19 Pros and Cons of Living in Mérida, Mexico

Curious about the pros and cons of living in Mérida?

Mérida is a beautiful city with a rich culture, vibrant food scene, and a laid-back lifestyle. But, like any place, it has its ups and downs.

I’ve been living here for over a year now, and so far, I love it. Whether you’re considering moving here or just curious about what life in the city is really like, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

Ready to find out if Mérida is the right fit for you? Let’s dig in.

1. Pro: It’s Safe

Let’s talk safety.

When I’m looking to move, the first thing I want to know is: Can I walk around at night without worrying about getting mugged? In Mérida, the answer is a solid yes. It’s ranked the 30th safest city in the world (CEO World, 2024).

Petty theft is the most common crime here, violent crime less so. The last foreigner murdered in Yucatán was killed by her son (also a foreigner) in a domestic incident. It’s tragic, but it wasn’t a random act of violence.

Honestly, my dogs are my biggest concern. I’ve got a Frenchie, two pugs, and a Boston—all breeds targeted for theft and resale. But with basic precautions—locking doors, installing cameras, and choosing a secure place (mine’s fully walled in)—you’ll be safe and sound.

Bottom line: Mérida is safe.

2. Con: It’s Hella Hot

When I say hot, I mean HAWT.

I realize this could be a pro depending on your personal preferences, but for a newbie, it’s the kind of hot where your body feels like it’s being slowly cooked by an invisible oven.

Your body will adjust, but if you’re seriously considering a move, I recommend doing a test visit during the hottest months (May to September). That’s when the heat really kicks it up a notch with a double whammy of high temperatures and humidity.

Year-round temperatures are above 30°C (86°F), but the warmer months see temps of 35°C+ (95F) with humidity that makes you question your life choices. If you don’t like the heat, I hate to break it to you, but Mérida probably won’t be a good fit.

3. Pro: Reasonable Cost of Living

Obviously, this one is subjective—it really depends on what you’re comparing it to. For me, Mérida is way cheaper than anywhere I’ve lived before, but there are definitely places that are less expensive.

Your cost of living here will also depend on how much you make and spend. You can live super comfortably on a modest budget, but if you’re someone who likes luxury or dining out every night, you’ll probably spend a bit more.

Bottom line: Mérida offers a solid value for what you get, but your personal lifestyle and income will be the biggest factors in how affordable it feels.

4. Con: The Cost of Living is Rising

Mérida isn’t exactly a well-kept secret anymore. More people are moving here, and as a result, prices are creeping up.

This price increase isn’t just something for immigrants to deal with—it’s a BIG problem for locals. Yucatán has one of the lowest average monthly incomes in Mexico, with locals earning about 5,900 Mexican pesos a month (roughly $300 USD).

While the rising costs are tough for everyone, it’s especially challenging for the local population. But even with the rising costs, Mérida is still cheaper than many other places, just not as much as it used to be.

Bottom line: Mérida is still affordable, but costs are going up, and that’s not always great for locals.

5. Pro: It’s Dog-Friendly

If you’re a dog mom (like me), this’ll be a BIG deal: Mérida is super dog-friendly.

You can’t take dogs everywhere (grocery stores are a big no!) but there are pet-friendly cafes, shopping malls, parks and artisan markets. Not to mention, restaurants like La Negrita Cantina allow well-behaved dogs inside.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, strolling through a market, or enjoying a meal, your dog can be by your side.

For dog people, this is an AMAZING city to live in. 

6. Cons: Language Barrier

To be clear: this is also NOT a bad thing.

They speak Spanish in Mexico—full stop. If you want to live here, you’ll have to speak Spanish too.

You don’t need to be perfect at it—not by a long shot. You don’t even have to come here already knowing it (but it’ll definitely help). But Mérida is not Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, most people don’t speak English here. If you’re planning to stay here long-term, you’ll want to add “learn Spanish” to your to-do list.

If you’re new to Spanish or want to improve, there are plenty of options—apps, language exchanges, or platforms like iTalki, where you can take lessons from native speakers at your own pace. FYI: Mexican Spanish isn’t quite the same as Spanish from Spain!

Bottom line: You can get by without speaking perfect Spanish, but the more you learn, the better your experience will be.

7. Pro: Airport Included (It’s International!)

Mérida has its own airport, and it’s international!

This means you can fly directly to other places in Mexico and some major cities in the U.S., Canada, without needing to drive to another city.

It’s super convenient if you’re a frequent traveler or just need to pop back home occasionally.

8. Cons: Limited Flights

Having an airport is great, but there aren’t that many options with it comes to flights.

You can travel to a few places within Mexico for as low as $40, which is great for exploring the country. But for international travelers, we’re limited to:

• Miami, Orlando, Houston and Dallas for the US
• Toronto and Vancouver for Canada
• Cuba

Everywhere else, you need to stop in Mexico City. But flights to Mexico City can be as low as $40 USD, and from there you can get almost everywhere.

9. Pro: Awesome Wi-Fi (& Cellular Plans)

If you’re sick of paying $100+ for your internet and phone plans (mine in Calgary was legitimately over $200 CAD before I left), Mérida is the place for you. But to be fair, other places in Mexico have killer deals too.

I use TELMEX for my Wi-Fi, and it’s a solid option. My upload/download speeds are great, and I only pay $399 MXN per month (around $20 USD or $30 CAD). That’s more than enough power for work, streaming, and anything else I need.

And let’s talk about my phone plan. It costs me a whopping $10 USD per month for 4G or 5G service (depending on my location). I get 3 GB of data plus unlimited use of social apps (including WhatsApp and Facebook)… and it includes Amazon Prime.

So, my entire monthly electronic bill? About $30 USD. In my books, that’s a steal.

10. Con: Poor Infrastructure

This is kind of a Mexico-wide thing, but the infrastructure here can be a bit lacking. One of the biggest issues? Power outages.

In Mérida, we get a noticeable outage every 8 weeks or so (in smaller communities, they’re more frequent). It tends to get worse over the summer when we get hit with a double whammy of high temperatures and tropical storms.

It’s not the end of the world, but if you’re living here, you’ll need to get used to planning for those outages.

11. Pros: Garden All Year Round

This one’s really for the garden lovers out there, but it’s a huge plus for me.

In Mérida, the weather stays around 30°C (86°F) year-round, which means I can garden whenever I want. No waiting for the “right season” here.

Right now, I’ve got 3 watermelons, a handful of giant sunflowers, and some aloe plants growing.

If you love gardening, Mérida’s climate makes it easy to get those plants growing all year long. However, you do need to account for the dry season, poor quality soil and intense heat.

12. Cons: Finding Furniture Can Be Hard

This is one of those things that gets easier the more you know the area, but if you’re furnishing a new house and expecting to snag cheap Ikea furniture, think again.

There are some amazing Mexican-based furniture companies, but finding them requires a bit of digging (and I mean digging). Luckily, I throw all the gems I find onto a list so it’s easy to shop when I’m ready.

I’ll admit this might be a me thing–but I’m a lil’ picky about having cute stuff around. And don’t forget to grab a USB battery lamp—trust me, you’ll need it during the inevitable power outages.

13. Pros: Culture Capital

Mérida is a gorgeous city brimming with culture.

From its stunning colonial architecture to the vibrant arts scene, it’s a city that truly celebrates its history. What makes it stand out from other places in Mexico is its deep Mayan roots, which give the city a unique character.

It’s not just pretty to look at—it’s a place that lets you dive into rich cultural experiences, whether it’s through festivals, music, or local crafts. If you love culture, Mérida is a must-see.

14. Con: Cultural Adjustment

While Mérida’s culture is beautiful, there is definitely an adjustment period.

This city is VERY conservative, and it’s important to understand and respect that. It’s a place where traditions run deep, and what might be accepted in other parts of Mexico (or the world) may not fly here.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re moving here, be prepared to adjust your mindset and behavior to fit into the local culture. Understanding and respecting these values will make your time here a lot smoother.

15. Pro: No Car Needed!

I wouldn’t say every community is walkable, but you can get around Mérida without needing a car. It’s a pretty compact city, so for most daily errands it’s VERY doable.

For longer trips, I just grab an Uber—it’s cheap and convenient. There’s also a bus to the beach, local buses around the city, and grocery stores that are often within walking distance. So, if you’re not into driving, you can totally make it work here.

16. Con: The Water Isn’t Great

This is pretty standard across Mexico—don’t drink the tap water, no matter what anyone says (even if places claim it’s safe, it’s not).

Beyond that, the water in Mérida is considered “hard” water, meaning it has high levels of calcium and magnesium. These are natural minerals that come from the limestone in the region’s underground rock formations. While they won’t harm you, they can dry out your skin and damage your hair.

You’ll probably need to switch up your products—think more moisturizing creams, richer shampoos, and maybe even a shower filter to help soften the water and protect your skin and hair.

17. Pro: There’s Lots to Do

Mérida has no shortage of things to do and explore.

Whether you’re into history, art, food, or just wandering around a beautiful city, there’s always something going on. From festivals to local markets to nearby cenotes and beaches, you won’t run out of activities.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture buff, or a foodie, Mérida has something for everyone.

18. Con: It’s Loud

Mérida is no exception to the general rule in Mexico—this place is loud.

People here love to celebrate, whether it’s a fiesta, a parade, or just a random Tuesday. The energy is vibrant, but if you’re after peace and quiet, you might find it a bit much.

I don’t find my community particularly noisy, but it definitely has its moments. I live in a very traditional, unfancy area, and I haven’t seen another foreigner around.

If you’re someone who likes a more peaceful environment, be prepared for a bit more noise than you might expect–or take a peek at the different neighborhoods the city offers and choose something a little more lowkey.

19. Pro: It Has a Laidback Lifestyle

I absolutely love living here. Mérida offers a laidback lifestyle that makes it easy to unwind and enjoy life at your own pace.

Confession: I do miss living at the beach, but Mérida offers great access to services, and the overall vibe is so relaxing.

If you’re a single woman looking for a place to live, I’d definitely recommend it. There’s a great sense of community, and the pace of life here allows for a good work-life balance.

Final Thoughts: Pros and Cons of Living in Mérida Mexico

Living in Mérida has its pros and cons, just like any place.

It’s a city full of culture, great food, and a relaxed pace of life. But there are a few things you’ll want to consider—like the heat, the rising cost of living, and the language barrier—before making the move.

If you’re thinking about calling Mérida home, take the time to visit, experience it for yourself, and see how you feel. Every city has its own rhythm, and Mérida’s unique mix of modern and traditional may be exactly what you’re looking for—or it might not be.

Either way, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what life here is really like.