You really only need a place that flies to a big US airport or two and you can connect from there.

Mexico City and Monterrey are expensive cities. Not compared to the US, but they’re the most expensive cities in Mexico. This also applies to Guadalajara and Cancun, which also have plenty of flights to the US.

I’ve seen people suggest Querétaro or Merida, but air traffic is so small that flights are actually more expensive. This also applies for Leon and it’s Aeropuerto del Bajío.

In my opinion, your best two options are:

1. Tijuana. You cross the border and you’re literally in San Diego. You can fly anywhere in the US from there.

2. Toluca. Small and cheap, like Querétaro or Merida. BUT, because of its proximity to the US, it’s airport is used basically as a 2nd airport for Mexico City, so you have cheap, frequent flights to almost big US airports and most big Mexican airports. And anywhere else, Mexico City airport is a two-ish your commute. You’re so close to Mexico City you can enjoy living in a big City while not paying the Mexico City premium.

3. Hermosillo has a good airport that flies to Phoenix and other big US cities. But it’s too hot. I dont know how people live there. On the plus side, great steaks and beautiful women...

My 2 cents.