Cancun is often pictured as a dreamy paradise of turquoise waters and endless sunshine, but as a digital nomad, my experience was far from ideal. To be fair, I arrived with the flu and spent my first week mostly confined to my Airbnb, which may have skewed my impression. Still, after recovering and exploring the city, I realized that Cancun just isn’t for me as a remote worker. Here’s why.

The Beaches: Beautiful but Not Always Comfortable

There’s no denying that Cancun has some stunning beaches. However, during my stay, the wind was relentless. Sitting on the beach often meant getting pelted by sand, making it less of a relaxing experience than I had hoped for. While it’s nice to have the Caribbean right there, I didn’t find myself enjoying it as much as I expected.

Cost of Living: Definitely Not Budget-Friendly

If you’re looking for an affordable place to live as a digital nomad, Cancun isn’t it. Accommodation was significantly pricier than in Merida, where I had just come from. The cost of a private room in a shared apartment was the same as renting an entire home in Merida.

Surprisingly, restaurants in Cancun were reasonably priced, and I actually found more deals compared to Merida. Some spots offered a menu del día for around 100 pesos, making eating out a bit more affordable. However, when factoring in rent and other living costs, Mexico as a whole just felt expensive compared to other digital nomad hotspots I’ve been to, like North Macedonia, Turkey, Portugal, and Colombia.

The Crowds: Even in Low Season, It’s Packed

One of my biggest frustrations with Cancun was how touristy it was. Even though I visited in the low season, it still felt overcrowded. I can’t even imagine what it must be like during peak season! If you’re someone who thrives in a quiet, local-feeling environment, Cancun might not be for you.

The Digital Nomad Community: Lacking

I was also disappointed by the digital nomad scene. I didn’t come across a strong community of remote workers like I’ve found in other places. It seemed to be more of a retiree destination rather than a hub for location-independent professionals. Unlike Colombia or Antigua, where I could easily find cozy cafes with great Wi-Fi to work from, I struggled to find good coworking spaces or comfortable cafés in Cancun.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?

After leaving Mexico and spending just four days in Antigua, Guatemala, I immediately felt a drastic change in my mood and experience. The cooler weather, welcoming community, and charming atmosphere of Antigua made me realize how important the right destination is.

For me, Cancun just didn’t check the boxes as a great digital nomad destination. The high costs, lack of a strong digital nomad community, hot weather, and touristy vibe make it a less-than-ideal place to settle in as a digital nomad. While Mexico has plenty to offer travelers, if you’re looking for an affordable, community-driven, and comfortable remote work destination, there are better options out there.