How Would Living in Mexico Compare to Colombia?

Yesterday I wrapped up a 5-week exploratory trip through Mexico. I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, and traveled across the country, mostly by bus, to Cancun.

Mexico’s proximity to the United States is exactly why I haven’t taken the time to visit in the past. It’s too close to be exotic, or so I thought.

In retrospect, that’s a self-limiting attitude. I much prefer to see a place firsthand, and then decide if it’s somewhere I’d like to spend more time.

Tip: Whether you’re looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, it’s possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. You can now find the best account for your needs online. To the degree possible, I always recommend paying for travel (or anything) in cash, versus credit.

Mexico left a very positive impression on me, and got me thinking about whether I’d enjoy living there as much, or more, than in Colombia.

Using the same 10 criteria Ryan used to size up Montevideo and Mendoza, here are my initial thoughts on a broader comparison, Mexico v Colombia…

1. Cost

Mexico. This is a close call, and made all the harder by the fact that I was always on the tourist trail in Mexico. I was eating at a lot of tourist-oriented restaurants, especially on the Yucatan.

I already know from friends that you can rent an apartment in Playa del Carmen for $300 a month, which is similar to what I’m paying for just a room in Medellin.

Of course you can find cheaper places in Colombia as well, but I haven’t found a beach town I’ve liked at first glance as much as Sayulita (north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast), or Playa del Carmen.

We also know Colombia’s economy is on the rise, and the government is actually taking steps to weaken their currency as a result.

2. Culture

Tie. I can’t award this to Colombia simply because I’ve gotten to know its culture more deeply over the years.

I have a feeling if I delved into Mexico’s regional cultures, I’d enjoy them to an equal degree. Minus the tequila, I still can’t stand the stuff.

One thing I did notice is they have beautifully preserved and painted pueblos like Tequila and San Cristobal de las Casas, and historic city centers such as Puebla and Oaxaca.

Central Oaxaca is another potential place I could see myself living in Mexico.

3. Food

Mexico. This category is a slam dunk for Mexico. Tacos, enchiladas, moles, habanero salsas, chocolate. I could spend a lifetime exploring all the various combinations.

I ate an amazing meal at Pujol, a restaurant in Mexico City recently ranked #17 in the world. It’s one of a small handful of Latin American restaurants to make the list, along with Astrid & Gaston in Lima.

My taste for Peruvian food is part of why I spent 7 months in the country from 2011-12, and it might just be my stomach that leads me to do the same in Mexico.

4. History

Mexico. Also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history. While this isn’t something I’d encounter on a day-to-day basis, it does offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities.

I managed to visit 11 of Mexico’s 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While some of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history.

5. Jobs

N/A. This category doesn’t apply to me, since I work for myself.

Broadband internet and Wi-Fi were easily accessible at decent speeds, and it cost about $45 to get a SIM card for my iPhone 4S, and 3 GB of data for 30 days (I actually used double that with no interruption in service).

6. Nightlife

Colombia. I love Colombian nightlife. I didn’t notice the same kind of ubiquitous bottle service in the Mexican bars and clubs, so I don’t think it’s cheap and normal like you find throughout Colombia.

I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont’ judge).

I also didn’t dig the regional Mexican music and mariachi bands to the same degree I enjoy vallenato. I heard less salsa and reggaeton in Mexico as well, though it could be a different story in the non-touristy bars and clubs.

Playa del Carmen, for example, barely has a salsa-specific bar. One night I gave my phone to a bar manager to hook up to the sound system so I could give an impromptu salsa lesson.

If I were to live in Playa, I’d be missing Colombian-style nightlife for sure.

7. Safety

Tie. Both countries struggle with drug traffickers and street gangs. Peace with Colombia’s FARC would be good news, but I think most tourists face a greater threat from common street criminals.

If I were to live in Mexico, I’d be staying in either a beach town, or central Oaxaca. Without looking up stats, I think it’s safe to say such places would have much lower homicide rates than Medellin.

8. Scenery

Colombia. I traveled from Mexico’s Pacific coast to the Yucatan, and it was mostly hot and dry. I even so a brush fire along a highway on the way to Guadalajara.

To be fair, the rainy season is about to begin, and I know it can get quite wet on the Yucatan once the tropical rains start pushing through, but outside of the jungle in Palenque, the scenery didn’t do much for me.

At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. It’s hard to find a greener city than Medellin.

I do have to give the Mayan Riviera and honorable mention, as there are some gorgeous beaches on Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.

9. Sports

Colombia. FIFA currently ranks Colombia #6 in the world, with Mexico a distant #16.

Beyond soccer, Mexico has access to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, which leads to a lot of snorkeling and diving opportunities along the Mayan Riviera. But I’m not a diver, so that’s not a draw for me.

10. Weather

Colombia. I don’t know of anywhere in Mexico with better weather than Medellin, all year. If I were to live in Playa del Carmen, I’d have to accept much hotter temperatures, and air conditioning.

Girls

Colombia. I reached the end of the 10-point list, and realized Ryan didn’t list “girls” or “dating culture” as criteria. I didn’t talk to many (any) Mexican girls, let alone go on dates, but from looks alone, I have to give this category to Colombia.

Overall, it’s a close call, but I’m giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia.

That said, I do see myself spending at least two to three months living in Mexico within the next year, probably in Playa del Carmen during the shoulder season when prices are lower, and there aren’t as many tourists.

It’s too beautiful a coastline to resist, there’s still so much I can do, and the food is amazing.

Where would you prefer to live, Mexico or Colombia, and why?

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This post was written by Dave and brought to you by Lloyds TSB.