Are you looking for a way out of the US? Then going down south may be a good idea. Is Tulum, Mexico safe though? Find out here.
March 28, 2025
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
Every year, over 10 million tourists flock to Cancun, basking in the glorious sun while enjoying themselves in paradise.
But there’s another town to consider in the state of Quintana Roo, especially if you’re looking past being a tourist and want to be a Mexican resident instead: Tulum.
Just two hours away by car, this city is popular with both influencers and digital nomads, who love the beauty and community nature of the town. But you’ll also find expats who want to escape the US to live out their days in a beautiful coastal town on the Riviera Maya.
But is Tulum, Mexico safe, and what should you watch out for? This article will go over crime rates, safety tips, and more to give you more confidence about relocating.
Is Tulum, Mexico Safe?
In general, Tulum is considered safe for both expats and tourists, and it even made our list of the safest cities in Mexico. While in recent years, the city’s seen an increase in crime, it’s mainly due to drug-related activity that doesn’t involve normal everyday people.
Violent crime is uncommon for those who aren’t involved in illegal activities, but you should still stay informed and take precautions while you’re out. The common crimes in Tulum include:
- Petty crime (pickpocketing and theft)
- Scams (ATM fraud, overpriced services, fake taxis)
- Corruption (policy bribery for minor offenses)
So, is Tulum safe for tourists? Yes, it is, as long as you’re aware of the above and are proactive about your safety. Most of the petty crimes happen in crowded areas, beaches, and nightlife spots, so be alert when in those places.
If you want to either visit or live in Tulum, then the key is knowing where to stay, avoiding risky areas at night, and being cautious with nightlife. This means that the answer to the question, “Is Tulum, Mexico safe to live?” is also “Yes.”
The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Tulum
It’s the same anywhere you go; the neighborhood you pick to reside in can make a huge difference. Here in Tulum, the right neighborhood can significantly impact your safety and quality of life.
Below are some of the best areas you can consider.
Aldea Zama
Aldea Zama is one of the most popular neighborhoods for expats. It’s an upscale, gated community that has a higher security presence, so you’ll feel very secure.
A bonus is that the neighborhood is close to amenities and modern infrastructure.
La Veleta
This is another trendy expat community, but the one downside is that the infrastructure is still developing. Some streets are still unpaved, so you’ll have to work around that.
The upside is that there are more affordable housing options. If you’re on a budget, then La Veleta can be appealing.
Tulum Beach Zone
This area is more tourist-focused, meaning it’s expensive but beautiful. There’s limited housing for long-term residents, so if you see a property you like, make sure to snatch it up fast.
There’s high foot traffic in the Tulum Beach Zone, making it relatively safe.
Downtown Tulum
Downtown Tulum is also known as Centro, and it’s much more affordable for those who want to stay long term. There’s good access to markets, restaurants, and public transport.
Do note that there are higher petty crime rates the downtown area, so exercise caution.
Tankah Bay and Akumal
Tankah Bay and Akumal are technically outside of Tulum, but they’re very close if you have a car. There are quieter and safer residential areas, making these neighborhoods better for retirees or families.
But because you’re a 20 to 25-minute drive outside of Tulum, you’ll definitely need a car. Otherwise, it’ll be tough to get around.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle Safety
The cost of living in Tulum, Mexico really depends on your lifestyle; it can be affordable or expensive. For example, rent can cost as low as $700 per month for an apartment or as much as $2,500 per month for a luxury villa. And dining out can cost $5 per meal in a local spot vs. $20 per meal in a tourist spot.
Other expenses include utilities and internet ($80 to $150 per month) and groceries ($300 to $600 per month).
Make sure you avoid housing scams when moving to Tulum by only using reputable agencies and don’t take online-only deals. You should also double-check prices before buying things, as some businesses overcharge foreigners.
In addition, when you’re getting money from the ATMs, use the ones inside banks to prevent yourself from being a victim of card skimming.
Transportation and Road Safety
You can ride bicycles and scooters in Tulum, and they’re both pretty popular. However, you’ll have to be extra careful since there’s a lack of proper roads.
As for driving, car rentals are safe, but watch out for police stops who may ask for bribes.
If you’d like to get somewhere by car but don’t drive, you’ll have to use a taxi, as ridesharing apps don’t operate in Tulum. They’re safe, but as in any part of the world, the drivers will try to price gouge you. This makes it important to negotiate fares before you enter the vehicle.
There are also colectivos (shared vans or shuttles), which are affordable. But they can be crowded and hot during the summer. Plus, they’re not always reliable and may break down, leaving you without transportation.
Healthcare
While living in Tulum, it’s essential to know ahead of time what healthcare and emergency services are available.
Generally speaking, the city has decent healthcare facilities, but lacks major hospitals. There are hospitals in Playa del Carmen, which is 45 minutes away. It’s better for serious medical care, while the private clinics within the city are available for minor treatments.
Natural and Environmental Safety
The tap water isn’t safe to drink in Tulum, so always use filtered or bottled water for drinking and cooking.
As with any hot place, there are mosquitoes, and therefore, dengue fever. Make sure to use repellent whenever you’re outdoors.
Lastly, Tulum experiences a hurricane season that lasts from June until November. October is the wettest month, so plan your activities very carefully during that period. The roads in Tulum aren’t as well designed for the wet weather, so during these months it can be muddy and many potholes can make driving a little reckless.
General Safety Tips
Don’t flash your valuables when you’re in public, such as phones, jewelry, and cash. If you have to be out after dark, then avoid walking alone, especially in unlit areas. While in nightlife areas, don’t drink excessively, as this will make you more vulnerable.
As for your house, always lock your doors, even if you live in a gated community. Stay informed about local news and security updates so you’re aware of what’s happening.
Most importantly, respect local customs and don’t discuss cartel-related topics.
Will You Be Moving to Tulum, Mexico?
So, is Tulum, Mexico safe? The reality is that it’s a desirable city to live, as long as you take the right precautions.
Not only do you have to stay aware of your surroundings and adapt to the local lifestyle, but you also have to choose the right neighborhood to reside in. Crime will always exist in all parts of the world, but you can generally mitigate risks by using common-sense practices.
And Mexico has great entry visas, with 180 days available on arrival, and super easy residency options that allow for easy tax set-ups and asset protections, no matter where you are from.
Contact us today if you’re considering a move to Tulum and have questions about your finances. Global Wealth Protection has the right internationalization strategies to minimize your tax burdens.
