CDMX: The Digital Nomad Guide to Mexico City
Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the most exciting digital nomad hubs in the world right now. With its buzzing café culture, incredible food scene, and surprisingly affordable lifestyle, it offers everything a remote worker could want—plus a deep history and creative energy you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're chasing sunshine, looking for a city that inspires you, or just need a solid base with fast Wi-Fi and decent rent, CDMX delivers.
But it’s also a massive, complex city—bigger than you might expect. Knowing where to stay, how to get around, and where to plug in your laptop isn’t always obvious from the outside. That’s why this guide goes deep. From neighborhood breakdowns and coworking spots to safety tips and nomad-friendly rentals, here’s everything you need to make the most of your time in Mexico City.
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Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City is massive, and where you choose to base yourself can totally shape your experience. Most digital nomads gravitate toward a few central areas that balance lifestyle, walkability, and access to good food and work-friendly spaces. Here's a breakdown of the most popular neighborhoods for remote workers:
Roma Norte
Arguably the epicenter of digital nomad life in CDMX, Roma Norte blends hipster vibes with colonial charm. You’ll find leafy boulevards, boutique cafés, and coworking spots on nearly every block. It’s super walkable and packed with excellent restaurants, galleries, and natural wine bars. That said, it’s also one of the pricier areas for short-term rentals—and it gets busy, especially on weekends.
Condesa
Just next to Roma, Condesa is a bit more polished and residential. It’s known for its green spaces like Parque México and Parque España, making it ideal for runners, dog owners, or anyone who needs a breather between Zoom calls. With plenty of chic cafés and a quieter nightlife scene, it’s a solid pick if you want that sweet spot between relaxed and social. Expect slightly higher Airbnb prices here too, especially for well-lit, furnished units.
Centro Histórico
If you want to be surrounded by CDMX’s most iconic architecture and local energy, Centro Histórico is unbeatable. It's hectic, colorful, and full of surprises. You’ll be near historic landmarks, street markets, and some of the cheapest eats in town. On the flip side, it can be noisy, crowded, and a little intense to live in long-term. Still, for budget travelers or short stays, it’s worth considering.
Coyoacán
Farther south and more laid-back, Coyoacán feels like a small town within the city. It’s famous for its connection to Frida Kahlo, its cobblestone streets, and its slow pace. You won’t find as many coworking spaces here, but if you’re working from home and want peace and quiet (plus lower rent), this is a beautiful area to settle into. Great for creatives and introverts.
Juárez
Often overlooked but increasingly cool, Juárez sits just north of Roma and blends business, nightlife, and art. There are trendy speakeasies, vintage shops, and some excellent cafés tucked away in restored buildings. It’s still a bit under-the-radar for nomads, which means you might find better deals on accommodation without sacrificing much in terms of vibe or walkability.
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Best Cafés and Spaces in CDMX for Remote Work
Remote work is easy to manage in Mexico City—if you know where to go. Internet speeds are generally reliable in central areas, and the city is full of laptop-friendly spots that range from low-key cafés to full-on coworking hubs. Here are some of the best places to get things done:
Cafés With Great Wi-Fi
CDMX is blessed with a strong coffee culture, and many cafés are built with remote workers in mind. In Roma Norte, spots like Cucurucho, Cardinal, and Blend Station are popular for their stable internet and ambient vibe. In Condesa, check out Café Avellaneda or Chiquitito Café—both have excellent brews and enough plugs to go around. Just be mindful during lunch hours; tables fill up fast, and lingering all day without ordering isn’t a great look.
Coworking Spaces
If you prefer a more structured environment, coworking spaces are plentiful and reasonably priced. Homework, Selina, and WeWork have multiple locations in Roma and Condesa, offering day passes or monthly memberships. They often host community events, too, which can be great for meeting other nomads. Expect to pay around $10–20 USD for a day pass or $150–250 for a monthly membership, depending on the space.
Other Work-Friendly Options
Libraries like the stunning Biblioteca Vasconcelos can be a beautiful place to read or focus, though not ideal for calls. If you’re staying long-term, some apartment buildings or coliving spaces even offer coworking areas built in. Look for newer rentals or platforms like Casai and Outsite, which cater to remote workers and include workspaces in their listings.
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Cost of Living in Mexico City
One of the biggest draws of Mexico City for digital nomads is its affordability—especially compared to major cities in the U.S. or Europe. That said, prices have gone up in recent years, particularly in popular neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. Still, with some planning, CDMX offers excellent value for long stays.
Accommodation
Monthly Airbnb rentals in central neighborhoods typically range from $800–$1,500 USD depending on the size, location, and season. You can often get better deals by negotiating directly with hosts for longer stays or using platforms like Flatio, NomadX, or Facebook groups for furnished rentals. Cheaper options are available in less trendy areas like Narvarte or Escandón, starting closer to $600/month.
Food and Groceries
Eating out is incredibly affordable and delicious. A full meal at a casual restaurant might cost $5–8 USD, while street tacos can run you less than $1 each. Groceries are cheap if you shop local markets like Mercado Medellín or Superama. If you’re cooking for yourself, expect to spend around $150–250/month.
Transportation and Other Costs
Uber and DiDi are cheap and widely available, with most rides under $5 USD. The metro is even cheaper (around 25 cents a ride), though it can get crowded. A local SIM card from Telcel or AT&T costs around $10–15/month with data. Gym memberships, laundry, and other essentials are all reasonably priced—budget an extra $100–200/month for lifestyle expenses.
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Safety and Practical Tips for Living in CDMX
Mexico City is generally safe for digital nomads, especially in central neighborhoods—but like any massive city, it comes with a few caveats. Understanding the local rhythm and using common sense goes a long way in feeling comfortable and staying secure.
Safety by Neighborhood
Areas like Roma, Condesa, Juárez, and Coyoacán are considered safe and walkable, even at night. That said, it’s best to stick to well-lit streets after dark and avoid flashing valuables. Centro Histórico is fine during the day but can feel sketchier at night. Some neighborhoods—like Tepito or parts of Iztapalapa—are best avoided unless you’re with locals who know the area.
Health and Environment
The altitude in CDMX is no joke—at over 2,200 meters (7,300 feet), you might feel winded for the first few days. Hydrate and take it easy when you first arrive. Air pollution can also be an issue, especially in dry months, so consider a small air purifier if you’re sensitive. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so always use filtered or bottled water—even for brushing your teeth.
Tech, Language, and Local Etiquette
SIM cards are cheap and easy to get—Telcel has the widest coverage. Most nomad hubs have solid Wi-Fi, but consider a backup hotspot if you’re doing calls often. A little Spanish goes a long way, even if it’s just greetings and pleasantries. Mexicans are warm and polite, so matching that energy with a “buenos días” and a smile makes everything smoother.
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Nomad Community and Events in Mexico City
Mexico City has one of the most active digital nomad scenes in Latin America. Whether you’re into co-working hangouts, rooftop DJ nights, or casual language exchanges over mezcal, there’s always something going on—and it’s surprisingly easy to plug in.
Meetups and Social Groups
There are plenty of Telegram and WhatsApp groups where nomads and expats post about events, coworking days, and weekend trips. Try searching for “Mexico City Digital Nomads” or “CDMX Remote Workers” to find active threads. Meetup.com and Eventbrite also host recurring events like tech talks, networking mixers, and open mic nights.
Coworking Communities
Many coworking spaces double as community hubs, especially Selina, Homework, and Casa Co-Working. They often host yoga classes, live music, or lectures in the evenings, which can be a great way to meet others. Some even organize weekend excursions to places like Valle de Bravo or Teotihuacán.
Creative + Cultural Scenes
If you’re more into art, design, or music, check out venues like Casa Franca, Departamento, or Centro Cultural El Rule. These spots attract a slightly different crowd—more locals, fewer laptop bros—but still offer opportunities to connect and collaborate. Following local Instagram accounts and zines is a great way to find the weirder, cooler stuff.
Final Thoughts
Mexico City isn’t just a stopover—it’s a place where many digital nomads end up staying far longer than they planned. With its balance of culture, food, affordability, and modern infrastructure, it offers something few other cities can: a sense of real life happening all around you, not just a curated expat bubble.
That said, CDMX isn’t for everyone. If you need pristine air, ocean views, or absolute quiet, it might not be the ideal base. But if you’re energized by vibrant street life, creative culture, and a city that keeps surprising you, it might just become your favorite place to work remotely.
Cover credit: Jezael Melgoza
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