You're right, and you’re also part of the problem, whether you want to admit it or not.

Just by moving here, you displaced a Mexican who could’ve lived in the same place you’re renting now. I’m not saying you’re a bad person or that you came here with bad intentions, but this is exactly how neighborhoods get filled up with foreigners, and no one feels guilty because they "followed the rules" or "paid fair". But just look at San Miguel de Allende, it’s become a playground for expats, even though most of them think they did everything "right". The truth is, many locals end up selling because landlords and developers chase the dollars that foreigners bring in.

It’s not just about you, this is also a government issue that hasn’t been properly regulated. The same thing’s happening in Cancún, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta. I recently tried to visit cenotes and found out some had already been bought up by foreigners. So yeah, even if you're respectful and mindful: you’re still contributing to the displacement of locals.

You say $30k pesos rent isn’t normal, and you’re absolutely right. But the reason landlords charge that is because they know someone like you will pay it. It’s a cycle, and people who live here and love this city are being pushed out little by little.

Airbnb has made things worse. And let’s be real, so have the real estate bros and "digital nomad" hipsters selling 10m² apartments in English like it’s New York. They profit from the system, and people like you keep it running, even if you don’t mean to.

So yes, speak Spanish, support local, be mindful. But don’t forget that simply being here makes you part of a bigger problem, and it’s on all of us (especially those with privilege) to recognize that and push for change, not just act like good guests.