Guadalajara, Mexico 🇲🇽
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is known for its rich culture, vibrant arts scene, and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5 million residents, making it one of the largest cities in Mexico. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 50 Mbps (Fiber optic options available up to 200 Mbps). |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Mexican Pesos (MXN); 1 USD ≈ 18 MXN. Major banks (BBVA, Banorte) widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 127V, 60Hz; type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T offer competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, MasterCard) widely accepted, also online banking options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local rentals on Facebook groups, and sites like Inmuebles24 for long-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is preferred in smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, Vrbo, or local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel beds starting around 200 MXN per night in areas like Chapultepec. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Guadalajara is popular with good amenities and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Cereal offers strong Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly tech meetups at Casa de la Cultura; various networking events on platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Guadalajara Facebook group hosts regular social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used, reliable, and affordable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Lime operate in Guadalajara for shared bike/scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Vallarta, approximately 4 hours by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris serves various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeroméxico and United Airlines serve international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Mexico 15 and 80, connecting to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Central de Autobuses, the main bus terminal for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mibisi card for buses; single rides cost around 10 MXN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like León and Morelia are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Civil de Guadalajara is a well-recognized facility for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Eco offers a variety of classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Anytime Fitness have locations throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express offers convenient laundry services across multiple locations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Birria, a traditional Jalisco dish, can be found at Tacos El Gordo. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Verde is a well-known vegan café with a variety of options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Churros and chocolate at La Churrería are highly recommended. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado San Juan de Dios offers local food and goods at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico is available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Chapultepec neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brew House Guadalajara is a popular local craft brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Tequila offers a great selection of wines and mezcal. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Taco stands and tamale vendors are abundant in various neighborhoods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Food trucks and restaurants in Guadalajara offer Italian, sushi, and more. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Teatro Degollado is a stunning neoclassical theater, a must-see for visitors. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de las Artes de Guadalajara (MUSA) showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Guadalajara Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica de zapopan is a significant religious landmark nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL) takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Guadalajara features many cultural landmarks and vibrant street life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Degollado hosts numerous performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Libertad is one of the largest markets in the city. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events in areas like Chapultepec and the city center are common. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Barrio de las Artes has a vibrant street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Clases de Cocina Gourmet offers cooking classes focused on Mexican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Travesía Cuatro features contemporary artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Instituto Cultural Cabañas is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning murals. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known as the birthplace of mariachi music, a key part of Jalisco's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bosque de la Primavera is a large forest area perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Viejo National Park, about 1 hour away, offers rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Guadalajara Riverwalk is great for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Templo Expiatorio offers panoramic city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bosque de la Primavera is also a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cerro de la Campana has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL are available for parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Multimedia Ciudad offers tech repair services around the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural de Guadalajara offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública del Estado de Jalisco is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Cabañas hosts various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Center is a popular place for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Life Guadalajara offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 USD per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $140,000 USD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 USD per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $100,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $210,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000 USD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for individuals earning above approximately $350,000 MXN. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict regulations governing CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value; varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% to 4% of the property purchase price. |