The Complete Digital Nomad's Guide to Mexico City

There are some destinations that don’t live up to the hype. Then, there's Mexico City.

Topping "must travel" lists and hailed as one of the world's best cities to visit, Ciudad de México (CDMX for short) somehow still feels underrated. Brimming with skyscrapers, markets, and flavor, the bustling megalopolis lives up to its storied reputation — and then some.

Every year, Mexico City draws over three million visitors ranging from backpackers to business travelers. In the last decade, CDMX has become a hotspot for another, longer-term visitor: remote workers. So-called "digital nomads" are flocking to the city in droves, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic: In 2022, Mexico City issued nearly double the number of temporary residency permits (aka "digital nomad visas") to Americans as it did in 2019.

Mexico City might not be hidden anymore — but it will always be a gem. If you're looking to make a move to this one-of-a-kind capital, check out our complete guide to becoming a digital nomad in Mexico City.

Why digital nomads love Mexico City

The Mexico City nomad scene is having a moment. Rightly hailed as one of the most exciting remote work locations, CDMX is home to a thriving tech scene, a massive expat community, and excellent infrastructure. The sprawling city offers countless coworking options as well as an ever-evolving selection of laptop-friendly cafes with speedy WiFi. The fact that CDMX aligns with US Central Time (CT) for most of the year is icing on the cake.

Beyond logistics and infrastructure, Mexico City is a city to fall in love with, with endless food options, colorful nightlife, and nonstop action. An immensely livable city, CDMX is decorated with plants, shaded by omnipresent trees, and packed with parks. The city is easy to explore, with a well-developed public transportation system that includes a metro and bike-sharing system.

The city's low cost of living is a major draw. However, this highlight isn't without controversy: While many Mexicans warmly welcome outsiders, there’s a growing undercurrent of resentment against remote workers as catalysts for gentrification and rising costs of living. As a remote worker, a willingness to support local businesses and understand local culture, as well as an ability to interrogate the impact your presence has on local communities and adjust accordingly, are fundamental aspects of ethical nomadism.

Mexico City at a Glance

• Climate: Mexico City is in the tropics, but its elevation of 7,350 feet makes for cooler temps year-round. The annual average temperature is 64 degrees F (18 degrees C). Temperature variations between seasons are slight.
• Getting there: Fly into Mexico City International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez - MEX), located around 10 miles (16 kilometers) or 20 to 40 minutes from the city center. Transportation options to and from the airport include Uber and Cabify, as well as taxis and public transit.
• Living costs: Budget around $1,800 USD per month for one person. This covers rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
• Language requirements: While Spanish is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and by younger residents. However, learning basic Spanish is not only helpful, it's a gesture of respect and an important part of ethical nomadism.
• Safety: Mexico City, like any major metropolis, has areas with varying safety levels. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in crowded tourist spots. Popular neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are generally considered safer for nomads.
• Visa options: Mexico offers a temporary resident visa suitable for digital nomads, allowing stays from six months up to four years. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income or savings and provide proof of employment. Learn how to apply for Mexico's temporary resident visa step-by-step.

Best neighborhoods in Mexico City for digital nomads

A truly massive city with a teeming population of over 20 million, Mexico City can be overwhelming to newcomer nomads. Fortunately, the colossal capital is divided into more manageable chunks or colonias (neighborhoods), a few of which stand out as prime spots for remote working. Ahead, we've shared Mexico City's best digital nomad neighborhoods in terms of coworking and cafes, infrastructure, and safety.

Condesa

Condesa is easily the city's trendiest neighborhood, as evinced by the sheer number of digital nomads moving there. Like CDMX itself, Condesa is beloved for a reason —this is where you'll find some of the city's sceniest restaurants, leafiest parks, best museums, and buzziest nightlife. The barrio attracts remote workers as well as white-collar, creative-type locals with its abundance of coworking spaces and specialty coffee shops.

Roma

With the two neighboring neighborhoods sharing a posh vibe, it's tricky to know where Condesa ends and Roma begins. The already popular barrio was catapulted into icon status by Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning film "Roma" in 2018. Today, the fast-growing colonia welcomes a new cafe or coworking space seemingly every other day.

Coyoacán

It's easy to see why Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera — and now, a growing body of digital nomads — chose to set up a home base in Coyoacán. The neighborhood is where you'll find the Frida Kahlo museum, two side-by-side public squares, and a market with top-notch tostadas. Coyoacán is home to a smattering of laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces.

The neighborhood was CDMX's first official suburb before being incorporated into the city in 1928. Coyoacán's biggest downfall is its far-flung location — the ride between Coyoacán and Condesa can take around 30 minutes due to the city's traffic.

Polanco

Mexico City's fanciest colonia, Polanco, is where you'll find the poshest shopping malls and best high-end dining. It also boasts the lush Chapultepec Park as its southern border.

Similar to Coyoacán, Polanco is a bit of a hike from central CDMX, including Roma and Condesa. However, Polanco offers plenty of luxury hotels and swanky Airbnbs — as well as solid coworking options — for nomads who want to make the neighborhood their home base.

Best cafes in Mexico City for digital nomads

Photo: Blend Station

Laptop culture is alive and well in Mexico City coffee shops. At any given venue, you're likely to be one of several remote workers tapping away on a Macbook and no one will bat an eye if you hunker down at a table all day. (Just make sure to order plenty and tip generously!)

Of the city's countless exceptional coffee shops, here are some of our favorites for digital nomads:

• Blend Station (Avenida Tamaulipas 60, Condesa). Basically a corking space disguised as a cafe, Blend Station draws a laptop-wielding crowd with fast WiFi and locally sourced coffee. The popular spot also offers leveled seating with plenty of outlets and blankets — in case you get chilly.
• Cardinal Casa de Café (Córdoba 132, Roma). Another digital nomad darling, Cardinal Casa comes with everything you need for a productive day: speedy internet, relaxing music, and some of the best cold brew in town.
• Dosis Café (Álvaro Obregón 24a, Roma). Dosis has ultra-fast WiFi and impeccable coffee. Its one pitfall is its lack of outlets — so come fully charged.
• Qūentin Café (Multiple locations). There are four Qūentin locations in Roma and Condesa, all with a quirky, welcoming vibe and top-notch specialty coffee. Sandwiches, craft beer, and alcoholic coffee drinks are also served.
• Cafe Negro (Centenario 16, Coyoacán). Coyoacán doesn't have the abundance of laptop-friendly cafes enjoyed by Condesa and Roma. However, it does have Cafe Negro, an exceptional establishment with ample seating and WiFi, outlets. We suggest trying your coffee with the homemade macadamia milk.

Best coworking spaces in Mexico City for digital nomads

One of Latin America's leading tech hubs, Mexico City abounds with sleek, modern coworking spaces. The bulk of them are concentrated in Condesa, Roma, and Polanco, with a few solid options in Coyoacán.

Here are a few of our favorite Mexico City coworking spaces:

• WeWork (Multiple locations). Cowork industry titan WeWork has over a dozen locations scattered across Mexico City. These thoughtfully designed spaces are stacked with amenities like wellness rooms, rooftop terraces, and onsite baristas.
• PÚBLICO Roma (Multiple locations). This stylish boutique coworking space has locations in Roma, Condesa, and Centro. The company hosts regular classes and events like cocktail hours and yoga.
• Co-Madre (Multiple locations): Co-Madre has six locations across the city, and offers parent-friendly perks like childcare and after-school services.
• Impact Hub (Av. Álvaro Obregón 213, Roma Norte). A sleek, modern option with a welcoming vibe, Impact Hub's Mexico City location regularly hosts networking events and workshops.
• Inhouse Coyoacán (CASA 1, Vicente Guerrero 107, Del Carmen, Coyoacán). One of a handful of options in Coyoacán, this coworking space is set in an elegant house with a sunny roof terrace.