Thinking about moving to Mexico or just curious about your travel budget? Understanding the Cost Of Living In Mexico is crucial. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mexico, from food and rent to transportation and leisure, helping you plan your finances effectively.
Based on the latest data, living in Mexico is significantly more affordable than in many developed countries, especially when compared to places like Germany. Let’s dive into the specifics to give you a clear picture of what your budget might look like in Mexico.
Summary of the Cost of Living in Mexico
Generally, you’ll find that your money stretches further in Mexico. Here’s a quick overview:
- For a family of four: Expect monthly expenses around 2,137.4€ (45,681.2MXN) excluding rent.
- For a single person: Monthly costs average about 590.5€ (12,621.0MXN) without rent.
- Overall Cost of Living: Approximately 40.2% lower than in Germany.
- Rent: Significantly more affordable, about 37.1% lower than in Germany.
These figures provide a general benchmark, but actual costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and location within Mexico.
Breaking Down Living Expenses in Mexico
To give you a more granular understanding of the cost of living in Mexico, let’s explore different categories of expenses:
Dining Out in Mexico
Eating out can be a delightful and affordable experience in Mexico. Here’s what you can expect to pay at restaurants:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 200.00 | 100.00 – 350.00 |
| Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 800.00 | 500.00 – 1,709.78 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 150.00 | 129.00 – 200.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 45.00 | 25.00 – 80.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 80.00 | 50.00 – 120.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 61.89 | 35.00 – 100.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 23.83 | 17.00 – 45.00 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 17.50 | 12.00 – 35.00 |
As you can see, enjoying local cuisine or even familiar fast food chains won’t break the bank.
Grocery Prices in Mexico
For those who prefer cooking at home, grocery shopping in Mexico is also quite economical. Here’s a list of common grocery items and their average prices:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 28.03 | 20.61 – 38.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 49.00 | 30.00 – 80.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 32.70 | 20.00 – 45.05 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 45.57 | 27.00 – 72.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 160.52 | 80.00 – 260.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 144.17 | 70.00 – 225.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 203.55 | 130.00 – 300.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | 51.58 | 28.00 – 75.80 |
| Banana (1kg) | 27.14 | 18.00 – 50.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 34.58 | 15.00 – 70.00 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 34.10 | 15.00 – 55.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | 37.56 | 15.00 – 54.95 |
| Onion (1kg) | 35.88 | 16.00 – 60.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 24.05 | 15.00 – 40.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 18.86 | 12.00 – 28.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 200.00 | 120.00 – 350.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 29.75 | 20.00 – 45.45 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 54.83 | 25.00 – 90.00 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 80.00 | 72.00 – 99.00 |
Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are all reasonably priced, making it easy to maintain a healthy diet without overspending.
Transportation Costs in Mexico
Getting around in Mexico is affordable, whether you prefer public transport or taxis:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 12.00 | 6.00 – 16.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 500.00 | 200.00 – 869.57 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 50.00 | 23.00 – 80.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 40.00 | 15.00 – 60.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 200.00 | 100.00 – 300.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 24.40 | 22.00 – 25.43 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline | 400,000.00 | 331,470.00 – 500,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort | 433,505.49 | 400,000.00 – 500,000.00 |
Public transportation is very cheap, and even taxis are relatively inexpensive compared to many Western countries. If you plan to buy a car, note that prices for vehicles are comparable to, or slightly higher than, those in Europe or the US.
Utility Costs in Mexico
Monthly utility bills in Mexico are quite reasonable, contributing to the overall low cost of living in Mexico:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85m2 Apartment | 1,207.49 | 600.00 – 2,554.29 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with 10GB+ Data | 441.55 | 200.00 – 600.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data) | 536.23 | 400.00 – 800.00 |
These costs cover essential services, ensuring you can live comfortably with modern amenities without high expenses.
Sports and Leisure Costs in Mexico
Staying active and entertained in Mexico is also affordable:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee | 654.71 | 350.00 – 1,500.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour Weekend) | 345.39 | 200.00 – 500.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 90.00 | 70.00 – 150.00 |
From gym memberships to enjoying a movie, leisure activities are accessible and won’t strain your budget.
Childcare Costs in Mexico
For families moving to Mexico, childcare costs are an important consideration:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Monthly | 4,561.74 | 2,500.00 – 10,000.00 |
| International Primary School, Yearly | 102,005.35 | 52,000.00 – 221,000.00 |
While private and international schooling can be more expensive, they are still generally more affordable than in many Western countries.
Clothing and Shoe Prices in Mexico
Apparel and footwear are available at varied price points in Mexico:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar) | 1,009.19 | 540.00 – 1,500.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store | 770.50 | 400.00 – 1,200.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 1,732.39 | 1,000.00 – 2,700.00 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 1,645.83 | 800.00 – 2,900.00 |
Whether you are looking for everyday wear or business attire, you can find options to suit different budgets.
Rent and Accommodation Costs in Mexico
Rent is a significant factor contributing to the lower cost of living in Mexico. Here’s a glimpse into rental costs:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 12,270.31 | 6,000.00 – 22,000.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 8,565.24 | 4,000.00 – 16,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 23,495.94 | 12,000.00 – 45,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 16,252.42 | 9,000.00 – 30,651.45 |
As illustrated, renting outside the city center offers considerable savings. Rent in major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara will likely be higher than in smaller towns or rural areas.
Property Purchase Prices in Mexico
If you’re considering buying property, here are average prices per square meter:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) | Range (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Square Meter in City Centre | 38,535.58 | 14,300.00 – 75,000.00 |
| Price per Square Meter Outside of Centre | 26,016.90 | 12,000.00 – 55,000.00 |
Real estate in Mexico can be a worthwhile investment, especially in growing urban areas.
Salaries and Financing in Mexico
Understanding local salaries provides context to the cost of living in Mexico:
| Item | Average Cost (MXN) |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 13,502.39 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate (Yearly, for 20 Years) | 11.43% |
While average salaries might appear lower compared to countries like Germany, the significantly reduced cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Mexico.
Cost of Living in Different Cities in Mexico
The cost of living in Mexico isn’t uniform across the country. Here’s a comparison of major cities:
| Rank | City | Cost of Living Index | Rent Index | Cost of Living Plus Rent Index | Groceries Index | Restaurant Price Index | Local Purchasing Power Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterrey | 42.1 | 20.3 | 32.5 | 44.9 | 43.5 | 56.0 | |
| Cancun | 40.1 | 14.5 | 28.8 | 45.2 | 41.1 | 41.0 | |
| Puerto Vallarta | 39.6 | 22.3 | 32.0 | 44.5 | 41.1 | 53.2 | |
| Mexico City | 39.4 | 22.5 | 32.0 | 43.4 | 43.4 | 41.3 | |
| Queretaro | 36.4 | 13.9 | 26.5 | 43.8 | 34.6 | 65.2 | |
| Merida | 36.1 | 13.3 | 26.1 | 39.6 | 38.5 | 40.3 | |
| Guadalajara | 35.2 | 15.2 | 26.4 | 40.1 | 35.2 | 45.8 |
Generally, cities like Monterrey and Cancun tend to have a higher cost of living compared to Guadalajara or Merida. Mexico City, being the capital, also presents a unique cost profile.
Conclusion: Is Mexico Affordable?
Yes, Mexico offers a remarkably affordable cost of living, especially for expats and travelers coming from North America or Europe. While prices can fluctuate and vary by location, the data indicates significant savings across all categories of expenses. Whether you’re planning a long vacation, considering relocation, or retirement, understanding the cost of living in Mexico is your first step toward financial planning in this vibrant and welcoming country.
