The safest city in Mexico for expats
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Is La Paz, Mexico safe for Americans? By Mexican standards, yes. In INEGI’s March 2026 urban safety survey, 46.6% of adults in La Paz said they felt unsafe in their city, well below the 61.5% national average and far below Cancún (74.9%). Los Cabos, two hours south, scored even better at 34.7%. Neither is the single safest city in Mexico (that’s San Pedro Garza García, near Monterrey), but among beach destinations they’re among the safest. The U.S. State Department rates Baja California Sur Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution”, the same as Quintana Roo. This guide is for buyers from California, Texas and Arizona.
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| 34.7% Feel unsafe in Los Cabos |
46.6% Feel unsafe in La Paz |
| 61.5% Mexico average |
Level 2 U.S. advisory for Baja California Sur |
| City | Adults Who Feel Unsafe (Mar 2026) | U.S. Advisory for the State |
|---|---|---|
| Mérida | 33.7% | Level 1 (Yucatán) |
| Los Cabos | 34.7% | Level 2 (Baja California Sur) |
| La Paz | 46.6% | Level 2 (Baja California Sur) |
| Puerto Vallarta | 59.9% | Level 3 (Jalisco) |
| Cancún | 74.9% | Level 2 (Quintana Roo) |
| Mexico average (91 cities) | 61.5% | — |
Source: INEGI, Encuesta Nacional de Seguridad Pública Urbana (ENSU), March 2026. U.S. levels: State Department advisory, June 2026. The survey measures how safe residents feel, not crime rates. Mérida is inland, not a beach city, but it’s a common comparison for expats.
In the June 2026 survey, the national figure dropped to 59.8% and Cancún to 70.1%. For the full Cabo vs. Cancún comparison, see Is Cabo Safer Than Cancún?
| La Paz | Los Cabos | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel unsafe (Mar 2026) | 46.6% | 34.7% |
| Lifestyle | State capital, local Mexican feel, Malecón | Resort area, gated golf communities |
| Flights to the U.S. | Fewer direct routes | Nonstop flights to about 28 U.S. cities |
| Cost of living | Lower | Higher |
See La Paz vs. Cabo: Where Should You Invest?
In both cities, safety varies by area. In La Paz, see Best Neighborhoods to Live in La Paz and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in La Paz. In Los Cabos, most U.S. buyers choose gated communities with controlled access and 24/7 security.
Generally yes. In March 2026, 46.6% of La Paz adults said they felt unsafe, compared with 61.5% nationally. Choose your neighborhood carefully.
In the March 2026 survey, Los Cabos scored better: 34.7% felt unsafe, versus 46.6% in La Paz.
By resident perception, San Pedro Garza García in Nuevo León (10.6% in June 2026). Among beach destinations, Los Cabos and La Paz rank among the safest.
By resident perception, yes: 34.7% in Los Cabos vs. 74.9% in Cancún in March 2026.
Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” the same as Quintana Roo, as of the June 2026 advisory.
We’re Century 21 agents in Baja California Sur with access to the Los Cabos and La Paz MLS. We help buyers from California, Texas and Arizona find homes in safe, well-located communities.
Sources: INEGI, ENSU, March 2026 (Table 1) and June 2026 press release; U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Mexico (June 2026), via Riviera Maya News; Quintana Roo Hoy, ENSU Cancún Q2 2026. Information verified October 2026.
Disclaimer: Safety conditions change. Check the current U.S. travel advisory and local conditions before you travel or buy. Karla & Erick are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Thinking of moving to Baja California Sur, México?
Karla Andreu and Erick Flores (Century 21) guide U.S. & Canadian buyers, expats, retirees, and families through every step.
We specialize in beach & golf communities across Los Cabos and Baja California Sur—offering expert advice, relocation support, and clear guidance to help you invest with confidence.
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