Living in Cozumel: Digital Nomad & Ex-Pat Guide

Thinking about living in Cozumel? This small island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula attracts a mix of vacationers, retirees, and digital nomads looking for sunshine, affordable living, and easy access to the Caribbean Sea.

I moved here thinking I’d stay two months. Almost two years later, I was still waking up to turquoise water and planning my errands around ferry schedules and cruise ship crowds.

Cozumel ended up checking all my boxes: walkable town, great food, reliable internet, and a lifestyle that felt slower and simpler than anywhere I’d lived before.

Here’s what day-to-day life looks like if you’re considering making Cozumel your home base.

Why Cozumel Appeals to Digital Nomads and Expats

Cozumel is best known for diving, but living here means more than just reefs and resorts.

You get small-town island life with solid infrastructure: good roads, hospitals with English-speaking staff, and grocery stores that carry everything from fresh tortillas to imported cheeses.

Because it’s an island, there are trade-offs. Groceries can be pricier than on the mainland, and beach clubs dominate parts of the coastline.

But if you want a place where you can walk to cafes, catch sunsets every night, and fly home to the U.S. without three connections, Cozumel hits a sweet spot.

San Miguel

San Miguel is the island’s only real town, located on the west side. Most people just call it all Cozumel.

Downtown, or Centro, revolves around the main square, Parque Benito Juárez. This is where you’ll find events, street performers, and the nightly crowds of locals and tourists grabbing ice cream or people-watching.

The side streets are lined with souvenir shops, pharmacies, and taco stands.

Cruise ships dock most days, which means the square can be packed midday. I usually plan errands early in the morning or after five, when the ships leave and the town feels like a local neighborhood again.

Cruise traffic bothers some expats, but I like seeing the ships. I’ve always been a cruiser, so spotting the big ships in port feels more fun than frustrating.

And honestly, that tourism money keeps a lot of businesses going.

East Side of the Island

Locals call the island’s eastern coast “the wild side” for a reason. It’s uninhabited, has no power grid, and faces open ocean, so the surf is rough and the rip currents are strong.

Despite that, it’s one of my favorite parts of Cozumel. A string of rustic beach bars and restaurants serve fresh ceviche and cold beer, and a few coves are calm enough to swim.

There are no credit card machines out here, so bring cash. They’ll take U.S. dollars, but you’ll get the best prices with pesos.

The entire stretch closes at night to protect nesting sea turtles. The only exception is one small hotel, Ventanas al Mar. It’s absolutely worth checking out.

Cozumel Weather

Cozumel is warm year-round. Expect 70s and 80s in winter and 90s with heavy humidity in summer.

Hurricane season runs roughly September through December, though direct hits are rare.

My favorite months are January and February. The humidity drops, the water’s still warm enough to swim, and the island feels less crowded than during holiday breaks.

Getting to Cozumel

Cozumel has a small international airport with flights arriving daily. It’s very easy to get here from the United States and Canada.

Taxis are not allowed to pick people up from the airport. There are shuttles you can take to your hotel or rental. You’ll see booths in the airport where you can buy your shuttle ticket.

Many people prefer to walk outside the terminal and across the street. There’s a restaurant called Diego’s Tacos just a block from the airport. Walk over, have some of the best tacos on the island, then take a taxi to your destination.

I’ve also done this in the reverse. When flying out of Cozumel, I check my bag and then walk over to Diego’s for lunch before my flight.

You can also arrive on the ferry. There’s regular ferry service from the coast of Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

The ferry terminal is in the central area of San Miguel, making it easy to walk to the main square. Taxis will also be lined up ready to take you to your destination.

Some people like to fly into Cancun for their trip to Cozumel. From there, you’ll take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen, then hop on the ferry.

It does take a couple of hours, but sometimes the flights to Cancun are far less expensive, so it may be worth the hassle.

Tulum opened a new airport in December 2023. Getting to Cozumel from Tulum is very easy. It takes about two hours between the drive and the ferry from Playa del Carmen.

Getting Around Cozumel

San Miguel is walkable, and taxis are plentiful and cheap. Rides within town usually cost just a few dollars. There’s no Uber or Lyft here.

Scooter rentals are popular with tourists, but I don’t recommend them. Every week I hear about serious accidents, often involving cruise passengers who rented scooters after a few margaritas. If you need your own wheels, rent a car instead.

Cozumel’s buses, called colectivos, are the cheapest way to get around if you’re staying in town.

Rides cost about 10 pesos (roughly 50 cents) and you pay the driver in cash when you board.

The routes mainly serve residential neighborhoods rather than tourist areas or beaches, so don’t rely on them to reach resorts or beach clubs.

All buses start and end at the Chedraui grocery store on Melgar Avenue, which makes it easy to hop on and explore different parts of town.

The buses are clean and reliable, but there’s no air conditioning, and they can get crowded during peak hours, so be ready to stand or squeeze in with other passengers.

They’re not the fastest option, but they’re a great way to see local life and save money while you’re here.

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel is considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Crime rates are lower than in most mainland destinations, and walking around at night is common.

I lived alone here and regularly walked home after dinner without feeling unsafe.

Most incidents I hear about involve theft in expat-heavy neighborhoods like Corpus Christi, not violent crime.

Basic precautions still apply: don’t flash cash or jewelry, and grab a taxi at night if you’re unsure.

Cost of Living in Cozumel

According to Nomad List, the average cost to live in Cozumel is $2,715 per month. I find this to be somewhat accurate for a person who eats out at restaurants and does a lot of activities.

I lived on less than $2,000 per month. I cook most of my own meals and don’t go to a lot of beach clubs or book excursions.

Eating out at local restaurants is relatively inexpensive, but the cost of day-to-day items such as groceries can be slightly higher since everything has to be brought over from the mainland.

If you move out of the main tourist areas, you can eat a delicious meal for $5 USD, not including alcohol. (I usually find the cost of drinks to double the bill.)

In a touristy restaurant or beach club, expect to spend $15 – $20 for a meal.

My average rent was $500 for a studio apartment four blocks from the ocean. The cost of utilities and public transportation is very reasonable.

If you do your shopping outside the tourist areas, you can find good deals on pretty much everything.

I’ve had to visit a doctor and it was very easy. I went to the Costamed hospital, where everyone speaks English. My doctor’s visit cost about $80 USD. I especially liked it because I could make an appointment through WhatsApp.

Tips for Finding Affordable Housing in Cozumel

Renting an affordable place to stay in such a popular location can be tricky, but there are ways to make it easier.

Start by word of mouth. Ask locals, digital nomads, and expats what they know about renting in town. Check social media sites for real estate ads, too.

If you’re looking for a long-term rental, real estate agents can help you find the perfect place. Just make sure to use an agent with a good reputation.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $300 a month to over $1,000, depending on the location and amenities. I’ve had great luck contacting Airbnb hosts outside of the app and renting at a discount.

There is some risk with this technique, so be sure to research the host/landlord and make sure they have a good reputation.

Since Cozumel is a small community, reputation is important. I’ve found more honest people than not, but scammers still exist.

Join the Facebook groups for expats in Cozumel and you’ll get a ton of information about rentals (and everything else!).

You can also find some inexpensive coliving accommodations in Cozumel, so you can save money while making new friends.

Benefits of Living in Cozumel

Let’s look at some of the best benefits of living in Cozumel.

The People of Cozumel are Friendly and Welcoming

I love the Mexican people in general. Their culture is open and warm. The people of Cozumel are no different. Everyone I met was super friendly, and I always felt welcome.

Cozumel is Super Safe

As I mentioned above, I always felt safe in Cozumel. The crime rate is low, and there’s a strong police presence.

Cozumel is Easy to Get to

This is one of my biggest requirements for a place to live. My family is in California, and I visit them a couple of times a year. I need to live in a place that I can fly to relatively quickly. Cozumel is perfect for that.

Cozumel is Very Dog Friendly

One of the best things about Cozumel for me is that it’s dog-friendly. You’ll find many resorts and restaurants that are happy to welcome your dog.

There’s a nice dog park where your pup can roam free. However, they don’t have a specific section for small dogs, so I haven’t taken Shelby there.

There are excellent veterinarians in Cozumel at prices far below what you’d pay in the United States. I take my dog to AME Vets. Her flea/tick/heartworm medication costs less than half of what I paid in the U.S.

AME Vets also has grooming. I had my Yorkiepoo completely shaved for only $12 USD. Okay, it turned out to be a bad decision since all her cute is in her fuzziness, but at least I didn’t pay a lot for a bad decision. : )

If you’re going to be traveling with your dog, Cozumel’s a good place to do it.

Most Locals Speak English

The majority of people in Cozumel speak English, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. Because it’s a big tourist destination, most locals have adopted English as their second language.

Once you get out of the tourist areas, however, you will encounter people who don’t speak English. I’ve always managed to get by with my very limited Spanish and Google Translate, so don’t let this stop you from venturing into the neighborhoods.

Even though you can get by with Google Translate, please at least learn some basic phrases in Spanish. It’s a matter of respect.

You Can Find Most Everything You’re Used to Buying

Since there’s a big expat population in Cozumel, stores stock many products Americans are used to buying.

Don’t expect to find all your favorite brands. You’re in Mexico, after all, so you need to be adaptable. Also, most imported goods are more expensive than Mexican products.

There’s a Sam’s Club on the island. You can find a lot of good products there, such as high-quality linens and kitchenware.

Things to Do In Cozumel

Cozumel is full of a variety of recreational activities for all ages and abilities. Water sports are plentiful, of course.

You can also find plenty of cultural experiences, shopping, and other activities.

Cozumel does not have a very active nightlife. You can find bars with live music many nights, but don’t expect large dance clubs with people partying until the wee hours of the morning.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters around Cozumel offer some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. There are plenty of shallow reefs to snorkel over.

The area is home to an abundance of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals.

Cozumel’s Beaches

You have a choice of many public beaches to visit. Cozumel also has beach clubs ranging from intimate and quiet to large party spots. You’re sure to find the perfect one for you.

Many beach clubs charge an admission fee, but the cost goes toward your food and drinks. Some smaller clubs are free, but they do expect you to buy something.

Cozumel’s Cultural Attractions

Cozumel has many cultural attractions, so you can learn about the history and culture of the island. From ancient Mayan ruins to modern art galleries, there’s a lot to see and experience.

Cozumel Museums

Cozumel has several museums that showcase the region’s rich history and culture. One of the most popular museums is the Cozumel Museum, also known as the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Cozumel Museum hosts temporary exhibits on a regular basis, showcasing the works of local artists and other cultural events.

The museum also has a gift shop, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of San Miguel and the Caribbean Sea.

San Gervasio Archaeological Site

San Gervasio is the most important Mayan site on the island. It was a sacred site dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, who was the Mayan goddess of fertility, childbirth, and medicine.

One of the most prominent structures at San Gervasio is the Temple of the Frescoes, which features intricate carvings and paintings on its walls.

Another cool feature is the Sacbe, a raised road that runs through the site and connects it to other Mayan settlements on the island.

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on November 1st and 2nd each year.

During the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, families and friends gather to create altars, or ofrendas, in their homes and in public places.

These altars are decorated with flowers, candles, photographs, and other items that are significant to the deceased person’s life.

In Cozumel, there are parades and other festive events that take place during the week leading up to the Dia de los Muertos celebrations. These events feature colorful costumes and face paint, music, dancing, and traditional Mexican food.

Independence Day Celebrations

Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th every year. The day marks the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, which occurred in 1810.

In Cozumel, the festivities involve parades, fireworks, live music, and traditional dances.

The week leading up to the 16th, there is a fair in the park outside City Hall. The evening of the 15th is when most of the activities happen.

The mayor gives a speech ending with everyone shouting “Viva Mexico!” It’s a very moving experience. Last year, there was a free concert followed by fireworks.

On the morning of the 16th, there’s a parade honoring the military. I had no idea there were so many military personnel in Cozumel.

There was even a flyover by one of the Air Force planes. The school children are also in the parade. It’s a nice tribute and definitely worth seeing.

Even though the government’s Facebook page says the parade started at 7:00 a.m., it really didn’t get underway until after 8:00. The parade runs from the town square down Melgar, ending at the city hall.

Being in Mexico during Independence Day is a great way to experience their culture and traditions. I highly recommend it.

Carnaval

Carnaval in Cozumel is a celebration of culture and tradition and lasts for several days. They have multiple parades, live music, dancing, colorful costumes, and delicious food.

In addition to the parades, Carnaval in Cozumel also features a variety of cultural events and activities, such as traditional Mayan dance performances, street vendors selling local cuisine, and fireworks displays.

For the best viewing of the parades, book a table at one of the restaurants along Melgar Avenue. You’ll need to pay a deposit, which goes toward your food and beverages. I did this and it was absolutely worth it.

Other Things to Do in Cozumel

There are so many other great things to do in Cozumel. Here are a few:

• Visit the Punta Sur Eco Park
• Take a food tour
• Take a tequila tour
• Rent e-bikes
• Go deep-sea fishing
• Go parasailing
• Go ziplining
• Visit the chocolate factory
• Take a dinner cruise on a pirate ship

Day Trips From Cozumel

If you want to venture off the island and see more of the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya, there are many easy day trips you can take.

• Snorkel with turtles in Akumal
• Tulum Mayan Ruins
• Chichén Itza
• Río Secreto in Playa del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres
• Cenotes (natural sinkholes great for swimming)

Dining in Cozumel

Cozumel has every type of food you can ask for. Of course, Mexican food is abundant, as is seafood. You’ll find the freshest fish at great prices.

You’ll also find excellent Italian, Chinese, Indian, and American dishes. Vegans and vegetarians will have no problem finding food that fits their diets.

Venture off the main street to find the best prices. Don’t be afraid of the little hole-in-the-wall spots selling empanadas and tacos. I’ve found the best food at these little places.

To eat with the locals, visit the public market. There are several restaurants there serving breakfast and lunch. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing. Plus, you can eat lunch for $2-5 USD!

My dad once asked me if I get tired of tacos. The answer is no. Never. There are so many different kinds of tacos that I haven’t even tried them all yet!

Resources for Getting Settled as a Digital Nomad

If you’re considering living in Cozumel for an extended amount of time, there are many resources available to help transition into the culture.

Be sure to join Facebook groups specific to Cozumel. I’ve found the groups geared to tourists helpful, as well as the groups for expats.

By doing a search in the groups, you can get most of your questions answered.

This is also a good way to meet people and make new friends. The Cozumel expat groups have regular meetups. Or you can post asking if anyone wants to get together for lunch.

Getting a Visa or Residency in Mexico

If you’re like me and end up falling in love with Cozumel, you may decide to stay long term.

Tourists are allowed up to 180 days on a tourist visa when arriving in Mexico. Keep in mind that you’re not guaranteed 180 days. I’ve heard of people being granted far fewer days.

You can stay up to four years on a temporary residency visa. The process of obtaining residency in Mexico can be daunting, but there are resources available to help make it easier.

The government’s official website provides detailed information about the different types of visas, as well as eligibility criteria and application forms.

I recommend you buy the book, The Move to Mexico Bible by Sonia Diaz. She’s a highly respected immigration expert.

Wrap-Up: Living in Cozumel

Cozumel isn’t perfect. Groceries cost more than on the mainland, scooters are a hazard, and you’ll share the town with thousands of cruise ship passengers some days.

But for me, those trade-offs are worth it for daily sunsets over the Caribbean, diving world-class reefs on a whim, and living in a place that feels safe and welcoming.

If you’re looking for an affordable island base with reliable internet, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to the rest of Mexico, Cozumel is hard to beat.

Related Posts

• How to Get to Cozumel From Cancun – and Back Again
• Is Cozumel Safe?
• Best Time to Visit Cozumel: Month-by-Month Guide
• Day Trip to Cozumel From Playa del Carmen
• Guide to Getting Through Cancun Customs Quickly and Easily 
• Cancun or Cozumel: Which is Better for Your Vacation?
• Best Beach Bars in Cozumel 
• Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel for Families
• Best Places to Snorkel in Cozumel 
• Best Snorkel Tours in Cozumel  
• Best Tequila Tours in Cozumel
• Cozumel Pronunciation – How to Sound Like a Local

Stay organized when you travel with this free planner.

Caribbean Sea From Downtown Cozumel