Ensenada, Mexico 🇲🇽
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ensenada is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, thriving wine region, and vibrant local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 25 Mbps, with higher speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Mexican Peso (MXN); Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 18.50 MXN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T; prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as BBVA and Citibanamex; international cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels to Airbnb; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is around $500. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is often preferred for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ensenada – prices start from $15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Oficina – offers high-speed internet and a vibrant community for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Marco – known for its reliable Wi-Fi and pleasant atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by Ensenada Digital Nomads Group on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular community gatherings at local bars and restaurants, check Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and DiDi operate in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; e-scooter options are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Hermosa – a short drive or bike ride from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Calafia Airlines offers connections to Los Cabos. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Volaris and Aeromexico are main providers for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to Highway 1, connecting to Tijuana and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Autobuses de Ensenada for regional bus services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are operated on a pay-per-ride basis, no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Tijuana, San Diego, and other cities are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Especialidades – offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Ensenada offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit – a popular gym chain with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Playa – local laundromat with affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Rappi are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish Tacos – a local specialty known for its fresh ingredients. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-Based Ensenada – offers an extensive menu for vegans. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Guerrerense – famed for their seafood tostadas and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Negro – a local market with fresh produce and artisanal goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Walmart offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Centro - vibrant nightlife with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Insurgente – known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodegas F. Rubio – offers local wines for tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza Civica serve a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Ensaladas Mónica – offers international dishes in a casual setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | La Bufadora – a world-famous marine geyser located nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia de Ensenada – showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | El Parque de la Bandera – a site of historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – beautiful church in the city center. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival del Vino – an annual wine festival held in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Centro – the main cultural area with shops, galleries, and restaurants. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de la Ciudad – hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Todos Santos – great for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often host live music; check out Mambo Café for jazz. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Estrella's Mexican Cooking – offers hands-on cooking courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de la Ciudad – features contemporary art from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Culture – historical building housing local art exhibitions. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ensenada's heritage is reflected in its architecture and local customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Valle de Guadalupe – known for its wineries and stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir is a two-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal boardwalk is great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at La Bufadora offer breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna de San Ignacio is popular for birdwatching, particularly migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Big Sandy Beach has designated areas for bonfires at sunset. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs; check out TechnoRepair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chivas offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca pública de Ensenada provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Social de Ensenada hosts various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Den offers a fun space for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Caliente Casino is a popular venue for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% during property purchases. |