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Theft & drug trafficking |
| Population | 556,000 |
| Median Income monthly | 31,900 MXN |
Puerto Vallarta is located at the heart of the nation’s pacific coastline. The city is popular due to the hilly mountains, beaches, and restaurants and is a great place to call it a home
Crime Rates are less in Puerto Vallarta.Crimes like bag snatching, theft or drug trafficking have been reported in the city. But, by keeping the preventive measures you can live safely in the city.
3. Cabo San Lucas – Best for vacations
| City Crime Rate | Less crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Burglary & Theft |
| Population | 56,811 |
| Median Income Annually | 272,700 MXN |
A resort city located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. Cabo San Lucas is a perfect destination for spending vacations.
Moreover, the vibrant city is also the best and safest to live in for families with the lowest crimes and all the amenities.
The sandy beaches, delicious foods and lively nightlife are worth it. The luxurious lifestyle, outdoor activities including, golf courses, swimming, skydiving makes Cabo San Lucas an amazing place to live.
4. Mexico City – Best for traditional foods & Tourism
| City Crime Rate | Moderate Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Theft & Pickpocketing |
| Population | 22,281,000 |
| Median Income monthly | 45,3000 MXN |
The capital and largest city of Mexico is popular due to the metropolitan areas, traditional foods, rich cultural heritage and picturesque buildings.
Mexico city is one of the best recognized cities to live in and also for tourism.
The city has been declared as safe for living and moderately low crimes have been reported in the city.
Common crimes involve Pickpocketing and theft, but these can also be avoided by taking the necessary precautions.
Mexico city is an amazing destination with a blend of art, music, culture, entertainment, and history. You won’t regret calling it a home.
5. Tulum – Best for Families & Children
| City Crime Rate | Less Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Robbery |
| Population | 27,111 |
| Median Income monthly | 32,600 MXN |
Tulum is one of the safest cities to live in Mexico. The city is located on the coast of Yucatan Peninsula.
Tulum is popular due to the ancient Mayan ruins, turquoise waters, beaches and palm trees.
Crime rate in Tulum is much less than the other states. A few cases of the Robbery have been reported in the city.
But, the city is worth living for families and kids. Remember to take the necessary precautions.
6. Guadalajara – Best for friendly- environment
| City Crime Rate | Less Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Robbery & Drug Trafficking |
| Population | 5,420,000 |
| Median Income Monthly | 45,1000 MXN |
The 2nd largest city of Mexico is located in the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is a city of friendly-people and neighbourhoods.
Moreover, the city is rich in culture and arts. The city is also best for expats and foreigners.
Crime rate is relatively less in the city with some cases of Robbery and drug trafficking. But, if you follow the required cautions.
You can be saved from becoming the victims of these crimes.
7. Playa Del Carmen – Best for Families & Solo Travellers
| City Crime Rate | Moderate Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Violent crimes |
| Population | 305,855 |
| Median Income Monthly | 29,800 MXN |
The city is located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo. Playa Del Carmen is one of the stunning destinations for young travellers and families to reside in.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities like swimming, snorkelling and boating.
Playa Del Carmen is among the safest cities of Mexico to live and raise kids. Crime rates are moderately low in the city with incidents of violent crimes.
However, you must avoid walking in darkness and late at night in the streets.
8. Oaxaca – Best for Cultural heritage
| City Crime Rate | Moderate Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Drug related & property |
| Population | 736,000 |
| Median Income Monthly | 33,400 MXN |
The city is named as the Foodie Capital of Mexico due to the largest production of the grains. Oaxaca also consists of the unique ancient UNESCO declared Heritage site.
Oaxaca is rich in culture, mouth-watering cuisines, and ancient buildings.Oaxaca is also a good place to call it a home, various museums and artifacts are great for knowledge and kids.
The city is also a great tourism spot. Moreover, the crime rates are also moderate in the city with drug related and property thefts.
But, these crimes have been controlled by the police and you also need to be vigilant about the crimes so, avoid going to dangerous places.
9. Cozumel – Best for Scuba diving
| City Crime Rate | Less Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Carjacking & Robbery |
| Population | 79,535 |
| Median Income Annually | $261,117 |
The stunning city is located off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Cozumel is popular due to its breathtaking beauty of coral reefs and skydiving in the blue waters.
Thye city also has many attractions and is also famous for its outdoor activities especially for snorkelling and skydiving.
Moreover, Cozumel is an amazing place for families and retirees. Crime rates are also lower in the city.
But Carjacking and robbery are among the common crimes. So, you also need to be careful while living or touring the city.
10. Puebla – Best for families
| City Crime Rate | Less or no Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Robbery |
| Population | 3,345,000 |
| Median Income Monthly | 40,900 MXN |
Puebla is one of the safest cities of Mexico to reside in. The low cost of living,less crime rates and unique cultural history with many attractions makes Puebla worth a place to live in both for families and retirees. Check here hot springs in santa fe.
However, robbery is a common crime in the city. But, you must take precautions while moving around the city.
11. San Miguel De Allende – Best for history lovers
| City Crime Rate | Moderate Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Robbery |
| Population | 139,287 |
| Median Income Annually | $250,963 |
San Miguel De Allende is a vibrant city with colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
The city consists of various amazing attraction points. The weather is also favourable and is a best place for residing.
The crime rates in the city are moderate. Robbery is a common crime. But, taking precautions can save you from any crime incident.
12. Monterrey – Economical Hub
| City Crime Rate | Less Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Armed Robbery |
| Population | 5,1117,000 |
| Median Income Annually | 535,800 MXN |
Monterrey is the capital of the Nuevo Leon state located in the north eastern part of Mexico.
Monterrey is known as the economical hu of Mexico due to the great educational, industrial and commercial centres of Mexico.
Moreover, the crime rates have also been lowered during the past few years and is a safe state to live for families and retirees as well.
The modern architecture, great economy and amenities makes Monterrey an excellent place to live in. Read Is new Mexico a good place to live in.
13. Mazatlan – Best for families and couples
| City Crime Rate | Less Crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Car Theft |
| Population | 477,792 |
| Median Income Monthly | 36,100 MXN |
Mazatlan is a beach resort city located in the state of Sinaloa. The city is a perfect and safe destination for families and tourists.
However, it is a romantic place for couples looking for a place for vacations.
Moreover, the city is safe to live in for everyone. The crime rates have been much lessened from past few years due to the steps taken by the state.
You might see police patrolling in streets and beaches to control the crimes.
14. Ensenada – Best for Fish Tacos
| City Crime Rate | Moderate crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Vandalism & Theft |
| Population | 352,000 |
| Median Income Monthly | 34,700 MXN |
Ensenada is located in the state of Baja California. The city is also known as the Wine city of Mexico. Ensenada is also among the safest cities of Mexico to live for families.
Crime rate is moderately low in Ensenado and crimes of Vandalism and Theft have been reported in the city.
The crime rate has been lowered from the past few years. You also need to be careful while walking late at night in the streets.
15. Merida – Best for families
| City Crime Rate | Less or no crime |
|---|---|
| Common Crime | Robbery |
| Population | 1,221,000 |
| Median Income | 35,900 per month |
Merida is the safest city in Mexico located in the north east of Mexico. Merida is the bustling and vibrant city of Mexico with stunning scenery and delicious food dishes.
The city is best for families and raising kids in a safe environment. The crime rates are much lower than the other states of Mexico.
So, consider Merida for residing and comfortable living. Visit if you are looking for the safest city in New Mexico.
Safest Places in Mexico to Vacation with family
Following are the safest places in Mexico for vacation with family and friends.
- Puebla
- Cozumel
- Cabo San Lucas
- Tulum
- Mazatlan
Places to Avoid in Mexico
Besides the safest places, Mexico also has some dangerous places and you must avoid travelling or live in those cities of Mexico.
Following is the list of dangerous places to avoid in Mexico:
- Sinalioa state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Guerrero state due to crime.
- Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
Safest Places to live in Mexico FAQs
Is Mexico city safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Mexico city is safe for solo female travellers. But, the travellers must take the necessary precautions to avoid any incident. Always place your valuable items in your room.Avoid walking in darkness and plate at night in streets and do not travel at any dangerous place.
What are the safest states in Mexico?
Pueblo and Merida are among the safest states of Mexico.
Can an American move to mexico?
Yes, an American can move to Mexico. But, first you have to fulfil the requirements and the paperwork of the state.
What are the safest cities in Mexico for expats?
Monterrey, Pueblo, Mexico City and Cozemul are the safest cities for expats.
Where is the safest and cheapest place to live in Mexico?
Pueblo is the safest and cheapest city with a low cost of living in Mexico.
Conclusion
Mexico has many safest places to live in. Mexico is a state rich in culture, arts, music , cuisines and natural beauty.
The crime rate is also low in many cities of Mexico. Among all Pueblo is the safest and cheapest to live in.
Moreover, Mexico is safe for the expats, foreigners, tourists and local residents. The state also has taken steps to reduce the crime rates and has lowered the crimes to much extent.
Besides low crime rates, you must take care of yourself and take the necessary precautions while moving in the state.
