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Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Merida 2023 - ARPR MEXICO

Updated: Jan 3, 2023

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Merida, the white city, find out what you don't know and no one will tell you. What are the disadvantages of living in Merida?


The advantages are many, yes, but in order to make a decision like moving to study or live in Merida it is important to put everything on the table.

chichen-itza yucatan

Advantages of living in Merida


1.It is a safe city

We can tell you with certainty: Mérida is one of the safest cities in the country. It recently earned the title of "The City of Peace", thanks to the fact that in 2019 it was recognized by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) as the most peaceful city in Mexico.

This means that, compared to other states in the Mexican Republic, Mérida has a lower rate of assaults, violent crime, homicides and organized crime.


If we compare the crime rate in the capital of Yucatan, along with the violence rate in other Mexican cities, Merida comes out ahead by far. Nonetheless, violence rates increase every year due to multiple demographic and governmental factors.


Mexico is a country in constant evolution. As citizens we have the right to choose the place of residence that offers us the most advantages, as well as the quality of life we wish to aspire to. Real estate and homes in Merida range from 1.5MDP to 2.5MDP.

Living in Mérida represents a peaceful daily life and also means being part of a growing social structure.


If you are thinking of moving to Merida, remember that you will be part of a social ecosystem that you must join with a deep respect for its customs and traditions.


The high quality of life in Yucatan is due in part to the tranquility of its inhabitants, it is everyone's responsibility to maintain that peace.

2.Connectivity with other destinations

The nearest beach is 20 minutes from the city and the tourist offer extends along the coast.


You will be able to access many archaeological sites and natural areas that are within a short distance from downtown Merida.


Also, if you are considering an upcoming trip, whether domestic or international, Merida offers direct international flights to cities such as Havana, Miami, Houston, Toronto. Part of the Yucatan Peninsula is the city of Campeche and Quintana Roo. In a matter of hours, you reach Cancun by bus or car, Cancun is one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico, having with it an airport with many international departures.


Health services in the region are of the highest quality.

In Merida there is a wide range of health services so you will not have to worry about receiving the best care in case you need to visit a medical professional.



3.Health services offered in Merida

The offer is varied and accessible for all types of budgets. In addition, it is gradually adapting to receive residents from other parts of the world who have made Mérida their new temporary or permanent residence. Hospitals such as La Clinica de Merida, Star Medica, Hospital Faro among others stand out in the city of Merida for their excellent services and human quality.


4.The rent is affordable

Compared to other states of the Republic, real estate rents in Merida are not only affordable, but they also adjust to your specific needs.



It is important that before Renting or Buying houses and properties in Merida you compare the prices and amenities offered against others in the market. This way you will be able to make a decision that fits your budget, needs and tastes.



Make sure to research with calmness since you are choosing the place where you are going to live. If you need guidance, do not hesitate to ask for real estate services to get the best option of properties and houses in Merida.



Also check here the best areas to live in Merida. The city is expanding and you don't want to live near the highway or in an unfavorable area.



5.Education is first class

Another aspect you won't have to worry about is your children's education. In Merida there are several options of private and public schools at all levels of education.


From kindergartens to universities in Merida you can be sure that your children will receive a first class education.


The educational quality of both private and public schools is a reality in Yucatan.


Disadvantages of living in Merida


1.The weather

Living in Merida means carrying water and a little sweat as part of your outfit and lifestyle.


It is well known that one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Merida is the particular heat that distinguishes it, especially that which can be felt between the months of April and September.


But don't worry, the beach is only 20 minutes away and it is an excuse to go, besides, it is very likely that after a while you will get used to the high temperatures of your new city and they will not represent a threat to you.



2.The artistic offer is wide, but not as wide as in the big cities.

The artistic offer is a contra for those people who are used to attend concerts, plays, museums and musical and cultural festivals of international or distinguished personalities.


Although there are more and more efforts to generate a wider artistic scene, the truth is that one of the disadvantages of living in Mérida is the scarce presence of great artistic personalities.


It is very possible that you will miss seeing your favorite artist, since they usually perform in the capital city of the country or in nearby cities.


Mérida is a leader in the development of cultural events and in the promotion of its culture. If you miss an artistic event, you can always consult the cultural billboard.



3.Public transportation

Another disadvantage of living in Mérida is urban transportation. It is often necessary to use the bus services and that is where you can find yourself in an impossible mission if you want to get to your destination on time.


Recently a proposal was published to create an App to help users find the most efficient route, so probably this disadvantage will soon diminish.


However, it is a reality the low investment of the government to meet the demand for public transportation. The units are insufficient, many are unhygienic and offer low quality service.



Public transportation in Mérida Yucatán costs $7.50 pesos general and $3.00 pesos for those who present a student or senior citizen card.


On the other hand, traffic is a differentiating factor that distinguishes the city from other large metropolises. Visitors to Mérida feel the beauty of being able to get where they want to go without much delay.


However, one of the future disadvantages of living in Mérida will be the traffic. The city's infrastructure is not designed for abundant car flows.


Proof of this are the more than 30 new red lights of private transportation; not to mention the fact that the population index increases year after year at an accelerated rate.



4.Salaries are lower than in other cities in the country.

It is true that some of the services are cheaper, but in contrast, wages in Merida are significantly lower than those offered in cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey.


Unfortunately, this directly affects the quality of life of the inhabitants. To counteract these disadvantages of living in Merida, people have opted for entrepreneurship.



How much does it cost to live in Merida?

The cost of living is on the rise, being a city that attracts investment, living costs are increasing.


Rents are going up more than 8% every year, in some areas up to 20%. Because of this, houses and properties in Merida are in high demand, the costs of services such as schools, entertainment and recreation are increasing more than the annual GDP.


In summary of the disadvantages of living in Merida is that the more time passes the more expensive life becomes. If you were wondering how expensive it is to live in Merida? You already have the answer.


One factor that can change the picture of the disadvantages of living in Merida is that the beach is 20 minutes away. Your weekends will be different. Visit: beach houses in Merida Yucatan style and architecture.


As you can see, Merida is a city that invites people to stay for a long time to enjoy all the goodness that can be found in it. Now it's your turn to tell us, what is it like to live in Merida?

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