Which Mexican state is the safest?

The safest state in Mexico is consistently cited as Yucatán, known for extremely low homicide and violent crime rates, bolstered by strong policing, social programs, and relative geographic isolation from cartel activity, with neighboring Campeche also ranking highly for peace and safety. These states offer a stark contrast to areas with higher crime, making them popular for tourists seeking tranquility.

Where in Mexico has the lowest crime rate?

Where in Mexico is it safe for Americans to live? Merida, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, and La Paz make the list of the safe places where Americans can live, as they have a well-established expat community, bilingual services, and low rates of violent crime.

Where to avoid cartels in Mexico?

Places to avoid in Mexico

The US State Department has issued a Level 4 warning against travel to five parts of Mexico: Tamaulipas in the country's northeast corner; and the Pacific states of Sinaloa (the home of Mexico's oldest and largest criminal organization), Colima, Guerrero and Michoacan.

Where not to go in Mexico right now?

Right now, you should avoid or exercise extreme caution in states like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, due to high crime, kidnapping, and cartel activity, according to recent advisories from the U.S. State Department, while also being wary of hotspots like Tijuana, Acapulco, and parts of Guanajuato. Generally, stay in well-known tourist zones, avoid night travel, and remain vigilant, especially in border areas and places with intense cartel presence, but consider safer regions like Merida or Campeche for travel.
 

What is the safest place in Mexico for an American to live?

For Americans seeking safety in Mexico, popular choices consistently include Mérida (Yucatán) for low crime, San Miguel de Allende for culture, Puerto Vallarta/Lake Chapala for expat communities, and Baja California Sur (Cabo San Lucas, La Paz) for coastal living, offering good amenities, expat support, and manageable safety, though awareness of surroundings remains key. 

Is Mexico Safe? I visited all 32 states to find out!

Where is the safest place in Mexico without a cartel?

Playa del Carmen

Travelers will find Playa del Carmen north of Tulum, situated along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Playa del Carmen is famous for being one of the safest places in Mexico, with a dedicated tourist police force that monitors visitor safety.

Is $2000 a month enough to live in Mexico?

Yes, $2,000 a month is generally enough for a comfortable lifestyle in most parts of Mexico, covering rent, food, transport, and some extras, though high-cost areas like trendy CDMX neighborhoods or popular beach towns might require tighter budgeting for a single person, while it's very comfortable for a couple or in smaller cities like Mérida or Oaxaca. Your exact experience depends heavily on your location (big city vs. small town) and lifestyle choices (eating out vs. cooking, private vs. public healthcare). 

What are the high risk areas in Mexico?

Danger zones in Mexico are primarily states with high cartel activity, like Sinaloa, Guerrero, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Colima, Chihuahua, and parts of Baja California, where violent crime, kidnapping, and armed clashes are common, with U.S. travel advisories recommending "Do Not Travel" or "Reconsider Travel" for these areas, urging caution even in major cities like Tijuana or Guadalajara due to organized crime risks.
 

What are the top 5 crime cities?

The following locations are the most dangerous cities in California:

• Stockton.
• San Bernardino.
• Oakland.
• Compton.
• Richmond.
• Lancaster.
• Vallejo.
• Modesto.

What to avoid while in Mexico?

The best practice for travelers in Mexico is to avoid eating raw foods. This includes cut-up fruits and vegetables, fresh salads that have been finely cut or shredded, fresh salsas, condiments, or other sauces, or raw meats or seafood. Only eat foods you can peel or wash yourself.

What is the biggest narco state?

As of recent reports, Syria under the Assad regime is widely considered the world's largest narco-state, primarily due to its massive, state-sponsored Captagon (amphetamine) trade, generating billions in revenue that sustains the regime. While Afghanistan and Myanmar remain major players in opium/heroin production (with Myanmar becoming the top opium producer recently), Syria's integration of drug trafficking into state finance makes it the biggest narco-state by economic impact and state involvement. 

When to avoid visiting Mexico?

You should avoid Mexico during the peak hurricane season (August-October) for coastal areas due to storms, and consider avoiding states with high crime/terrorism warnings (like Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa) unless you check current U.S. State Dept advisories. Also, avoid summer (June-August) if you dislike intense heat/humidity or crowded resorts, and be cautious during holiday periods for higher prices/crowds, but January is good for deals after New Year's.
 

What area in Mexico has the highest crime?

The list was compiled in accordance with the number of homicides for every 100,000 residents, said José Antonio Ortega, the group's president. At the top of the list is Haiti's Port-au-Prince, followed by five cities in Mexico: Colima, Manzanillo, Acapulco, Tijuana and Ciudad Obregón.

Where do most Americans live in Mexico?

• Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. ...
• Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world. ...
• Tulum is a charming and growing resort town on the southern end of Mexico's famed Riviera Maya.

How safe is Mexico for US citizens?

Level: 2 - Exercise increased caution. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime. There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.

What is the nicest part of Mexico?

Mexico's nicest places offer diverse beauty, from the Caribbean vibes of Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox with their beaches and cenotes to stunning colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca, known for culture, art, and gastronomy, while the Pacific coast boasts Puerto Vallarta & Zihuatanejo for charming resorts, and nature lovers adore Chiapas (Palenque, San Cristóbal) or the dramatic Copper Canyon.
 

What state is #1 in crime in the USA?

Alaska and New Mexico consistently rank at or near the top for violent crime rates in the U.S., with Alaska often leading in recent data (like 2024 figures from USAFacts and WorldAtlas) when looking at incidents per 100,000 residents, though New Mexico is very close. Other states frequently cited for high violent crime rates include Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana, depending on the specific year and metrics used (violent vs. property crime).
 

What is the #1 safest city in Mexico?

The city consistently ranked as the safest in Mexico, especially for tourists and residents, is Mérida, Yucatán, known for low violent crime, strong community policing, high resident safety perception, and clean, walkable areas. Other top contenders often include Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, praised for their visitor-friendly atmospheres and lower crime rates compared to other parts of the country.
 

What is the #1 cause of death in Mexico?

The leading causes of death in Mexico are chronic diseases, primarily heart disease (ischemic heart disease) and diabetes mellitus, followed by malignant tumors (cancers), with COVID-19 also being a major factor during the pandemic years, while violence, especially homicide, significantly impacts younger age groups. These non-communicable diseases account for a large majority of total deaths, highlighting a shift from infectious diseases to long-term health issues. 

What areas of Mexico have travel warnings?

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Coahuila state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Durango state due to crime.
• Guanajuato state due to crime.
• Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Mexico state due to crime and kidnapping.

Can I collect social security and live in Mexico?

For many Americans, Social Security benefits are the backbone of their retirement income — and moving to Mexico doesn't change that. The U.S. government will keep sending your payments, even if your new morning routine involves ocean views and fresh pan dulce instead of a commute.

How long will $100,000 last in Mexico?

$100,000 in Mexico can last anywhere from around 4 to over 5 years, depending heavily on your lifestyle (basic vs. comfortable), location (expensive city like CDMX vs. smaller town), and spending habits, with estimates suggesting 5.8 years for moderate living or 3-4 years if spending around $25k-$30k/year, but it could stretch even further with very frugal living or basic needs covered by a simple life.