How Much Does It Cost to Live In Mexico?
Mexico, in general, is not an expensive country, but it depends on where you live.
The food is cheap, and so is the drink, there’s a vibrant nightlife that won’t cost you a lung, you can make delicious food with their exotic groceries and above all – you live in a tropical paradise that is possibly much cheaper than your own home town.
A good thing to remember is that if you’re staying in places like Santa Fe, La Condesa or Polanco expect higher prices, especially for rent!
Mexico : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
If you’re planning on dining out anywhere in Mexico and yet saving some money, prepare around 10$ for two!
With this, you can buy yourself even a couple of drinks.
There’s always the option of street food for a couple of dollars or a large pizza, home delivered, which will cost you about 6$.
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two can cost anywhere from 31.95 $ and up.
MARKETS
When it comes to buying food at supermarkets, it is definitely cheaper than eating out regularly.
You can always get a membership card at Walmart, which costs around 25$ each year, and then the foods cost a little less.
For a family of five, for example, you’ll need around 400$ monthly at Walmart.
You can also buy fresh veggies and fruit at local open markets that are common in every city.
TRANSPORTATION
If you prefer walking and taking the bus (or other forms of public transport), your transportation costs will be as little as 25$ or 30$ per month, and if you want to drive a car, it will definitely cost you more – around 130$ per month.
A monthly pass for public transport amounts to around 19$ and a one-way ticket costs less than a dollar.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are generally cheap in Mexico!
Of course, depending on the size of your apartment and the amount of electricity you spend, your bills could be higher or lower.
Still, all in all – for an apartment of around 85m2, all essential utilities including electricity, gas, water, heating, cooling, and garbage services, will cost you around 56$.
Internet isn’t included in this, separately, it costs around 20$.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Indulging in sports definitely takes a considerable toll on your wallet, and this is true in Mexico too, though it is definitely less expensive than in most countries.
For example, membership in a gym or a fitness club will cost you less than 32$.
Cinema tickets are much cheaper, however, costing only about 3$ each.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Shopping for clothes in Mexico is not a bad idea – it’s filled with shopping malls and the prices aren’t too high.
For example, shopping for quality jeans like Levi’s will cost you around 47$, while a pair of quality running shoes of brands like Nike will cost you less than 81$ which is a reasonable price.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent is not through the roof in Mexico, though it’s not a bargain either.
It all depends on where you want to live.
If you’ve got your mind set on the center of one of the major cities, the average price will be around 300$.
However, there are many charming little apartments that are a bit further away from the centers, and they cost considerably less – 303.05$ a month.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Mexico
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $7.99 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.02 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.73 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.24 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.95 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.86 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.53 |
| Monthly Pass | $18.64 |
| Gasoline | $1.21 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $55.78 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $-1.92 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $27.61 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $31.97 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $14.49 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $4.26 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $46.10 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $35.55 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $80.41 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $500.91 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $303.05 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $873.56 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Mexico?
Of course – food, like in most countries and cities.
An average person living in Mexico, and having to feed his/her family, spends the most significant amount of their money in supermarkets and opens “mercados”.
After food, rent is the most significant expense for people living in Mexico.
The rent isn’t the biggest financial problem financially for Mexican people, but it is a bit high and you have to set aside a large portion of your salary.
Restaurants and transportation are also significant expenses for an average person living in Mexico.
Average Costs Breakdown
Mexico: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
People of Mexico can find a way to manage their expenses with their salaries, though it probably isn’t easy.
The minimum wage for a citizen of Mexico is only 256.3$ which basically means that many people have to work overtime or find another job to make ends meet.
The average monthly net salary is considerably higher, allowing people to pay for most of their necessities and not worry about the next day.
However, if you’re wondering how much money to bring for a month in Mexico, around 1000$ would probably suffice.
Mexico Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Mexico Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Mexico
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Cancun | 31.35 |
| Guadalajara | 31.46 |
| Merida | 29.39 |
| Mexico City | 37.3 |
| Monterrey | 34.12 |
| Puebla | 28.89 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 29.82 |
| Queretaro | 31.01 |
| Tijuana | 37.3 |
