The Pros and Cons of Moving to Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen, a vibrant coastal city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, has become an increasingly popular destination for expats, digital nomads and retirees. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and somewhat lower cost of living, it’s easy to see why many are drawn to this tropical paradise. However, like any major life decision, relocating to Playa Del Carmen comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of moving to Playa del Carmen to help you make an informed decision.
Please don’t think that since our website is based in Playa Del Carmen that we will only give you the rosy side of things. Personally, after living in Playa Del Carmen for 15 years, I have seen a lot of people come and go. You may have visited on vacation before or seen a lot of photos and video about the area, however living in Playa Del Carmen is a lot more different than just being on holiday. Perhaps after reading this, you might question moving to Playa Del Carmen. If Playa feels good to you and will meet your expectations, we welcome you to the area. We know Playa Del Carmen is not for everyone and we want to help guide people to a decision before making the big move and maybe regretting it later.
Pros of moving to Playa Del Carmen
1. Beautiful Beaches and Natural Beauty
One of the most compelling reasons to move to Playa Del Carmen is its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the beach. The city is home to some beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The nearby cenotes, underground freshwater pools, offer unique swimming and diving experiences. Additionally, the Yucatan Peninsula and proximity to natural wonders like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
2. Vibrant Culture and Lifestyle
Playa Del Carmen has a unique culture that blends traditional Mexican culture with a cosmopolitan vibe. Playa Del Carmen hosts numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year like the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The bustling Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, offering nightlife and diverse dining options. The relaxed pace of life and friendly locals also contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
Even though Playa Del Carmen is in Mexico, it is a new city that is influenced heavily by tourism. Playa Del Carmen does not exactly check all the boxes for culture, but the good news is, the area outside of the Riviera Maya is super rich in local culture. Just an hour or two away you can find Maya communities still speaking Mayan and many other culturally interesting places and things to experience.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Playa Del Carmen is relatively lower. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are all more affordable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a budget. Many expats find they can live well on a portion of what they would need in their home countries. Because local wages are low, there are constraints on how much prices can rise. Often options in stores and other products are offered at lower prices because more low-cost options are offered.
It should be noted that compared to the rest of Mexico, Playa Del Carmen is one of the more expensive cities in Mexico to live. This still means it is cheaper that many other countries, but not as cheap as what many people think.
4. Expat Community
Playa Del Carmen has a growing and supportive expat community. This can make the transition to living in a foreign country easier, as there are plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar experiences. There are various social clubs, language exchange groups, and community events where expats can connect and build friendships. This network can provide valuable support and advice, particularly for newcomers. This is especially helpful since a majority of people move to Playa Del Carmen not fully speaking Spanish.
Having a large expat population go before you open a lot of doors. There are many websites, Facebook groups and people that offer help to fellow expats. See our article on how to meet people in Playa Del Carmen for more options to get situated and make new acquaintances.
5. Access to Quality Healthcare
Mexico offers high-quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost found in many Western countries. Playa Del Carmen has several modern hospitals and clinics staffed with well-trained medical professionals. Many doctors speak English, and the cost of healthcare services, including dental and specialist care, is significantly lower than in the United States or Europe. This can be a major advantage for retirees or those with ongoing medical needs. You can see more about medical care in Playa Del Carmen in our article here.
6. Proximity to Major Attractions
Playa Del Carmen’s location on the Riviera Maya means that it is close to several major attractions, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, the island of Cozumel, and the bustling city of Cancun. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the region and enjoying the rich history and natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Playa Del Carmen is in the center of the Riviera Maya. This makes daytrips to either end easy. There are also three airports that service the area. Cancun Airport is the main hub, with Tulum Airport and Cozumel also offering international connections.
Cons of Living in Playa Del Carmen
1. Climate and Weather
While the tropical climate can be a draw for many, it also comes with its challenges. Playa Del Carmen experiences high humidity and temperatures year-round, which can be uncomfortable for some. See our article on Playa Del Carmen weather here. The region is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly from June to November. This can lead to property damage, power outages, and other inconveniences.
Many people visit from October to March when we have cooler weather, but still hot enough to swim year-round. People might fall in love with the weather because it seems like perpetual summer. Many visitors do not experience the hot and humid weather that can occur from May to August. Sometimes people swear at the weather and sometimes it forces people to look for a more temperate location. It is important to know just what it is like to live in the tropics. For example, just walking a short distance to the grocery store and home means changing your clothes because you are all sweaty when you arrive home.
See our guide on home maintenance since the climate here affects how much and when you need to care for things.
2. Language Barrier
Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, Spanish is the official language. Expats who do not speak Spanish may find it challenging to navigate certain aspects of daily life, such as dealing with bureaucracy, shopping in local markets, or communicating with service providers. Learning the language can be a rewarding experience, but it requires time and effort.
If you move to Playa Del Carmen with the intent to learn Spanish by immersion, you might run into some issues. Because English is widely spoken, it is easy to fall into groups of people that will support you with your limited Spanish. Most people learn enough Spanish to survive, but the rest you really need to study or push yourself.
Many people move to Playa Del Carmen as a couple. Sometimes people rely on their partner to do the communication. This can lead to an imbalance and slightly diverging set of friends and experiences. If you are going to be living in Playa Del Carmen, it is good to learn enough conversational Spanish so you can have local friends as well.
3. Safety and Crime
While Playa Del Carmen is generally safe, it is not without its risks. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Additionally, there have been instances of more serious crime, including drug-related violence, although these are typically localized and do not affect the majority of residents and visitors. It is important to stay informed and take common-sense precautions to ensure personal safety.
Besides the guide to safety for visitors, we have a guide for safety for people that are living in Playa Del Carmen. This guide talks about some of the issues that residents have to deal with.
4. Healthcare Quality
While healthcare in Playa Del Carmen is generally good, it may not always meet the same standards as in Western countries. Specialized treatments and certain medications may not be readily available, and serious medical conditions might require travel to larger cities or even back to one’s home country. It is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation if necessary.
In the past 10 years Playa Del Carmen has grown, and this has added hospitals and other medical facilities that help cover healthcare needs. Some specialized medical procedures are available in Cancun. Between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun you can cover most things. Another option is Merida, which is a large city of about 1 million people on the other side of the Peninsula. Merida is known for excellent medical care and high levels of service. However, with all that is available, some still need to or prefer to travel back to their home countries for care. Some even wind up moving back to their countries because of medical issues.
5. Infrastructure and Utilities
The infrastructure in Playa Del Carmen, while improving, can still be lacking in some areas. Power outages, water shortages, and unreliable internet connections are not uncommon, particularly in less developed neighborhoods. The quality of roads and public transportation can also vary, which may be an adjustment for those used to more developed urban environments.
For example, power might go out for two hours a month, the internet might for out for 15 minutes 4 times a month, and water might be turned off once a month for half a day for local repairs. Infrastructer in Mexico is often behind the development of areas. Playa is a little more fortunate than some other areas of Mexico. Playa is a little more established now, but we still have issues with some sewers overflowing when we get downpours and roads seem to always need to be worked on. All of this can be frustrating and also depressing knowing that the impact on the environment and impact on living in Playa Del Carmen.
6. Cultural Adjustment
Adjusting to a new culture and way of life can be both exciting and challenging. Differences in customs, social norms, and daily routines can take time to get used to. Additionally, the pace of life in Mexico is often slower and more relaxed, which may require some adjustment for those accustomed to a fast-paced, efficiency-driven lifestyle.
People might think Mexico is similar to the United States because it is a neighbor, and so much cross-cultural connections are made. However, the longer you are in Mexico, the more things you discover are different. For example, humor in Mexico is different than some other places. What might sound funny to you, might lead to a confused people looking at you or even offended (and the reverse). See our article on culture shock for Mexico.
7. Working and Trying to Make Money in Playa Del Carmen
Not everyone that wants to move to Playa Del Carmen is retirement age. Some in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s might want to live in Playa Del Carmen. This means thinking about some income to support yourself. If you do not have a large savings to support the financial requirements for a residential visa, you will have to consider what options you have to make money. Permission to work in Mexico is limited and required by law. Wages in Mexico are very low, even for some professional jobs. We see many times people that are semiprofessionals asking about moving to Playa Del Carmen to work. Often the reality is that the wages are so low that some do not make the move.
Many local Mexicans make between $1000-$2000 USD a month. To foreigners this will only provide basic coverage of living in Playa Del Carmen. There is nothing worse than to move to Playa Del Carmen only to struggle with work and making money with no safety net. We have seen many younger people try and fail because they had no idea it would be hard to attain legal work or not make enough to live in Playa.
Some foreigners decide to work online or open a business. Whichever route you take, be prepared to work longer and harder to make money in Mexico. See our article about the secret life of the Mexican worker and what it can be like.
8. Be Prepared for High Expenses the First Year of Living in Playa Del Carmen
You might do all your homework and be prepared for a monthly budget for living in Playa Del Carmen. However, it is important to note that almost everyone that moves to the area incurred much higher expenses in the first year. Much of it is just the adjustment phase. You go out to new restaurants, visit parks nearby, and in general get used to where things are more affordable and figure out what things you need and don’t need. Some of the things you need to consider when you first move to Playa are:
- Visa setup cost. Of course you start the process in your home country, but you finish the visa process in Mexico. This is hundreds of dollars and more if you have an immigration facilitator help you.
- Usually, it is recommended to rent for a short time while you look for a more permanent place. This means paying more in rent for a short-term rental or Airbnb.
- Transportation. Most people fly down and then buy a vehicle in Mexico. This is because importation is not cheap, and it also means you need to dive all the way to Playa Del Carmen. New cars are similar in price but used cars are often more expensive than other countries. There will also be transportation costs of your personal items and getting them to Mexico (via flying or shipping
- You will be going out more to meet new people, check out local bars, and trying popular restaurants. After a while of living in Playa Del Carmen, you will get more into a routine and spend more time cooking at home, visiting friends at their place and the like.
9. Don’t Move to Playa Del Carmen to Escape Your Life
Moving to a new place can be like a reinvention of yourself or a chance to change your life. However, we have seen over and over again that moving to a new place does not change your problems. For example, if someone is an alcoholic, moving to a new place does not change the problem. Do not expect that moving to Playa Del Carmen will solve all your problems. Playa Del Carmen might help you live a better life at a lower cost, but personal problems are not solved by moving to Mexico.
Conclusion
Moving to Playa Del Carmen offers a unique opportunity to experience a beautiful and culturally rich part of the world. The stunning natural surroundings, somewhat affordable cost of living, and vibrant lifestyle are major draws for many expats. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges, including climate, language barriers, and differences in infrastructure and healthcare quality.
Ultimately, the decision to move to Playa Del Carmen should be based on a thorough consideration of both the pros and cons, as well as personal preferences and circumstances. With careful planning and an open mind, Playa Del Carmen can be a wonderful place to call home.
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