Long Read

león de los aldamas vs. mexico city: which one offers a better life for a freelance photographer like me?

@Ethan Hunt2/8/2026blog

okay, so i've been living in león de los aldamas for a while now, and i gotta say, it's been a wild ride. as a freelance photographer, i'm all about capturing the beauty in the everyday, and this city's got it in spades. but, i've also heard great things about mexico city, and i'm wondering, which one's really the better choice? i mean, have you seen the cost of living table for both cities? it's like, mexico city's got a slightly higher cost of living, but león de los aldamas makes up for it with its super affordable rent. for example, according to yelp, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in león de los aldamas is around $200-300 usd per month, whereas in mexico city, it's more like $400-600 usd per month. and don't even get me started on the food - león de los aldamas' got some of the best tacos i've ever had, and they're like, a third of the price of what you'd pay in mexico city.

so, i was talking to this local the other day, and they were telling me about how león de los aldamas is actually really safe, despite what you might hear. they said something like, "dude, we've got a lower crime rate than most cities in the us, and the people are super friendly." and, i mean, i've been here for a while now, and i can attest to that. plus, the weather's always sunny, and it's like, a short drive to some of the most beautiful beaches in mexico. right now, it's a gorgeous day, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze - it's like, the perfect day to grab your camera and hit the streets.

but, on the other hand, mexico city's got a certain energy to it that's hard to find anywhere else. it's like, the city's always buzzing, and there's always something to do, whether it's checking out a new museum or trying some street food. and, let's be real, the job market's way more extensive in mexico city - i mean, it's the capital, after all. according to tripadvisor, mexico city's got a thriving expat community, with plenty of opportunities for freelance photographers like myself.

so, i guess what i'm saying is, it really depends on what you're looking for. if you want a more relaxed pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing photos, león de los aldamas might be the way to go. but, if you're looking for a more fast-paced, energetic lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to advance your career, mexico city's your bet. either way, you can't go wrong - both cities are amazing in their own ways. check out this local subreddit for more info on león de los aldamas, and this yelp review for the lowdown on mexico city. and, if you're feeling adventurous, take a trip to león de los aldamas and see for yourself - i promise you won't regret it.


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About the author: Ethan Hunt

Advocate for mindful living in a digital age.

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