Mexico for Americans: visa, cost of living and safety

Getting in on a US passport

No visa needed for tourist stays under 180 days, but the immigration officer decides how many days you get on arrival, so ask for what you need. Air arrivals now get a digital FMM (FMMD) at all international airports; a visa is required for anything over 180 days.

Staying longer

The main route is a temporary resident visa applied for at a Mexican consulate before you move; the Las Vegas consulate's 2026 threshold is about US$4,630 a month in income or about US$78,000 in average savings over 12 months, and figures vary by consulate.

What a month costs

Lean: about $1,490 a month. Comfortable: about $1,890 a month. One person, rent included.

Mexico City, from Numbeo (Sept 2026): single-person costs of about $799 a month before rent, plus a 1-bed outside the centre (~$689) for the low figure or in the centre (~$1,087) for the comfortable one. Numbeo commenters say real prices in Condesa, Roma and Polanco run higher.

Where to base yourself

Mexico City

Nonstop flights from LAX take under 4 hours, and it has the most apartments, jobs and foreigners, though rents in the popular central areas are the highest in the country.

Mérida

Yucatán is the only Level 1 state in the State Dept advisory, and Numbeo puts a central 1-bed around $660; it is very hot most of the year.

Guadalajara

Second-largest city with its own international airport and Numbeo rents around $870 for a central 1-bed, but Jalisco is rated Level 3 – Reconsider travel.

Heads up

The State Department warns that criminals drug drinks to rob or assault people, and some travelers have fallen ill or passed out from contaminated alcohol, so watch your drink and avoid cheap unsealed liquor. Online romance scams where a 'girlfriend' suddenly needs money are also common.

Emergency numbers

Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Tourist police: No national tourist police line; dial 078 for the free national tourist assistance line
Anti-trafficking: 800 5533 000 – Línea Nacional contra la Trata de Personas (Consejo Ciudadano), free
US Embassy: +52 55 2579 2000

Level 2 – Exercise increased caution (reissued May 29, 2026). Do not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas or Zacatecas; Jalisco is Level 3, Mexico City and Quintana Roo Level 2, Yucatán Level 1.

Practical

Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
Plugs: A, B
Nonstop flight from the US: Yes
Typical door-to-door from LAX: about 4 hours

18+ only. If you see anyone who looks underage, or anyone being forced to work, call the anti-trafficking number above or the police. Rules change: check the embassy and immigration sites before you book.