Moving to Querétaro: expat guide
Querétaro has become one of the favorite places to relocate in Mexico. Families from Mexico City, professionals from across the country and foreigners who come for work or retirement find an orderly city with a good quality of life, within easy reach of the capital. This guide sums up what is worth knowing before you make the move.
A historic city with an active economy
The historic center of Santiago de Querétaro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: cobblestone streets, plazas, baroque churches and its iconic aqueduct. At the same time, the city has a dynamic economy driven by industry, aerospace and automotive manufacturing, services, technology and education, with industrial parks and research centers that attract talent from many places, including a sizeable international community.
Climate
The climate is mild and semi-arid. Days are usually sunny and nights cool; spring is the warmest season and the rains come mostly in summer. Winters are dry, with chilly mornings and pleasant afternoons. In general you do not need heating or air conditioning year-round, although many newer homes include one or the other.
Where to live
The metropolitan area spans the municipalities of Querétaro, Corregidora, El Marqués and Huimilpan, among others. In the north, Juriquilla, Jurica and Cumbres del Lago offer residential communities with green spaces, schools and services. To the northeast, Zibatá and El Refugio are master-planned communities with amenities. In the central-south area and neighborhoods such as Milenio III you will find practical locations close to offices, hospitals and shopping centers. If you enjoy walkable city life, the historic center and its surroundings have a special charm. Our guide to the best neighborhoods in Querétaro covers each one in more depth.
Cost of living
Compared with Mexico City or many cities in the United States and Canada, many newcomers find their budget goes further in Querétaro, especially for housing, although prices have risen with demand. Costs depend heavily on the area and type of property: an apartment in a central neighborhood is not priced like a house on a golf-course development. Also factor in community maintenance fees, utilities and transport. Browsing our catalog and each area's price per square meter is the best way to get a realistic picture.
Schools, universities and healthcare
The city has a wide range of public and private schools, including bilingual schools and some with international programs, as well as well-regarded public and private universities. For healthcare there are private and public hospitals, specialist clinics and doctors' offices in practically every residential area, and many doctors in private practice speak English. When choosing where to live, locate your children's school and your preferred hospital to keep commutes short.
Getting around
Querétaro connects to Mexico City via Highway 57, a drive of around two to three hours depending on traffic, and has an international airport with domestic flights and some direct routes abroad. Within the city most residents drive; there is public transport and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Main avenues can get congested at rush hour, so the location of your home relative to work makes a big difference.
Renting or buying as a foreigner
If you arrive without knowing the city, renting for a few months lets you try out an area before buying. Querétaro is an inland state, so foreigners can generally buy property and hold title in their own name; the purchase is formalized before a notary, who verifies the paperwork and registers the deed. Whether you rent or buy, visit several options, compare prices per square meter and review the documents with an advisor. At Living Q we support you in English from your first search until you get the keys.
Featured properties
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For sale5-Bedroom House with Jacuzzi for Sale in San Miguel de Allende
Otomíes · San Miguel de Allende
- 5 bd
- 5 ba
- 450 m² built
For sale3-Bedroom House with Garden for Sale in Grand Juriquilla, Querétaro
Juriquilla · Querétaro
- 3 bd
- 3 ba
- 210 m² built
$18,571 MXN/m² · 25% below the area average
For rentUnfurnished 2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Home Coto, Milenio III
Milenio III · Querétaro
- 2 bd
- 2 ba
- 85 m² built
For sale3-Bedroom House with Garden for Sale in La Reserva, Valle de Juriquilla
Juriquilla · Querétaro
- 3 bd
- 4 ba
- 185 m² built
For saleFurnished 2-Bedroom Apartment with View for Sale in Zibatá, El Marqués
Zibatá · El Marqués
- 2 bd
- 2 ba
- 140 m² built
For rent3-Bedroom House for Rent in Claustros de la Catedral, Centro Sur, Querétaro
Claustros de la Catedral · Querétaro
- 3 bd
- 3 ba
- 151 m² built
Frequently asked questions
Is Querétaro a good place for expats?
Many expats think so: it offers quality of life, schools and healthcare, jobs and proximity to Mexico City. Ideally, visit several areas before deciding.
Can foreigners buy property in Querétaro?
Yes. As an inland state, foreigners can generally hold title directly. A notary formalizes the purchase and we guide you through each step.
How far is Querétaro from Mexico City?
Around two to three hours by car on Highway 57, depending on traffic and your starting point.
What is the weather like in Querétaro?
Mild and semi-arid: sunny days, cool nights, a warm spring and summer rains.
Should I rent before buying?
If you do not know the city yet, renting for a few months helps you choose an area with more confidence before buying.