Cost of living, healthcare, safety, lifestyle, and expat quality of life in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Mexican culture, enjoy traditional festivals, and explore local markets and crafts. The city is safe, walkable, and has a growing expat community. Living costs are generally lower than coastal or resort cities, making it appealing to budget-conscious retirees and creative individuals.
| Criteria | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living (Costo de Vida) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Affordable compared to coastal cities. Comfortable living ranges from $1,500–$2,200 USD/month depending on lifestyle and housing. |
| Healthcare (Atención Médica) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Several private clinics and hospitals; reliable but major specialized care may require travel to Mexico City or nearby cities. |
| Safety (Seguridad) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Generally very safe, especially in central and tourist areas; usual urban precautions recommended. |
| Climate (Clima) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Mild highland climate; warm days, cool nights, dry winters, and occasional rainy season in summer. |
| Expat Community (Comunidad Expat) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Smaller but steadily growing expat community, especially retirees and artists. |
| Infrastructure (Infraestructura) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Reliable utilities, internet, and public services; historic streets may limit vehicle access. |
| Housing (Vivienda) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Colonial homes, apartments, and modern condos available; historic center properties are highly sought after. |
| Lifestyle & Activities (Estilo de Vida) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Festivals, music, art, food, markets, museums, and cultural workshops year-round. |
| Cultural Integration (Integración Cultural) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Spanish is recommended for deeper integration; community welcomes those interested in local traditions. |
Quick tip: Cultural and culinary capital with cooler highland evenings and great regional healthcare options.
Short answer: Yes — popular with culture-seekers, though some services are more limited than in big metros.
Oaxaca offers festivals, markets, and colonial charm; for advanced medical care you may travel to larger cities as needed.
Short answer: Moderate — food and local services are affordable; high-end options cost more.
Housing near Centro can be pricier due to tourism; further out or in suburbs is cheaper.
Short answer: Good regional clinics and hospitals; specialist referrals sometimes needed outside the city.
Private clinics handle many needs; check availability for your specific health requirements before long-term relocation.
Short answer: Generally safe, especially in tourist areas — exercise normal urban caution.
Stay aware of local transport and avoid isolated areas after dark; street smarts apply in any tourist-heavy city.
Short answer: Oaxaca has an airport and bus links; some domestic flights connect to larger hub cities.
Bus travel is common and convenient for regional sightseeing; flights can be seasonal and limited depending on the carrier.
