🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad who has had the pleasure of calling Oaxaca home, I can confidently say that this city is a gem for remote workers. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and stunning natural surroundings, Oaxaca is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the authentic Mexico. The city has a population of around 300,000 people, but it feels much smaller, making it easy to get around and connect with the community. The cost of living in Oaxaca is relatively low, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around 5,500 pesos ($292 USD). With an internet speed of 47 Mbps, you can stay connected and productive while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful city. Oaxaca is an excellent choice for digital nomads, with a nomad score of 100/100, and I’m excited to share my insider knowledge with you.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Oaxaca, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorite areas:
- Centro Histórico: This is the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, museums, and some of the best restaurants in Oaxaca. You’ll find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and shops within walking distance. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this area can range from 4,000 to 7,000 pesos ($213-$373 USD) per month.
- Jalatlaco: This charming neighborhood is just a short walk from the city center and is known for its colorful streets, lively markets, and delicious street food. Jalatlaco is a bit more laid-back than the centro, but still has plenty of amenities and a strong sense of community. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jalatlaco can range from 3,500 to 6,000 pesos ($188-$320 USD) per month.
- Xochimilco: This neighborhood is a bit further from the city center, but is still within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Xochimilco is known for its beautiful parks, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Xochimilco can range from 3,000 to 5,500 pesos ($160-$292 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of living in Oaxaca is the low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for common expenses:
- Rent: 5,500 pesos ($292 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: 50-100 pesos ($2.65-$5.30 USD) per meal at a local restaurant, or 500-1,000 pesos ($26.50-$53 USD) per week for groceries
- Transportation: 20-50 pesos ($1.06-$2.65 USD) per ride on public transportation, or 1,000-2,000 pesos ($53-$106 USD) per month for a used car
- Coworking: 500-1,000 pesos ($26.50-$53 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Internet & Coworking
Oaxaca has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of options for coworking and staying connected. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- Hub Oaxaca: Located in the heart of the city, Hub Oaxaca offers high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded remote workers.
- Casa Cooperativa: This coworking space is located in the trendy Jalatlaco neighborhood and offers a relaxed atmosphere, fast internet, and a range of amenities.
- Selina Oaxaca: This coworking space is part of the popular Selina hotel chain and offers a modern, well-equipped workspace with high-speed internet and stunning views of the city.
Some popular cafes with good internet include:
- Cafe Brujula: Located in the centro, this cafe offers fast internet, delicious coffee, and a cozy atmosphere.
- La Casa de Toño: This cafe is located in the Jalatlaco neighborhood and offers good internet, tasty food, and a relaxed vibe.
Oaxaca has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of opportunities to connect with other remote workers. Some popular meetups and events include:
- Oaxaca Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, ask questions, and find out about upcoming events.
- Nomad Coffee: This weekly meetup is a great way to connect with other remote workers and enjoy a cup of coffee.
- Oaxaca Expats: This group is geared towards expats, but is also a great resource for digital nomads looking to connect with others in the community.
Culture & Lifestyle
Oaxaca is a city that is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. From the vibrant markets to the delicious food, there’s always something to explore and discover. Some popular local customs include:
- Día de los Muertos: This holiday is a big deal in Oaxaca, with parades, altars, and traditional foods.
- Guelaguetza: This annual festival celebrates Oaxacan culture, with music, dance, and traditional foods.
- Mercado de Abastos: This bustling market is a great place to try local foods, buy handicrafts, and connect with the community.
The food scene in Oaxaca is incredible, with plenty of options for trying traditional dishes like mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Some popular restaurants include:
- Los Pacos: This restaurant is located in the centro and offers a range of traditional Oaxacan dishes.
- El Destilado: This restaurant is known for its creative take on traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
- La Olla: This restaurant is a great place to try traditional dishes like mole and tlayudas.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to navigate the visa process to stay in Mexico long-term. The good news is that Mexico has a relatively straightforward visa process, with several options available for remote workers. The most popular option is the Temporary Resident Visa, which allows you to stay in Mexico for up to one year. You can apply for this visa at a Mexican consulate in your home country, or in Mexico with a tourist visa. Another option is the Digital Nomad Visa, which is a new program that allows remote workers to stay in Mexico for up to one year. This visa is still in the pilot phase, but it’s worth checking out if you’re planning to stay in Mexico long-term.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living in Oaxaca:
- SIM cards: You can buy a SIM card at most phone stores, with prices starting at around 200 pesos ($10.60 USD) per month.
- Transportation: Public transportation is affordable and convenient, with buses and taxis available throughout the city.
- Safety: Oaxaca is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Oaxaca has a warm, dry climate, with temperatures ranging from 60-90°F (15-32°C) throughout the year.
