Living in Guanajuato Mexico
Travel Guide Series
Table of Contents
To be clear – this blog article is biased because I’m in love with Guanajuato the State and Guanajuato City. In this travel guide article, I want to share a little of why it’s my favorite place in Mexico and perhaps the most beautiful!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering taking the plunge to visit or move to the Unesco World Heritage town of Guanajuato, Mexico. Congratulations because you have chosen what I believe is the best and most underrated among the BIG 3 cities in Mexico’s Central Highlands. You have heard of the capital, Santiago de Queretaro (Queretaro), the more well-known famous little brother, San Miguel de Allende, and then you have the unknown stepbrother of the trio, Guanajuato City. And to be fair – it probably should be the most well-known of them all. Selfishly, I’m happy that it’s not.
In this blog post, we will discover why GTO has everything you want in a magical place to visit or live. From its vibrant culture and rich history to its stunning architecture and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Guanajuato. Vamos…
Topics: People Ask
Living in Guanajuato Mexico - Is Guanajuato a good place to live - How much money do you need to live in Guanajuato - Do you need a car in Guanajuato - Is Guanajuato safe - What are the best neighborhoods in Guanajuato - What is the Cost of Living in Guanajuato - Pros and Cons of Living in Guanajuato - Flights, Hotels, Maps, Location of Guanajuato - Travel Resources - What to Do and See in Guanajuato City - Best Hotels and Tours - How to Get to Guanajuato - What is Guanajuato Know For
The History and Climate of Guanajuato Mexico
Situated at an elevation of almost 7,000 ft in the heart of Mexico, Guanajuato is a city full of life, history, and energy, with just around 200,000 population. The narrow streets and colorful houses give the city a charming and picturesque European vibe, and the locals are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. The city is also home to several universities, making it a hub of intellectual activity and giving it a youthful and lively atmosphere.
Guanajuato, “the mountainous place of frogs” or frog hill,” has a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences, which can be seen in its culture, architecture, and cuisine. One of the things that makes Guanajuato so unique is its rich history and cultural heritage.
GTO is a city with a rich and fascinating history. It was founded in the early 16th century by the Spanish and became known as a major center for silver extraction in the 18th century. This wealth can still be seen in the city’s beautiful Baroque and neoclassical buildings, such as the churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana, which are considered to be some of the most stunning examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America.
When it comes to the weather, Guanajuato has a pleasant and temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The city experiences a rainy season from June to October but otherwise has relatively dry weather. The city is located at a high altitude, which means that it can get quite chilly at night. It’s hard to imagine a place with better year-round temperatures. It’s typical for me to wear shorts during the day and a jacket at night.
Living in Guanajuato as an Expat
Let’s look at a few things to see and do at your new home. The city is also home to several museums and cultural centers, such as the Mummy Museum and the National Museum of Guanajuato, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
Your days may start out by spending your mornings in one of the many coffee shops surrounded by historical structures.
Perhaps walking the winding paths to visit the “Boca del Inferno,” another must-see attraction in Guanajuato. This mineshaft plunges a staggering 600 meters deep and offers a glimpse into the city’s mining history. The churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana are also notable landmarks in Guanajuato. They are considered some of the most stunning examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America.
Along the numerous pretty plazas and cobbled alleys, the center (Centro Historico) is brimming with beautiful architecture, cultural venues, and a whole tourist to-do list of sights. The star of the show is Teatro Juárez.
Maybe in the afternoon or evening, you will want to visit one of the many markets for your shopping. You can choose from one of several museums (museos), gardens (jardins), or even one of the many shops. Then in the evening, have a night out in Zona Centro – perhaps at the theater, ballet performances, nightclubs, one of the numerous live entertainment spots, or one of the many rooftop restaurants. Stop and enjoy one of many street performers.
Of course, no trip to Guanajuato would be complete without trying the local cuisine. The city is known for its delicious street food (my favorite), with a wide variety of tacos, antiojitos, moles, tamales, and other Mexican dishes to choose from. The city is also home to many fine dining restaurants, offering a more upscale dining experience. And, when it comes to drinks, Guanajuato is home to some of Mexico’s finest tequilas and mezcals, as well as several craft breweries and wineries.
Resources
Google Flights – Trip.com – Travelocity – Hotwire – Trivago – Kiwi – TripAdvisor – Wayaway – Verbo – Cheaptickets – Booking.com – Hostelworld – Skyscanner – Expedia – Babbel –
During Your Travel
Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide – We use to book our tours
Insurance: EKTA and Visitors Coverage – Travel Insurance Abroad
Walmart – Amazon –Best Buy – Canva – Skull Shaver –
Cost of Living in Guanajuato City, Mexico
One of the main benefits of living in Guanajuato is the relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Mexico and internationally. Housing costs are generally lower than in other major cities, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around $300-$500 per month. Some of the condos are rented for around $700 a month on the edges of the city with terrific views. I often get asked, “Can I live on $1500 a month in Mexico?” and the answer is yes, and quite easily in Guanajuato without sacrificing many of the things you enjoy.
Food costs in Guanajuato are also quite reasonable, with a meal at a local restaurant averaging around $5-$10. Street food is around $2-$3. The city is also home to many supermarkets and grocery stores, where you can purchase essential items at a reasonable price. Shop mercados and tianguis to save on your grocery expenses, and eat street food to save even more.
Transportation costs in Guanajuato are also relatively inexpensive, with public buses and taxis being the most popular modes of transportation. A one-way bus ticket within the city typically costs around $0.50-$1, a taxi ride within the city center averages around $3-$5, and Uber even less. If you find a good Uber driver you can make arrangements to just use him/her and get great deals.
A routine medical check-up without insurance can be as little as $3.00.
Overall, the cost of living in Guanajuato is quite reasonable, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in a beautiful and culturally rich city and avoid some of the more expensive neighboring cities.
Read our breakdown of the cost of living in Queretaro and San Miquel de Allende.
Things to See an Do in Guanajuato Mexico
Guanajuato is a city with no shortage of things to see and do. Here are a few must-see landmarks and attractions, and check out the full list of things to do in Guanajuato HERE:
Mummy Museum: This unique museum houses a collection of mummies discovered in a nearby cemetery in the late 19th century. The museum is a fascinating look at the city’s history and cultural beliefs surrounding death.
Alhóndiga de Granaditas: This former grain storage facility turned museum is an important landmark in the city’s history, as it was the site of a key battle during the Mexican War of Independence. The museum now houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits about the city’s history.
Valenciana Mine: This former silver mine is now a popular tourist attraction and market.
Mercado Hidalgo and Mercado de Gavira: These two bustling indoor markets are great places to sample some local cuisines and pick up fresh meats, produce, and most anything else on your list.
El Callejón del Beso: (the alley of the Kiss) This narrow alleyway is one of the most romantic spots in the city. It is international know, with legend saying that couples who kiss at the end of the alley will be granted eternal love.
In addition to these landmarks, many festivals and events take place in Guanajuato throughout the year, such as the International Cervantes Festival (Festival Internacional Cervantino) and the Guanajuato Film Festival. You can read my in-depth articles about Cervantino and Dia de Muertos if you may be interested in this magical time in October.
Whether you are looking for culture, festivities, and history, are you interested in the energy of this World Heritage Site, the colonial tradition of its winding cobblestone narrow streets, or even if you enjoy the university’s youthful nightlife vibe? – You can find it in GTO.
Best Neighborhoods in Guanajuato City
Guanajuato is a city with several distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in the city:
Centro Historico: As the name suggests, this neighborhood is located in the center of the city and is home to many of the city’s landmarks and attractions. The narrow streets and colorful houses give the area a charming and picturesque vibe, and it’s a great place. It’s affordable but busy and can be loud.
La Valenciana: Located on the city’s outskirts, this neighborhood is known for its upscale homes and beautiful gardens. It’s a quieter and more residential area and is an excellent option for those looking for a more peaceful setting.
La Alhóndiga: You will find many more popular attractions and cultural hotspots here. Just a short walk down the streets of Pocitos or Avenida Juárez from the center of town.
Paseo de la Presa: This neighborhood is known for its more upscale shopping and dining options. It’s in an affluent area but still affordable. It’s located where the dam is and a bit of a walk to Centro.
Panoramica: This quiet area reminded me a little of living in Taxco, with its panoramic views of the entire city and only a short walk downhill to the center of town. If you like a quieter neighborhood with views, it’s your place. It is quiet a walk up the alleyways to this section of town but well worth it.
Ultimately, the best neighborhood for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Within each neighborhood, there is still a wide range of rental pricing, so you wouldn’t be priced out of any neighborhood that is your favorite.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Guanajuato
Like any city, Guanajuato has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to make the move:
Pros:
Affordable cost of living: As mentioned previously, the cost of living in Guanajuato is relatively low compared to other cities in Mexico and internationally. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget.
Vibrant culture and history: The city is rich in culture and history, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences. There are a number of landmarks, museums, and cultural centers to explore, and the city is known for its lively festivals and events.
Delicious food: The city is known for its delicious street food and fine dining restaurants, with a wide variety of Mexican and international cuisines to choose from.
Weather: Temperate Climate, and you will not need air conditioning or heat.
- Safety: Guanajuato is extremely safe. It is not uncommon to see people walking late at night with no worries and a heavy presence of law enforcement in the city.
Cons:
Language barrier: For those who don’t speak Spanish, there may be a bit of a language barrier to overcome. Still, many locals speak English, which is common with the student population.
Amenities: Unlike some of the other bigger cities in this area, you would not have the convenience of some of the stores you are used to back home. But, within an hour’s drive, you can find just about any place you were missing from back home. La Comer and Sorinana have most of the things you will need.
- Random fireworks at night, you pay to use the public restrooms if you can find them, you don’t flush the toilet paper, you can’t drink the water, and no free refills.
Ultimately, the pros and cons of living in Guanajuato will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Personally, I struggled to list any cons.
Why Live in Guanajuato?
In short, Guanajuato is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history or want to enjoy the delicious food and drinks, Guanajuato is the home. You can and most likely walk most places and would not need a car, and your health will improve from all that walking you do. But why not walk when the weather is perfect every day, and there is so much to do and see?
Think of a combination (Love Child) of Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende; then you have Guanajuato.
So what do you think? Could Guanajuato be right for you and what you are looking for in a place to call home in Mexico? I hope this travel guide has given you a taste of what this wonderful city offers, and I hope to see you in Guanajuato soon! We look forward to hearing from you.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Guanajuato.
As always, we appreciate you, and… Live Con Todo.
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- Trip Advisor
- Unesco World Heritage
- Personal Experiences
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand