Mexico flagCost of Living Guide

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses in Mexico

Mexico offers a low cost of living compared to North America standards, with overall costs including rent about 34.6% cheaper than the regional average and consumer prices excluding rent 34.4% lower. It stands out as one of the most affordable options in North America, where the average CPI is 64.4 and the cheapest is 34.1. Rent is particularly low at 40.2% below the North America average of 27.7.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$700-$1,000 USD (living like a local: street food, public transport, basic housing outside center)
Comfortable
$1,500-$2,500 USD (decent expat apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, some imported goods)
Family of four
$2,500-$4,000+ USD (spacious housing, international schools ~$500-$1,000/child, car, groceries including imports)

Mexico delivers excellent value for money, being 34.6% cheaper overall than the North America average, ideal for expats and digital nomads stretching their budgets while enjoying high quality of life.

Economic & Living Costs in Mexico
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

100-350 MX$
Avg: 225 MX$

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

550-1600 MX$
Avg: 1075 MX$

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

135-200 MX$
Avg: 167.5 MX$

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

25-80 MX$
Avg: 52.5 MX$
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

7000-25000 MX$
Avg: 16000 MX$

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

5000-16000 MX$
Avg: 10500 MX$

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

15000-50000 MX$
Avg: 32500 MX$

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

10000-30000 MX$
Avg: 20000 MX$
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

6.5-17 MX$
Avg: 11.75 MX$

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

76-232 MX$
Avg: 154 MX$

Monthly Transport Pass

300-900 MX$
Avg: 600 MX$

Gasoline (1L)

23-26 MX$
Avg: 24.5 MX$
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

620-2781.82 MX$
Avg: 1700.91 MX$

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

400-800 MX$
Avg: 600 MX$

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

200-750 MX$
Avg: 475 MX$
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

20.62-40 MX$
Avg: 30.31 MX$

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

30-80 MX$
Avg: 55 MX$

Eggs (12)

27.84-72 MX$
Avg: 49.92 MX$

Local Cheese (1kg)

85-270 MX$
Avg: 177.5 MX$
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

350-1500 MX$
Avg: 925 MX$

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

200-535 MX$
Avg: 367.5 MX$

Cinema Ticket

70-150 MX$
Avg: 110 MX$

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

3000-10253.75 MX$
Avg: 6626.88 MX$
Last updated: 2026-04-03