How Mexico City Has Changed in 2026: A Decade Later Perspective

Mexico City in 2026 is a better city than 2014 in infrastructure (expanded metro, new parks, world-class food scene reaching top global rankings), but significantly more expensive ($500/month Roma apartments now $1,000-1,500) and less authentically Mexican in popular expat neighborhoods (Roma/Condesa feel more like international destinations than local communities), rent has tripled in many areas while gentrification has displaced longtime residents. After a decade here, my honest assessment: you're no longer coming to an undiscovered gem, but to a major world city offering excellent quality of life at costs comparable to mid-tier US cities.

The Good: Infrastructure and Development

The metro system has expanded significantly. New lines have opened. The system is still overcrowded at rush hour, but connectivity is better. New parks have been built throughout the city, Parque Bicentenario, expanded Chapultepec Park, new green spaces in previously neglected areas. The city feels greener and more livable.

Public transportation options have improved. The addition of the Uber/Didi ecosystem has made getting around easier and cheaper than relying on the metro alone. Bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes have been added. The city is genuinely better at moving people around than it was in 2014.

Restaurants and food scene have reached world-class status. In 2014, great food was available but scattered. Now, Mexico City consistently ranks among the world's best food cities. New restaurants open constantly. The quality and diversity are remarkable.

The Bad: Gentrification and Rising Costs

This is the biggest change. Rent has skyrocketed. A one-bedroom apartment in Roma or Condesa that cost $500/month in 2014 now costs $1,000-1,500/month. Juarez, which was cheap and bohemian, is now trendy and expensive. Coyoacan is following the same pattern. Prices have tripled in many neighborhoods.

Gentrification has displaced communities. Longtime residents have been priced out of neighborhoods their families lived in for generations. The local character of some areas has been replaced by international chain restaurants and upscale boutiques catering to expats and wealthy Mexicans.

Tourist areas have become noticeably more touristy. Roma and Condesa feel more like international destinations than Mexican neighborhoods. The locals have been partly replaced by tourists, short-term renters, and expats. There's less authentic Mexican culture in the most popular expat areas.

The Neutral: More Developed, Less Authentic

The city is more developed overall. More chain stores (Starbucks, international brands), more shopping malls, more Western amenities. For some people, this is good, easier to find familiar products. For others, it diminishes the authenticity that attracted them to Mexico City in the first place.

Technology has transformed daily life. In 2014, paying by card wasn't always possible. Now, contactless payment is everywhere. Apps have replaced many traditional services. The city feels more "modern" and "international" in this sense.

The Worse: Environmental Issues

Air pollution remains a persistent problem. While regulations have improved, pollution days still happen regularly. The city still sits in a valley that traps smog. This hasn't really improved in the past decade and remains a health concern, especially for people with respiratory issues.

Water issues have become more visible. Mexico City faces serious water scarcity. Some neighborhoods experience water shortages. This is a long-term problem that's getting worse, not better. If you're sensitive to these issues, it's worth considering.

The Complicated: Security and Crime

Violent crime has fluctuated. In 2014, the city felt safer in certain ways. Gang violence peaked around 2015-2016, then improved. But it remains a background concern in a way it wasn't always. The serious crime doesn't typically affect tourists or expats in safe neighborhoods, but the city has definitely become more visibly violent in certain areas and times.

Who Benefits From Current CDMX

If you have good income (remote work, international salary): You can still live well in Mexico City, enjoying excellent food, culture, and lifestyle while saving money. If you like urban development and modern amenities: The city now has most things you'd find in major international cities. If you're an artist or creative: Despite gentrification, the arts scene remains vibrant. If you want nightlife and social scene: The expat community is large, active, and easy to integrate into.

Who Might Struggle

If you're budget-conscious on a Mexican salary: Prices have risen dramatically. Living on $1,500/month is much harder than it was in 2014. If you value authenticity: The most popular neighborhoods have been partially "expat-fied." Authentic Mexico City still exists but requires more effort to find. If you have respiratory issues: Air pollution remains a legitimate concern. If you want to feel like an adventurous outsider: The infrastructure is now so developed that it feels less like an adventure and more like living in a major international city.

My Honest Take

Mexico City in 2026 is a better city than it was in 2014 in many ways, better infrastructure, better food, more amenities, safer in established expat areas. It's also more expensive, more touristy, and less authentically Mexican in the popular neighborhoods. The city has been "discovered," and that has both positive and negative consequences.

Is it still worth moving to? Yes, absolutely. But with adjusted expectations. You're not coming to an undiscovered gem anymore. You're coming to a major world city that happens to be in Mexico and offers excellent quality of life. If you're okay with that reality, you'll find a fantastic place to live. If you were expecting to find some romantic version of an "authentic Mexico" in 2026, you'll be disappointed.

The city evolves. I've evolved with it. My Mexico City in 2026 looks different than it did in 2014, but I still love it here. The question is: what version of Mexico City appeals to you?

Related Mexico City Resources

• Mexico City Complete Expat Guide
• Housing & Relocation Services
• The Complete Mexico City Guide for Expats
• List Your CDMX Business