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Mexico has seen an extreme boom in the number of people relocating from Canada and the U.S. in recent years.
Mainly after the pandemic because there was a surge in the number of people who either became remote workers or decided life was too short and retired earlier.
Now, what does this have to do with finding the best rentals? Let me explain. Mexico’s rental market is uniquely diverse, offering everything from modern apartments in bustling cities to charming homes in coastal towns.
In this video, I give you a breakdown of how to find the best rentals in Mexico. To help you start finding those deals everyone talks about, so you can also live like a local.
In This Video, You Will Learn:
- Top Rental Websites and Marketplaces: Discover the best online platforms for finding rental properties in Mexico, from popular websites to marketplaces
- Common Practices-Learn what the local common practices are and what key information you need to know about a rental agreement.
- Working with Realtors- Learn how to find a trustworthy realtor and a few insights about how realtors work in Mexico.
- Safety and Scams: Tips on how to avoid rental scams and ensure a safe and secure transaction.
- Questions you Should Be Asking- Learn some of the top questions to ask before signing a contract
- Cultural Tips: Understand the cultural nuances that might affect your rental search and experience.
But if you would rather read some of this information, keep reading below.
Search Where The Locals Search
You have to search how a local would search.
By using local keywords, you can discover a wide variety of accommodation options, from unique stays like bubble accommodations and cabins to room rentals in private homes, each offering different amenities and locations to suit your needs.
Where Can You Find Affordable Rentals?
Word of mouth is the best way to find affordable rentals in Mexico. Many properties are rented through informal channels or word of mouth, making it easier to secure a place that may not be listed online.
Plenty of great rentals in Mexico are NOT advertised online.
Although we also recommend Facebook groups and Facebook marketplace. However, remember that you’ll likely need to know Spanish to speak with whoever is advertising a rental. Or at least know someone who can translate for you.
If you don’t know anyone, this is when having a realtor help you find a nice rental in Mexico.
Types of Rental Properties
When it comes to rentals in Mexico, you’ll find a wide variety of options to suit every lifestyle and budget. Apartment rentals are especially popular in bustling urban centers like Mexico City, where you can discover everything from modern high-rise apartments with a private pool and high-speed WiFi to cozy studios in historic neighborhoods. If you’re looking for something with a bit more space or a tranquil vibe, houses in charming towns like San Miguel de Allende or coastal destinations such as Puerto Vallarta offer a peaceful retreat, often with gardens or patios perfect for relaxing.
Condos are another great choice, especially for those who want a blend of comfort and amenities—think swimming pools, gyms, and secure parking. Serviced apartments are ideal for anyone seeking a hassle-free stay, as they often come fully furnished and include services like cleaning and maintenance. No matter your preference, rentals in Mexico range widely in size, amenities, and price, so it’s always a good idea to visit properties in person to make sure they truly suit your needs. Whether you’re after a city apartment, a family house, or a luxury condo, Mexico’s diverse rental market has something for everyone.
Word of Mouth
One of the best ways to find a house or apartment that suits your needs and budget will always be good old word of mouth. But how will you get your word of mouth out if you are new in town and don’t know anyone? And you’re going to need a place to rest while you find a good long term rental right?
To do this, we recommend renting a a place for a month or so. That way you can use it as a temporary base so you can start your house-hunting process in whichever city you’re planning on moving to.
Boots on the ground is the best way to find the neighborhood you’ll like, and the best rental for you in any city of Mexico.
To find short-term rentals, which is anything less than 6 months, we recommend using Airbnb.com. You can also choose to rent a private room for a more affordable and personable stay.
With Airbnb, you get to see previous guest reviews and pictures of the home, and you have some level of insurance through Airbnb. Listings typically specify the number of guests a property can accommodate, making it easy to find a place suitable for families, groups, or solo travelers. In case the house was a complete misrepresentation of the listing, Airbnb will help you find different lodging for the same price paid.
One pro tip about Airbnb- many of the landlords on Airbnb have to mark up their rentals because of the high fees that Airbnb charges. So we recommend renting a place you like for a week or two to give you time to assess the neighborhood, house, etc, and ensure you really like it.
If you do, you can try to negotiate off the platform with the landlord and see if they would be willing to rent it for a few months for a lower monthly fee. This is usually a win-win for you and the landlord. The benefit of Airbnb is that all homes are furnished, so you don’t have to worry about buying furniture or other necessities to be comfortable. Utilities are usually covered in the rental rate.
Some people have also found short-term rentals through the Facebook marketplace. Usually, they are listed as long-term rentals, but there are landlords willing to rent their homes month to month while you scout the area. In addition to entire homes, you can often find rooms in shared accommodations, which can be a flexible and budget-friendly alternative. If you end up loving the place, then your landlord will likely accept renting it long-term. Just make sure you check to see if it is furnished.
Now, once you find temporary housing, we recommend that you cruise around your preferred neighborhoods looking for “Se Renta” signs, write down the number, and send either a WhatsApp message or give them a call.
Now, here the catch is that, obviously, you’ll need some level of Spanish to ask questions, negotiate, and set up an appointment to see the place.
It can be challenging if you don’t know anyone in town who can help you with this.
So, this brings me to working with a good realtor.
Hiring A Reputable Realtor
Some only consider their commission instead of your best interest. And some aren’t very responsive or knowledgeable enough to help you understand your contract.
During the rental process, clear communication between tenants and owners is essential to ensure both parties understand the terms, responsibilities, and expectations outlined in the agreement.
So hiring a reputable realtor who is trustworthy and knowledgeable is key! It will make sure that your move to a new place is as smooth as possible.
Here’s what a client said after buying the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide- “We tried to find a rental from Canada before we arrived, and it was honestly a mess. The listings looked great online, but once we landed in Querétaro, half of them weren’t real or were priced totally differently. After using your guide and one of your vetted realtors, we found a clean, safe apartment in a walkable neighborhood in ten days. We would have overpaid without your help.”
— Mark & Helen, Canada
Now, we’ve done all this homework for you and have vetted dozens of realtors across Mexico. We have done the work of checking their social reputation, their experience, and whether they offer rentals and not only homes for sale.
We do this to help you out because you don’t know what you don’t know. We have realtor recommendations all over Mexico for trustworthy realtors who speak English and Spanish.
We have recommendations in over 25 cities across Mexico and counting. We don’t get any kickbacks or commissions from our recommended contacts, so that way, you know I won’t only cherry-pick the realtors that pay us to refer them to you.
If you’re interested in our directory of vetted contacts, check out our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide. When you buy the guide, you get instant access to the online course on moving to Mexico and our directory of vetted contacts across Mexico. Because we consistently update the guide, you can rest assured that I am always keeping up with the quality of the recommendations.
If you’re new to Mexico, that one detail can save you thousands of pesos and a lot of frustration.
Ok, now let’s get into some of the questions you should be asking before renting!
Handy Cheat Sheet For Renting in Mexico
Lease Agreements
Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s essential to understand the rental agreement or contract for your new long term rental in Mexico. A rental contract is a legally binding document that spells out all the important details—like the monthly rent, payment schedule, length of the lease, and the responsibilities of both you and your landlord. In Mexico, most rental agreements are written in Spanish, even if an English version is provided, so it’s crucial to review the Spanish contract carefully, as it’s the one that holds legal weight.
For long term rentals, don’t be afraid to negotiate the terms of your contract, especially if you’re planning to stay for an extended period. Clarify what’s included in the rent, such as utilities or maintenance, pets, what furnishings are staying, etc… and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions before committing. Taking the time to fully understand your lease agreement can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth renting experience in Mexico.
Utilities and Services
Understanding what utilities and services are included in your rent is key to budgeting and enjoying your new long term rental in Mexico. Many serviced apartments and short term rentals come with utilities like electricity, water, gas, and high-speed WiFi already included in the rental price, making them a convenient option for digital nomads or those on a Mexico Relocation Tour.
However, for long term options, you may need to set up and pay for these services separately. It all depends on the contract, the landlord, and what you agree on.
Reliable internet is a must for many renters, so always check that the property offers high-speed WiFi if you plan to work remotely or stream content. Other nice to haves, such as a swimming pool, gym, or garden, can add significant value to your living experience. Before signing a rental contract, clarify which utilities are included and which you’ll need to pay for on your own. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure your new rental property in Mexico truly feels like home.
Expectation vs. Reality
You may also need to be realistic with your expectations.
If you need to live facing in an ocean-front, modern high rise- you’ll pay more. Or, if you want to live in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of any city, there will be more competition, and it will be harder to find the most inexpensive rentals.
To give you an idea, I went to a Facebook Group for locals in San Miguel de Allende where you can find rentals in ALL budgets. I found this rental in “Los Frailes,” which is a very nice neighborhood of San Miguel de Allende.
The house is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Has a patio. This property does not have a balcony. And is unfurnished. Typically, rentals in this area require a deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Rents for $7,000 MXN a month. That’s about $350 USD or $470 CAD
And that’s not uncommon to see in many local Facebook groups. Disclaimer- I don’t know the landlord- so please understand this is an example only
One quick reality check: Mexico isn’t for everyone, and neither is every neighborhood. That’s why I always tell you to come first, rent short-term, and actually live in the area before committing. It’s the smartest way to protect your budget and your peace of mind.
You Really Can Live A Better Life for Less in Mexico
So, I hope this helps you get creative. And see how living like a local will reward you.
And if you’re not looking for budget rentals, this will also help you find the nicest place for your money. Maybe even elevate your lifestyle without breaking the bank. Consider how much you want to spend on furnishing or improving your rental in Mexico to make it feel like home.
Either way, learning some Spanish and learning a few other tips will help you be ahead of the game.
Ready to Find a Rental Without the Stress?
If you’ve made it this far, you already know the truth: the best rentals in Mexico usually aren’t sitting on the big English-speaking websites. They’re found through local searching, their descriptions are in Spanish, you find them with boots on the ground, and the right support.
It’s one of the many reasons why I created the Complete Mexico Relocation Guide.
When you get the guide, you don’t just get information. You get a real plan and real people to help you:
- What to know before signing a lease in Mexico
- The sites and groups locals use to find deals
- How to avoid rentals scams
- and our directory of vetted, trustworthy realtors across Mexico– that handle rentals and speak English.
So instead of hoping you’re doing it right, you can feel confident that you are.
If you’re serious about moving to Mexico, this is your next step:
Grab the Complete Mexico Relocation Guide and get instant access to everything you need to find a rental the right way.
