Mexico City: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Mexico City in 2026

Mexico City is Mexico's capital and one of the largest cities in the Americas: a huge cultural centre with museums, restaurants, green neighbourhoods and a mild climate all year thanks to its altitude of 2,240 metres. The city is popular with remote workers and entrepreneurs: residence based on income is easier to get here than in many countries, time zones match the United States, and direct flights link Mexico City with Europe, Asia and both Americas.

The downsides are real too: street crime in some districts, earthquakes, water shortages in parts of the city in summer and fast-rising rents in areas popular with foreigners. For a Russian citizen it is important to choose the right entry and residence route in advance, because tourist status usually cannot be changed to residence inside the country.

Cost of living in Mexico City

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026, converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about 18.15 pesos per dollar. Furnished apartments for foreigners in Roma, Condesa and Polanco cost more than these averages, while in Narvarte, Del Valle and Coyoacán the same size can be found for less.

Where to live in Mexico City: neighbourhoods

• Roma and Condesa - green streets, parks, cafés and coworking spaces, the top choice of remote workers and the fastest-rising rents.
• Polanco - upscale business district with embassies, shops and restaurants, suits families with a high budget.
• Juárez - central area next to Paseo de la Reforma with offices and new buildings.
• Coyoacán and San Ángel - quiet historic districts in the south with squares and markets.
• Del Valle and Narvarte - calm residential areas for families, cheaper than Roma.
• Santa Fe - business district in the west with high-rises and international schools, far from the centre.

Traffic in Mexico City is heavy, so housing is chosen close to work or a metro line rather than for the beauty of the area.

Entry and residence

For short trips by air Russian citizens need only a free electronic authorisation for a single entry; other options require a consular visa. For long-term living, temporary residence is obtained based on economic solvency: in 2026 consulates usually require income from $4,630 a month over the last six months or savings from $78,025 over a year. The application is filed at a Mexican consulate abroad, the consular visa fee is $56, and within 30 days of arrival the visa is exchanged for a card at the National Migration Institute.

Temporary residence is first issued for one year and then renewed until four years in total, after which you can move to permanent residence. Mexico has no separate digital nomad visa; remote workers follow the same route. More on the page Mexico residence permit.

Taxes in Mexico

Residents pay income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates from 1.92% to 35%. Tax residence is determined not by the 183-day rule but by your main home and centre of vital interests, so even a short stay with a rented apartment can make you a resident. VAT is 16%, corporate tax 30%. An entrepreneur on the simplified regime pays 1-2.5% of turnover, while an employee on an average salary usually pays 12-18% of pay. More on the page Taxes in Mexico.

Renting and buying property

Mexico City lies outside the restricted zone near the borders and coast, so a foreigner can buy an apartment or house in their own name. This requires a permit from the foreign ministry and an agreement not to seek protection from one's own government in property disputes, and the deal is executed by a public notary. Property in Mexico worth more than $624,405 can serve as a basis for temporary residence.

Leases usually run for a year with a deposit of one month's rent. Landlords often require a guarantor owning property in Mexico City or a rental insurance policy arranged for a fee by a specialised company. Furnished apartments for foreigners can be rented without a guarantor, but at a higher price.

Climate and daily life

Thanks to the altitude there is hardly any heat: around 20-25 degrees during the day all year with cool nights. The dry season runs from November to April, and from May to October a short downpour comes almost every day towards evening. The city lies in a seismic zone, and a citywide alert system sounds during earthquakes. The metro is cheap and extensive, and taxis are ordered through apps. Private hospitals are of good quality, public healthcare for foreigners is limited, so insurance is needed. Daily life is hard without Spanish, and English is spoken mainly in business districts.

Pitfalls

• Tourist status usually cannot be changed to residence inside the country; you must apply at a consulate.
• Tax residence depends on where your home is, not on 183 days.
• Street crime in some districts.
• Earthquakes and summer water shortages in some areas.
• Fast-rising rents in Roma, Condesa and Polanco.
• Renting often requires a guarantor or rental insurance.

Murblz specialists prepare the consulate file and help with the residence card, tax registration and property checks. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.