How Much Does It Cost to Live In Merida?
This city known for its rich history and friendly people is also very cheap and welcoming of new people willing to live and earn there.
Many say that Merida is the least expensive place to live in Mexico, and another great thing about Merida is that you’re close to the beach.
Though it’s an overall inexpensive city, it depends on what part of Merida you are going to live in, and just like in any other city in the world, there are rich and a less rich neighborhoods to live in.
Mexico : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Mexico
RESTAURANTS
There are tons of places to get good food in Merida. It offers very good typical cuisines as well as many famous international chains, both with fast food and regular restaurant meals. 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$.
MARKETS
When it comes to buying food at supermarkets, it is definitely cheaper than eating out regularly. You can always get a membership card at Walmart, which costs around 25$ each year, and then the foods cost a little less. For a family of five, for example, you’ll need around 350$ monthly at Walmart. You can also buy fresh veggies and fruit at local open markets that are common in every city.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses and other forms of public transport are widely available and car rental is cheap and easy as well. Monthly pass for public transport amounts to around 20$ and a one-way ticket costs less than a dollar. There’s always the option of hailing a taxi, which is also relatively affordable – it’s starting tariff is around 1$.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are cheap in Merida, too. It does depend on the size of your apartment and the amount of electricity you spend, your bills could be higher or lower, but all in all – for an apartment of around 85m2, all basic utilities including electricity, gas, water, heating, cooling and garbage services, will cost you around 45$. Internet isn’t included in this, separately, it costs around 20$.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Indulging in sports definitely takes a considerable toll on your wallet, and this is true in Merida too, though it is definitely less expensive than in most countries. For example, a membership in a gym or a fitness club will cost you less than 30$. Cinema tickets are much cheaper, however, costing only about 3$ each.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Shopping for clothes in Merida 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 40$, while a pair of quality running shoes of brands like Nike will cost you around 50$ which is very cheap.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent is not through the roof in Merida, and it’s definitely cheaper than in most countries in Mexico. It all depends on where you want to live. If you’ve got your mind set on the city center, the average price will be around 250$. However, there are many charming little apartments that are a bit further away from the centers, and they cost considerably less – 160$ a month.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Merida
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.19 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.44 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.51 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.91 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.39 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.26 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.42 |
| Monthly Pass | $20.94 |
| Gasoline | $0.94 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $44.28 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.08 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $25.94 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $27.60 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.29 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $3.66 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $39.58 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $25.05 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $53.52 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $240.82 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $167.84 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $366.20 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Merida?
Of course – food, like in most countries and cities.
An average person living in Merida, and having to feed his/her family, spends the biggest amount of their money in supermarkets and open “mercados”.
After food, rent is the biggest expense for people living in Merida.
The rent isn’t the biggest problem financially for the people of Merida, but it is a bit high and you have to set aside a large portion of your salary for it.
Restaurants and transportation are also significant expenses for an average person living in Merida.
Average Costs Breakdown
Merida: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
People of Merida can find a way to manage their expenses with the salaries they get, though it probably isn’t easy.
Minimum wage for a citizen of Merida is only around 130$ which basically means that many people have to work overtime or find another job to make ends meet.
Average monthly net salary is considerably higher and allows for people to pay for most of their necessities and not have to worry about the next day.
However, if you’re wondering how much money to bring for a month in Merida, around 700$ would probably suffice.
Merida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Merida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Merida
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Cancun | 31.35 |
| Guadalajara | 31.46 |
| Mexico City | 37.3 |
| Monterrey | 34.12 |
| Puebla | 28.89 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 29.82 |
| Queretaro | 31.01 |
| Tijuana | 37.3 |
