Find a place in Oaxaca within 4 weeks

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Shortlists properties and visits them for you

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Backs your application and negotiates the lease

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Every step protected, no hidden surprises

Why choose a home finder ?

Zoé, ou un autre de nos chasseurs to Oaxaca, prendra en charge votre recherche

Photo chasseur immobilier - Anne - Oaxaca

Anne, ou un autre de nos chasseurs to Oaxaca, prendra en charge votre recherche

Reliability of listings
Your hunter is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
Your hunter can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and even to quite a few off market offers
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Scam risk
At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our hunter.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time is spent on research, and 15% on visits. With a hunter, you only do the visits
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Application accepted
In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your hunter will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

Total
Total
Weak
Very likely
95%
Oaxaca

Oaxaca de Juárez, the capital of Oaxaca state in southwestern Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant artisan culture, and status as Mexico's culinary capital — home to the seven mole sauces, tlayudas, and mezcal. The long-term rental market is concentrated in neighborhoods such as Jalatlaco, Centro Histórico, Xochimilco, and Reforma, where furnished apartments typically rent for 8,000–15,000 MXN/month (approx. 400–750 USD/month) according to MexFacts (2024). The rental process in Mexico requires a fiador (local guarantor), a written lease in Spanish, and a deposit of one to two months' rent. Rents in central areas have risen sharply in recent years due to growing demand from remote workers and international residents. The city's mild climate, rich cultural calendar — including the Guelaguetza festival and Day of the Dead celebrations — and affordable cost of living make it a compelling destination for long-term stays.

In short: Oaxaca is an affordable, culturally rich city in southern Mexico where long-term rentals in central neighborhoods (Jalatlaco, Centro Histórico, Xochimilco, Reforma) range from approximately 8,000 MXN/month to 15,000 MXN/month for a furnished 1–2 bedroom apartment (MexFacts, 2024). The main challenge for foreign renters is the fiador requirement — a Mexican citizen guarantor. Leases are typically 12 months, written in Spanish, and require a deposit of one to two months' rent. Budget-conscious renters can find options from around 4,000 MXN/month in peripheral areas like Xoxocotlán.

Oaxaca de Juárez, the capital of Oaxaca state, is widely regarded as one of Mexico's most culturally rich cities. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur at an altitude of approximately 1,550 metres, the city enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, with warm days and cool evenings.

The city is internationally recognized as Mexico's culinary capital — the birthplace of the seven legendary mole sauces, tlayudas, chapulines, and the smoky spirit of mezcal. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to colonial-era architecture, vibrant street art, and a thriving artisan community of weavers, potters, jewelers, and painters.

For long-term residents, Oaxaca offers a high quality of life at a relatively modest cost. The city has a well-established expat and digital nomad community, a growing number of coworking spaces, reliable internet infrastructure in central neighborhoods, and excellent access to local markets such as the Mercado Benito Juárez and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Cultural events, including the famous Guelaguetza festival, the Day of the Dead celebrations, and year-round gallery openings, make Oaxaca an exceptionally engaging place to live long-term.

Day-to-day life in Oaxaca as a long-term renter is generally comfortable and well-served by local infrastructure. The city center is highly walkable, and colectivos (shared minibuses) provide affordable transport to peripheral neighborhoods for just a few pesos per ride.

Grocery shopping is easy and affordable: the Mercado Benito Juárez and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre offer fresh produce, local cheeses, chapulines, and prepared foods at low prices. Larger supermarkets such as Chedraui and Soriana are available for imported goods and household supplies.

Internet connectivity is generally reliable in central neighborhoods, with home plans costing approximately 400–800 MXN/month. A growing number of coworking spaces cater to remote workers. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) typically add 1,500–3,000 MXN/month to your housing costs, depending on usage and season — air conditioning is rarely needed given the mild altitude climate, which helps keep electricity bills low.

Healthcare is accessible through both public (IMSS, ISSSTE) and private clinics. Many expats opt for private health insurance or pay out of pocket for consultations, which remain affordable by international standards. The city's cultural calendar — from the Guelaguetza festival in July to the elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and November — ensures that long-term residents are rarely short of things to experience.

Oaxaca City's long-term rental market has evolved considerably in recent years. Increased interest from remote workers, digital nomads, and international residents has driven demand — and rents — upward in the most central neighborhoods. According to a 2024 real estate analysis, rents in central areas more than doubled over the five years to 2024, with the strongest pressure felt in Jalatlaco and the Centro Histórico.

The market is largely informal: listings are spread across local Facebook groups, word-of-mouth networks, and platforms such as Inmuebles24 and Vivanuncios, as well as international platforms. There is no centralized MLS-style database. Furnished apartments targeting expats and digital nomads are increasingly common, while unfurnished units aimed at local renters remain available at lower price points in peripheral neighborhoods.

Lease terms are typically 12 months, though some landlords — particularly those renting furnished units — accept shorter stays of three to six months at a slight premium. The rental market is unregulated in Mexico, meaning contract terms, deposit amounts, and renewal conditions vary widely between landlords.

Oaxaca City is organized around a compact historic center, with distinct neighborhoods each offering a different atmosphere for long-term renters:

  • Centro Histórico: The heart of the city, home to the Zócalo, the Santo Domingo church, and the main markets. Highly walkable, with the widest range of restaurants, cafés, and cultural venues. Rents are among the highest in the city and noise levels can be significant near busy streets and churches.
  • Jalatlaco: A small, charming barrio just northeast of the center, known for its cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and quiet atmosphere. Named one of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world by Time Out magazine (2019) and declared the first Magical Barrio of Mexico in 2023. Popular with expats and creatives; rents are relatively high and availability is limited.
  • Xochimilco: A quieter, more residential neighborhood with a strong local character. Slightly more affordable than Jalatlaco, with a mix of traditional homes and smaller apartment buildings. Well-suited to those seeking a calmer, more community-oriented environment.
  • Reforma: A more modern, urban neighborhood with wider streets, supermarkets, and international brand stores. Favored by expats seeking contemporary amenities and convenience. Rents are comparable to the central areas.
  • Xoxocotlán: Located approximately 3 km south of the Zócalo, this peripheral area offers significantly lower rents — around 4,000 MXN/month for a two-bedroom apartment — making it attractive for budget-conscious long-term renters willing to commute.

Oaxaca City remains one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Mexico for long-term renters. According to MexFacts (2024), a furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood such as Jalatlaco or Centro Histórico costs between 8,000 MXN/month and 15,000 MXN/month (roughly 400 USD/month to 750 USD/month). Renters on a tighter budget can look to neighborhoods just outside the historic core — areas like Xoxocotlán offer two-bedroom apartments for around 4,000 MXN/month. It is important to factor in utilities and internet on top of the base rent, as these are almost always billed separately by landlords in Oaxaca.

Monthly rental costs in Oaxaca City vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, apartment size, and whether the unit is furnished. In the most sought-after central areas — Centro Histórico, Jalatlaco, Xochimilco, and Reforma — a furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment typically rents for between 8,000 MXN/month and 15,000 MXN/month (approximately 400 USD/month to 750 USD/month), according to MexFacts (2024). Unfurnished units and apartments located further from the historic center, such as in Xoxocotlán, can be found for as little as 4,000 MXN/month (approximately 200 USD/month). Utilities — electricity, water, and gas — are generally not included in the rent and may add 1,500 MXN/month to 3,000 MXN/month depending on usage. Home internet plans typically cost between 400 MXN/month and 800 MXN/month. Landlords commonly require a security deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent, paid upfront at lease signing.

Finding and securing a long-term rental in Oaxaca involves several steps that differ from processes in Europe or North America:

  1. Define your neighborhood and budget: Research the main neighborhoods (Centro Histórico, Jalatlaco, Xochimilco, Reforma) and set a realistic monthly budget including utilities and internet.
  2. Search for listings: Use local platforms such as Inmuebles24 and Vivanuncios, as well as Facebook groups dedicated to Oaxaca housing and expat communities. Word of mouth and local real estate agencies are also effective.
  3. Visit properties in person: Always visit a property before committing. Check internet speed, water pressure, noise levels, and natural light. Visit at different times of day if possible.
  4. Negotiate terms: Rent, deposit amount, lease duration, and included utilities are all negotiable. Landlords renting to foreigners may request a larger upfront deposit in lieu of a fiador.
  5. Prepare your rental file: Landlords typically require a valid passport or ID, proof of income or savings (bank statements, employer letter, or equivalent), and — most importantly — a fiador (Mexican citizen guarantor who owns property in the state). If you cannot provide a fiador, be prepared to negotiate an alternative arrangement such as several months' rent paid in advance.
  6. Sign a written lease (contrato de arrendamiento): Ensure the contract is in Spanish and covers rent amount, payment date, lease duration, deposit terms, and the responsibilities of both parties. Mexico's rental market is unregulated, so there is no standard contract form.
  7. Pay the deposit and first month's rent: A deposit of one to two months' rent is standard. Some landlords also request a small reservation fee (apartado) to hold the property while paperwork is finalized.

When searching for a long-term rental in Oaxaca, several common mistakes can complicate your experience:

  • Underestimating the fiador requirement: Most landlords in Mexico require a fiador (guarantor), who must typically be a Mexican citizen and property owner in the state. Foreigners who arrive without a local contact may struggle to meet this requirement. Negotiating a larger upfront deposit is sometimes accepted as an alternative, but this must be agreed in writing.
  • Signing a lease without visiting the neighborhood first: Oaxaca's neighborhoods have very different characters. Booking a short-term rental in your target area before committing to a long-term lease is strongly recommended.
  • Ignoring noise and environmental factors: Colonial-era buildings near churches, markets, or busy streets can be subject to early-morning bells, traffic, and weekend festivities. Always visit the property at different times of day before signing.
  • Assuming utilities are included: Electricity, water, and gas are almost always billed separately. Clarify what is included in the quoted rent before signing any contract.
  • Not having a written lease in Spanish: Mexico's rental market is largely unregulated. Always insist on a written contract (contrato de arrendamiento) that clearly states rent amount, duration, deposit terms, and responsibilities of both parties.
  • Overlooking rent inflation in central areas: Rents in Jalatlaco and Centro Histórico have risen sharply in recent years due to increased demand. Research current market rates before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
  • Start with a short-term rental: Before committing to a 12-month lease, spend at least two to four weeks in your target neighborhood. This lets you assess noise levels, proximity to amenities, and internet quality firsthand.
  • Sort out the fiador question early: The fiador (Mexican citizen guarantor) is the single biggest hurdle for foreign renters. Start building local connections or ask your real estate agent about landlords who accept a larger upfront deposit as an alternative.
  • Test the internet before signing: Ask for the name of the installed provider and request a recent speed test. Run your own tests at different times of day — evening congestion is common in some areas of Oaxaca.
  • Clarify what is included in the rent: Always confirm in writing whether electricity, water, gas, and internet are included. Most landlords in Oaxaca bill these separately.
  • Use local listing platforms: Inmuebles24, Vivanuncios, and local Facebook housing groups often have listings not found on international platforms, and at more competitive prices.
  • Be aware of seasonal price variations: Demand for rentals peaks around major festivals (Guelaguetza in July, Day of the Dead in late October/November). Starting your search outside these periods may give you more negotiating leverage.
  • Get everything in writing: Mexico's rental market is unregulated. Ensure your contrato de arrendamiento clearly states the monthly rent in MXN, the deposit amount, the lease duration, and the conditions for renewal or early termination.

Finding a long-term rental in Oaxaca as a foreigner can be challenging — especially when it comes to navigating the fiador requirement, understanding local lease norms, and identifying trustworthy listings in a largely informal market. Remoters offers a rental search support service to help you find and secure accommodation in Oaxaca: from shortlisting neighborhoods and properties that match your criteria, to guiding you through the lease process and helping you prepare your rental file. Whether you are relocating for several months or planning an extended stay, having local expertise on your side can save significant time and help you avoid common pitfalls.

What are you looking for in Oaxaca?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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