León, Mexico 🇲🇽
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | León is known for its leather industry and vibrant culture, located in the Bajío region of Mexico. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.00 MXN; ATMs are widely available; recommended banks include BBVA and HSBC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Citibanamex and HSBC; most businesses accept cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local rentals through websites like Inmuebles24. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous options; prices start from $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Rangel offers dorms starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Mera Mera Coworking is popular, offering memberships starting at $2,000 MXN per month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tal paints a great work-friendly atmosphere, known for its excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Cafecito Networking events are held monthly; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expats in León' Facebook group hosts gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is popular and widely used in León. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental through providers like Lime and bike rentals through León's public program. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Veracruz, approximately 4 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aeroméxico or Volaris offer regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and American Airlines offer international flights from Del Bajío International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway 45 connects León to major cities across Mexico. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | León's main bus station caters to regional travel, offering services to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are affordable, with single fares around $10 MXN; passes available for multiple rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to Queretaro, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Angeles is a well-reviewed healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Elemental offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit is a chain offering affordable memberships starting at $350 MXN per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaExpress offers affordable wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domicilios.com are popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Birria de Res', a flavorful beef stew native to the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Vegano offers a diverse menu of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería La Ideal is famous for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Hidalgo offers fresh produce and local specialties at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico is widely used for a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and Superama offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Piel is known for its nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La 3 is a well-known local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Querencia offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Taco stands are abundant; try the tacos al pastor from Tacos El Güero. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Olive Garden and Wingstop are present in León. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a stunning neo-Gothic church. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato hosts many exhibitions and cultural events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Plaza Principal is surrounded by beautiful dates and historical buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica del Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Luz is a significant pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival Internacional del Globos is held annually featuring many colorful hot air balloons. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico offers rich culture and nightlife options. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Manuel Doblado hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Zona Piel specializes in leather goods and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars participate in live music, primarily rock and traditional Mexican music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are vibrant murals around the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Guanajuato Cooking Classes offer tasty local cooking courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Centro de Arte y Diseño features contemporary and traditional Mexican art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura is a historic building that offers cultural classes and exhibitions. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | León's leather industry is a point of pride and cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cañon de la Pichacha is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey is easily accessible for a day trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecón offers scenic paths for walking and biking near the water. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Sierra offers great views of the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Jardín de las Pérgolas is a peaceful spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parque Metropolitano allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have locations throughout León for parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair tech shops like iFix offer a range of services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Juegos de Mesa hosts ping pong sessions in a fun environment. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro de Idiomas offers Spanish classes to expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Central del Estado is a great place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Comunitario de León offers various community services and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arcade Play offers a collection of video games and classic arcades. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Central is a popular destination for gambling and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000 USD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000 USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000 USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000 USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000 USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000 USD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for resident investors; 15% for foreign residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Basis taxation system includes resident income earned worldwide. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for individual earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% standard VAT in Mexico. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules for foreign corporations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% for property purchases. |