Many future expats dream of moving to Mexico for its low cost of living and comfortable lifestyle, and if you landed on this page, then you’re one of them.
That said, if you want to move to Mexico, you’re probably wondering about monthly expenses. Mexico is relatively cheaper compared to other countries. But the cost of living in Mexico varies depending on where in the country you live.
This guide, then, breaks down some of the average costs in Mexico. From rent to food to utilities and entertainment, we take a deep dive into all of it so you can better decide if moving to Mexico is right for you.
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Contents
Why Move to Mexico?
Mexico is one of the first countries that retirees, expats, and digital nomads from North America think of when searching for countries with low costs of living.
Also, since Mexico borders America, moving there is easy for Americans. There are direct flights from Mexico’s largest cities to many big cities in the U.S. and Canada that are affordable too.
However, most expats move to the county because of the low cost of living.
Some people wonder why Mexicans keep fleeing from their country while expats want to reside there. It boils down to social inequality, and Mexicans working in the U.S. can send a substantial amount of money back home.
America’s minimum wage is USD7.25 an hour, so if workers send part of the earnings to their families in Mexico, it’s a huge sum.
Expats, especially retirees, will be in a position of privilege in Mexico if they have accumulated money from working in a better economies.
Therefore, many expats can afford to live a good life that is unattainable in the U.S. due to the high costs of living.
As much as Panama and Costa Rica have lower living costs, Mexico is still the top choice for Americans because their food is familiar and amazing.
What’s more, you can easily get a retirement visa in Mexico, and the country offers digital nomads automatic six months stay on a visa when they arrive there.
Depending on the area in Mexico, you can also enjoy the all-year-round balmy weather and a few months of rain.
If you love experiencing different seasons, it would be best to move to the central and northern areas of Mexico, which have cool winters.
Furthermore, you can explore Mexicans fascinating culture and traditions. You can attend their celebrations and watch unique dance performances.
You can even explore different Mexican arts such as clay pottery, embroidered clothing, and colorful baskets. Plus, Mexicans also have traditional means of smithing silver and weaving textiles.
What’s more, you’ll get to enjoy the wide range of Mexican cuisines depending on where you live. You’ll taste different foods prepared in different parts of the country.
No matter where you reside, you can have corn tortillas, beans, rice, and pepper. You can also enjoy tequila as it’s in available in many of the bars.
Mexico is also an ideal place to live in because of the friendly people.
Whether you move to Mexico permanently or travel back and forth annually, you’ll find many things to love about the area.
Regardless of your reason for moving to Mexico, you’ll need to make adjustments. Mexico can be confusing regarding prices. Therefore, set a budget to be in control. You need to be patient and research a lot if you want to have a quality life.
Other helpful link: Moving to Mexico: A Guide for Expats to Live Here
Cost of Living in Mexico
When you calculate the living costs in Mexico, you should aim to maintain or raise the living standards you have back home.
Let’s jump into each of the main categories below and take a look at home much you might spend each month, on average.
Accommodations
You have quite a few choices for accommodations in Mexico, so let’s look at the costs for renting and buying a place in the country.
Renting
Mexico has extremely reasonable rates for renting houses compared to what you can pay for in the U.S.
Rent and utilities vary depending on where you want to live in Mexico, but costs in cities and coastal communities are relatively cheaper compared to other countries.
The average monthly rent for a furnished, one-bedroom apartment is around USD451 in one of the affordable areas. Finding such an apartment in a more upscale neighborhood can cost you about USD772 per month.
If you want to rent a house, you should expect to pay at least USD1,000 a month, while a luxurious villa can cost you at least USD2,500 a week.
You should have a checklist of what you’re looking for when searching for a place to live as well. You’re likely to get a nice house with wifi and air conditioning at an affordable rate.
Moreover, the houses and apartments have fully furnished kitchens, so, you don’t have to worry about buying appliances.
Other helpful links:
- The Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment in Mexico City
- An Expat’s Guide to Finding Long-Term Rentals in Mexico
Buying
The Mexican government lets foreigners buy property in the country whether they want to become permanent residents or rent them out.
That said, your cost of living in Mexico changes if you buy instead of rent a home.
The home buying process in Mexico does not differ from that in the U.S. You can buy a house in cash or get financial aid from local banks, who can help you with approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the property’s value.
If banks give you a loan, you pay a higher interest rate compared to what American banks charge, though.
Once you have established how much you can get from a bank, you can research the homes you can afford and bid on them.
The seller asks you to pay a five percent to 10 percent deposit of the total sale price price, then a lawyer drafts a contract.
In addition, the lawyer applies for a trust permit that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must notarize before finalizing the purchase.
The closing occurs after the attorney verifies that you have paid taxes and they transfer the deed.
Prices for homes vary according to where they are located. Newly-constructed houses can start from as little as USD80,000, while beachfront condos and houses start at approximately USD220,000.
There are also luxury villas on the beaches that cost about USD5,000,000.
When looking to buy property in Mexico, you should know what matters to you most in a home. Some beachfront homes allow you to access private beaches. Therefore, they are worth the high cost.
If you’re planning to have a large family or want friends and family to visit, you should consider purchasing property away from the city and beaches as they offer larger spaces.
Moreover, if you want to rent your house to get extra money, you should be sure to buy an appealing home that attracts tourists.
Utilities
When it comes to utilities, a single person can pay approximately USD103 a month. However, if you plan to live with a friend, utilities cost about USD70 per person each month.
Also, the Mexican government offers subsidies for utilities that pay 54 percent of utility costs for users. Individuals residing in hotter cities benefit more from these subsidies since they use more electricity for cooling their houses.
Gas, Electric, and Water
Gas and electric costs depend on how you live. There are houses and apartments with central air conditioners that’ll cost more to run than houses with fans and windows.
In general, average monthly utility bills are USD40 for electricity, USD15 for gas, and USD9 for water. You can use gas to heat water, cook, and for drying clothes.
Some expats in Mexico, especially the Colonial Highlands residents, install solar water heaters. Solar heaters significantly reduce the cost of gas.
Internet and Phone Plans
Internet providers charge you USD21 per month for a standard wifi connection depending on the company you choose and the internet speed you want.
Additionally, you can purchase a mobile phone plan for USD9 a month.
Cable TV
Mexico has a multitude of companies that offer cable plans from as lows as USD35 to USD45 per month.
These plans have limited English-Language programs, but if you wish to get other television and satellite cable that offers more English programming, they charge more money.
However, Mexico has reliable and fast internet speeds, which lets you watch English programs on Netflix and other services. You can pay a subscription of around USD10 per month for Netflix services.
If you get a VPN to stream all U.S.-based content, you should expect to pay additional USD5 a month.
Transportation
Mexico has various inexpensive transportation methods. The mode and cost of transportation depends on the town’s size.
If you settle in a smaller town, you can walk or use a bicycle to move from place to place. However, if the town is larger, you have to use buses. One-way tickets cost of around USD1.
Mexico has several bus routes connecting its major cities. Busing from one city takes around forty-five minutes and costs a few dollars.
You can also use Uber and taxis to get around the cities. With little or no traffic, a taxi costs USD5 each way while a monthly train pass costs USD23.
If you plan to buy a car, the average cost is USD15,000, and you’ll spend around USD0.95 for a gallon of gas.
Other helpful link: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Car Insurance in Mexico
Groceries
Mexico has a number of markets where you can find a wide range of homegrown fruits, vegetables, and homemade products.
A kilo of mangoes or oranges costs USD1 per kilo during the high season. On the other hand, one kilo of avocados costs USD1.25, which is the cost of one avocado in northeastern America.
A dozen of eggs costs roughly USD1.
Also, the markets in Mexico have plenty of fresh ingredients. Hence, you can try new recipes on a budget.
Furthermore, Mexico has chain supermarkets such as Walmart, where you can buy groceries to last two people for a week for around USD50.
Whether you cook your dishes or go out to eat, you’ll spend less cash on food. You’ll find many people selling home-cooked food at the market that you can purchase for USD8 and that’ll last you the entire day.
Whether you’re shopping for clothes or produces, the key to saving money in Mexico is to buy them locally. Brand products are costly since you’re paying for the brand’s name convenience.
But shopping at local markets and stores enables you to pay less.
Furthermore, some parts of Mexico are extremely hot. Therefore, you should also factor in the cost of bottled water into your budget.
A two liter bottle of Coke in Mexico costs USD1.48, which is way cheaper than a twelve-ounce can in many countries, including the U.S.
Canned sodas are more expensive than bottled sodas in Mexico. For a twenty-ounce canned Coke, you’ll pay around USD1.
Dining Out
Dining out in Mexico won’t hurt your pocket. An excellent bottle of wine costs about USD11, while you’ll pay USD7 for an average lunch.
There’s also street food like quesadillas that you can find for USD1 and tacos for USD3. A fast food meal costs about USD5.
Keep in mind that restaurant meals are a bit expensive due to the sit-down experience. The average dinner for two people in a restaurant in the neighborhood costs roughly USD24.
Entertainment and Socializing
Mexican cities have vibrant and exciting culture and nightlife scenes. Moreover, the country has a lot to offer whether you love going out with friends or attending parties. Costs depend on what you like spending time on.
If nightlife is your thing, the size of the city determines your entertainment costs. If you love going to movie theaters, two tickets cost USD8, but concessions are extra.
You may also find concert tickets for roughly USD5, but popular bands charge USD15 for each ticket.
The majority of the towns have clubs and bars that feature exciting activities and live music. You’ll pay less than USD2 at bars and clubs for beers and USD3 for a glass of wine.
A cup of coffee costs you around USD2 in an expat neighborhood, while downtown bars may offer cocktails at only USD5 per drink.
Beaches and other natural attractions are, or course, free.
Childcare
Most families in Mexico rely on extended family members to help with childcare. But being an expat in Mexico, you won’t enjoy this luxury unless you marry into a Mexican family.
Fortunately, just like the U.S. has daycare centers, Mexico has numerous childcare facilities as well. Though, Mexican daycares — called guarderias — are not overly regulated by the government.
There are also private child care facilities that are smaller and ensure maximum supervision of your child during the day.
However, these smaller daycares have kids of all age groups, and the guardians have less structured activities for children.
It would be better to find a larger center if you want your child to be with kids of the same age and get age-appropriate lessons. Such large child care facilities charge about USD150 for five days a week.
Healthcare
If you plan on staying in Mexico for a long time, you should use their medical facilities.
Mexico has many public and private hospitals with physicians, pharmacies, nurses, and other health care professionals.
Public and private hospitals operate independently, and they provide medical care to individuals within their region.
Also, before selecting the right health insurance, you should thoroughly research the available plans and understand the types of services.
On average, you’ll pay about USD20 for a standard doctor visit, whereas an emergency room trip costs USD18 to USD25.
An antibiotic prescription refill costs you USD11, and if you have a cold, you can get medicine for about USD5.
Moreover, you can find moderate insurance coverage with a deductible of less than USD500 and a copay for medical or dental care at about 10 percent of the service total.
Other helpful links:
- Health Insurance in Mexico for Expats: What You Need to Know
- Hospitals in Mexico: An Expat’s Guide
- The Complete Guide to Mexico’s Healthcare System for Expats
- Is There Free Healthcare in Mexico?
- A Complete Overview of IMSS Health Insurance For Expats in Mexico
Clothing
When it comes to clothes, local Mexican brands are cheaper than imported brands as you can find a pair of jeans for only USD10.
For USD100, you can find a variety of high-quality clothes, including two shirts, two pairs of trousers, and a pair of awesome shoes.
However, there are also upscale boutiques and brands in Mexico that charge hundreds of dollars for a single piece of clothing.
Further, you can also shop for clothes at thrift stores, where you can find clothes going for as little as USD0.25.
Garbage Pickup
In certain areas of Mexico, you have to pay for garbage pickup. In areas that charge to collect garbage, costs range from USD30 to USD40 a year.
Education
Mexico offers its citizens free public education from grades one through twelve. In this case, the only expenses are for books, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Education costs also vary depending on the school’s category and quality.
If you enroll your children in a private school, you’ll have to pay an inscription cost that ranges from USD275 to USD735. Also, private schools charge monthly payments that range from USD185 to over USD320.
A bachelor’s degree in Mexico takes four years; a Master’s degree two years; and a PhD three years. Average costs for higher education are roughly USD5,000 per year, but there are great variations in fees between public and private universities.
However, even with the more expensive options, they’re still cheaper compared to universities in the U.S.
In Mexico, public universities are inexpensive. Undergraduate studies cost roughly USD378 to USD818 per year, whereas private institutions charge USD1,636 to USD16,353 per year.
Visas
When you move to Mexico, you’ll have plenty of time to get familiar with the area since the Mexican government allows U.S. passport holders to live in the country for up to six months with the right visa.
The good thing about this law is that the six-month duration is reset every time you cross the border into Mexico.
If you don’t want to leave Mexico every six months, it’s better to find a long-term visa.
To qualify for a long-term visa, you have to prove to the Mexican government that you’re financially stable. Therefore, you need a monthly income of at least USD1,300.
Moreover, you can easily get a retirement visa in Mexico — and even get permanent residence status — without going through the temporary residency procedure.
All you have to do is file an application, show the government proof of finances, and undertake an interview with a consulate officer. As soon as this process is complete, you can become a permanent Mexican resident.
However, when you want to go to Mexico for a business trip or as a tourist, you’ll have to get a visitor’s permit. The permit is often issued when you arrive in Mexico by air and after you have signed some forms. You have to pay a USD25 fee for this permit, which is usually included in your flight charges.
If you travel by ship or road, you’ll be billed separately. In this case, a Mexican visa can cost you around USD36.
Other helpful link: The Complete Guide to Mexico Visas for US Citizens
Average Cost of Living in Popular Mexican Cities
The most expensive cities in Mexico are Los Cabos, Cancun, and Mexico city, while Oaxaca and La Paz are among the most affordable cities to live in the country.
Most expats reside in these five cities, but a larger percentage of the expats are in Tijuana because the area borders California. Therefore, they can enjoy a lower cost of living nearer to the U.S.
Here is a breakdown of the average living costs including rent for one and three-bedroom houses in these cities.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the largest city in Mexico and one of the most populated cities in the world. The city is full of culture, history, intriguing tastes, and smells.
The cost of living in Mexico City depends on which area of the city you plan to stay in, which can be hard to determine because the city comprises 16 different boroughs.
Mexico City is generally considered one of the most expensive cities in the country, primarily due to the high rent prices. For example, if you wish to live in the center boroughs of the city, you can expect to pay around 550-800 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
But you can get prices as low as 400-550 USD if you live in an area away from the city center.
Food in Mexico City is another significant factor when considering the cost of living. Mexico City has a plethora of affordable options. Street food can cost as little as 2 USD for a plate or up to 10 USD at a nicer restaurant. In general, food in Mexico City is slightly more expensive than food in other cities in the country.
Mexico City also has an extensive public transportation system that is highly affordable. The city has the best public transportation system in Mexico, making getting around much cheaper. A single ride on the metro only costs approximately .30 USD, while a monthly pass will set you back less than 15 USD.
While Mexico City is one of the most expensive places to live in Mexico, it is still a very cheap city compared to other megacities around the world, such as New York, Tokyo, and London. For example, to live comfortably in Mexico City, you will need around 800-1100 USD per month, while in New York, you will need at least 2000 USD per month.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. A decent expat population also lives here due to the good weather year-round and its laid-back lifestyle.
Puerto Vallarta is by no means the cheapest place to live in Mexico, but it is more affordable than some of the larger cities in the country.
Puerto Vallarta is a small city, so it is easy to find an affordable, centrally located apartment. You can expect to pay around 350-700 USD monthly for a one-bedroom apartment in Puerto Vallarta.
Food in Puerto Vallarta is also reasonably affordable. You may spend more on food here than in cheaper cities like Merida, but you can enjoy fresh ceviche and excellent coastal Mexican food for as little as 1-2 USD per plate.
Puerta Vallarta has a decent bus system that can get you to most places you would want to go around the city. A single bus pass will cost around .50 USD. The bus system is also not very extensive, so you will likely need to take taxis at times, which costs much more than public transportation.
A single expat can live comfortably in Puerto Vallarta with 800 to 1000 USD per month.
Merida
Merida is the largest city in the popular Yucatan region of Mexico. It is a vibrant city with fantastic food and culture and is situated only a couple of hours from Tulum’s popular beaches and Playa Del Carmen.
Merida is one of the cheapest big cities in Mexico. It is about 20% cheaper overall than Mexico City!
Rent in Merida is highly affordable. If you want to live in the city center, you can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for under 400 USD per month. And if you want to save a bit of money on accommodation, you could pay as little as $250 per month if you live outside the city center.
Merida also has many fantastic street food markets where you can find dinner on a budget. Expect to pay around 2-4 USD at a street food stall for a meal. Alternatively, a meal at a sit-down restaurant may cost around 7 USD. Merida is not nearly as touristy as Cancun, Tulum, or Playa Del Carmen, and this shows in the prices.
Merida has an extensive bus system that, although challenging to navigate, is effective at getting residents around the city. A bus ride costs around .40, but unfortunately, there is not a monthly pass option that allows you to save money.
Merida is an underrated city that is also likely one of the cheapest cities to live in in Mexico. Living here, you will save money and enjoy the laid-back Mexican attitude. If you plan to live on a budget, you can easily stretch 650 USD and still enjoy your time here. However, if you want more comfort, expect to spend up to 900 USD per month.
Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Americans. The beaches here are full of families and partygoers alike during the spring and winter breaks in the USA. While going on vacation here may not be the cheapest option, living in this city is relatively affordable.
Rent in Cancun can be cheap or very expensive, depending on the location. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost you up to 600 USD, but it can be as little as 350 USD if you are ok with a bit of a commute.
Food in Cancun is much more expensive than in other Mexican cities. Even compared to Mexico City, which is considered the most expensive place to live in Mexico, you can expect to pay around 20% more for dinner in a restaurant in Cancun. However, due to Cancun’s party atmosphere, drinking is cheaper here than in other Mexican cities. A beer can be as cheap as 1.5 USD at a bar!
Public transportation is relatively affordable in Cancun, but at around .50 USD per ride, it is still more expensive than in cities like Merida and Mexico City. Luckily, like many of Mexico’s smaller cities, Cancun is very walkable. So if you are on a tight budget and your destination is less than 20 minutes away by walking, I’d recommend getting your steps in over riding the bus.
A single expat living in Cancun should expect to spend around 900 to 1200 USD per month. Cancun is one of the most expensive places to live in Mexico, but it is still relatively cheap compared to other major cities worldwide. Besides, you are paying for the bright blue water and white sandy beaches too!
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carm is a beach lover’s dream. This small city is located about an hour south of Cancun and is filled with good food, beach parties, and resorts. The beach also sits near coral reefs, making it a fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving destination.
Playa Del Carmen is one of the most expensive places to live in Mexico for one reason: rent. Rent here is higher than in almost every other city in Mexico, including Mexico City. For example, a one-bedroom apartment located in the center of Playa Del Carmen will cost between 700-800 USD per month, while an apartment located further out will still cost around 550-650 USD per month.
Eating at a restaurant in Playa Del Carmen is much more expensive than in most Mexican cities besides Cancun. You can expect to pay around 5-7 USD for a meal or 3 USD for street food. And if you plan to eat and drink imported items, you are out of luck, as the imported beer and food in Playa Del Carmen can be very expensive. If you are strapped for cash, always go for the local food and drinks.
One great thing about Playa Del Carmen is its walkability. You won’t need to take taxis or buses across the city, because most things are only a 15-20 minute walk from each other. But if you live outside the city, you can take the local buses for .30 to .50 USD per ride or a taxi for 2 to 5 dollars.
Expect to spend around 1200 USD minimum per month to live in Playa Del Carmen. Rent will likely take up 50% of your total monthly budget in this city.
Los Cabos
Your averagely monthly expenses with rent in Los Cabos will be around USD1,030 for a single person. And if you’re a family of four, you’ll spend USD2,025.
As a single expat, you can pay a monthly rent of USD450.
Oaxaca
The average monthly expenses for a single expat in Oaxaca are USD755, and for a family of four it’s USD1,685.
If you consider only rent, you can find a house that costs USD300 per month.
La Paz
In La Paz, you’ll spend USD400 per month on rent. Your average monthly expenses plus rent can run up to USD820, while for a family of four it can go to USD1,710.
How Much Do You Have to Budget For?
As aforementioned, Mexico living costs are lower than in the U.S. While approximately eleven million workers in Mexico earn a minimum wage of USD6.36 daily, the U.S. minimum wage is USD7.25 per hour.
Though, the average yearly income in Mexico is roughly USD10,500, and many people survive on less than that. These income rate statistics show you how much you can achieve in Mexico with your money.
The amount of money you need to live in Mexico depends on your lifestyle choices. If you’re living alone, your average monthly expenses for necessities will be approximately USD953.
You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in one of the costly cities at USD500, and utilities will cost you around USD103. With food and groceries, maybe USD350.
When it comes to non-essentials like entertainment, dining out, and traveling, your total budget can go up to USD1,500 per month depending on the forms of entertainment and luxuries you choose.
Therefore, you can have a comfortable life in Mexico with USD1,000 to USD1,500 per month.
Now, on to You
If you want to live an expat life, consider moving to Mexico. Mexico has proximity to the U.S. Therefore, you can easily travel home whenever you want.
Besides that, you’ll be less likely to get culture shock since you’ve probably been exposed to Mexican culture, foods, and lifestyle.
Getting a visa in Mexico is also seamless. The six-month tourist visa lets you try out living in the country before committing to live there.
Moreover, since the cost of living in the country is lower, you’ll have a comfortable life. You can have all the amenities you want, like a maid, car, and private health insurance at half the cost of what you would have to spend for those things in the U.S.
I’m a dod rite red veteran , sure you don’t have va hospitals there?