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Oaxaca, Mexico
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,200
Retiree Score
83.0
Safety Index
68.2
Healthcare
910 facilities

Despite its charming colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Oaxaca's population of just 300,050 faces a persistent bureaucratic headache. The tax burden is heavy, and the city's tropical savanna climate can be oppressive, with average high temperatures reaching a sweltering 33.3°C (91.9°F) in April. Still, heritage tourism remains a crucial 77% of the local economy. For those willing to navigate Oaxaca's challenges, it offers a rich tapestry of Zapotec and Mixtec history and cuisine that make it an alluring destination for the culturally curious.

Can I afford Oaxaca?

$

Oaxaca

You could save

1,800/mo

Savings Rate60%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$650

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
60/100
Retiree Score
(i)
83/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
68
Safety
910
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $25
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $31
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$120
Meal (Mid-range) $1,883
Cappuccino $50
Water (0.33L) *$15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $1,275
Mobile Plan (mo) $200
Gym (mo) *$800
Cinema Ticket $95

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $440
1BR Outside (mo) *$406
3BR Center (mo) $880
3BR Outside (mo) *$765

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Xochimilco, Reforma
Best For
creatives, digital nomads

Expat Life Notes

Oaxaca is a cultural and gastronomic capital, highly popular with digital nomads and retirees seeking authenticity.

Pros

  • ✓ World-class food and arts
  • ✓ Incredible climate
  • ✓ Safe and walkable center

Cons

  • ✗ Occasional protests and roadblocks
  • ✗ Water scarcity issues
  • ✗ Internet can be patchy in old buildings

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
609 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Oaxaca

Click any question to expand the answer.

Oaxaca has a population of approximately 300,050 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Oaxaca, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Oaxaca is OAX, approximately 7km away.

Oaxaca is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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