Tulum

MexicoGMT-5

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

60.9/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,499/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

20Mbps

About Tulum

Tulum, located on Mexico's Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, has become a magnet for digital nomads and expats seeking a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and laid-back vibe, the town offers an appealing escape from urban hustle while still supporting remote work lifestyles. Its growing popularity is driven by affordable living costs and a welcoming international community.

The cost of living in Tulum is budget-friendly compared to many Western cities, with a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in an expat-friendly area averaging $800 monthly. Utilities, food, and transport are also reasonable, making it feasible for nomads to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. The town’s proximity to Tulum International Airport, just 40 minutes away, adds convenience for frequent travelers.

Internet connectivity is a key factor for remote workers, and Tulum delivers with median speeds of around 20 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces. While the infrastructure is improving, occasional outages during peak seasons or storms can pose challenges, so choosing reliable providers is essential. The tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, supports an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, though the wet season from May to October brings heavier rainfall.

Tulum’s nomad community is thriving, with an estimated 500 digital nomads and numerous coworking spaces fostering collaboration and social connections. Regular meetups and events cater to this group, enhancing the town’s appeal as a hub for creative and tech-minded individuals. Despite its many draws, potential residents should note safety advisories and plan for occasional infrastructure hiccups.

Demographics

Population33,374
LanguagesSpanish, Zapotec, Mixtec

Location

CountryMexico
TimezoneGMT-5
Airport to City40 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Private Shuttle

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay180 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,499
/mo
15.6% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Tulum, Mexico is $1,499, which is 15.6% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$800
53.4% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$74
4.9% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$225
15.0% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$50
3.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$250
16.7% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
6.7% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Tulum’s internet infrastructure is developing, with major providers like GigNet, Telmex, and others offering services. Median download speeds in public work-friendly spaces, such as coworking cafes, hover around 20 Mbps, adequate for most remote work needs. However, reliability can falter during peak tourist seasons or hurricane-related disruptions, with user reports noting occasional outages. Mobile data is widely available via 4G networks, ensuring connectivity on the go.

Tulum hosts a vibrant nomad community, estimated at 500 digital nomads, drawn by its affordable lifestyle and scenic surroundings. With around 10 coworking spaces like Los Amigos Cowork and Tulum Jungle Gym, there are ample options for productive work environments. Regular meetups, workshops, and social events create a strong sense of community, making it easy for newcomers to connect and collaborate.

20Mbps
4G
3providers
500
Nomads
10+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Tulum enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures ranging from 24°C in January to 29°C in August. The dry season (November to April) offers pleasant weather with lower humidity, ideal for outdoor work and leisure. The wet season (May to October) brings higher rainfall, peaking in September at 194 mm, which can affect plans but keeps the landscape lush. Year-round warmth supports Tulum’s appeal for nomads seeking a sunny base.
Temperature Range
24°C - 29°C
Avg: 27°C
Annual Rainfall
1107mm
Monthly Avg: 92mm
Jan
01
24°C
☀️
40 mm
Feb
02
25°C
☀️
34 mm
Mar
03
26°C
☀️
21 mm
Apr
04
27°C
☀️
38 mm
May
05
28°C
☀️
104 mm
💧
Jun
06
29°C
☀️
139 mm
💧
Jul
07
29°C
☀️
132 mm
💧
Aug
08
29°C
☀️
130 mm
💧
Sep
09
28°C
☀️
194 mm
💧
Oct
10
27°C
☀️
150 mm
💧
Nov
11
26°C
☀️
69 mm
Dec
12
25°C
☀️
56 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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