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Cost of Living in El Arenal

El Arenal, Hidalgo, Mexico · Population 15,037

▼ -16% vs Mexico average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$8,256 ($446)
Couple, monthly$14,757 ($798)
Family of four, monthly$19,185 ($1,037)

Estimated Prices in El Arenal

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$84.92 ($4.59)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$340 ($18.36)per meal
Cappuccino$25.47 ($1.38)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$1,925 ($104)per month
Monthly public transport pass$311 ($16.83)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$821 ($44.37)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$238 ($12.85)per month
Fitness club membership$238 ($12.85)per month
Cinema ticket$62.27 ($3.37)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$3,730 ($202)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$2,595 ($140)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$7,784 ($421)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in El Arenal is $12,488 ($675) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $8,256 ($446) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $10,732 ($580) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($2,595 ($140)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare El Arenal

El Arenal vs Mexico CityEl Arenal vs GuadalajaraEl Arenal vs MonterreyEl Arenal vs San Luis PotosíEl Arenal vs TolucaEl Arenal vs Tijuana

Nearby Cities

Actopan

6 km away · Hidalgo

San Agustín Tlaxiaca

12 km away · Hidalgo

San Salvador

13 km away · Hidalgo

Tepatepec

19 km away · Hidalgo

Santiago de Anaya

19 km away · Hidalgo

Pachuca

21 km away · Hidalgo

Atotonilco el Grande

26 km away · Hidalgo

Ajacuba

26 km away · Hidalgo

Other Major Cities in Mexico

Mexico City

Ciudad de México · pop. 21,804,000

$12,286 ($664) / mo

Guadalajara

Jalisco · pop. 5,525,000

$12,081 ($653) / mo

Monterrey

Nuevo León · pop. 5,324,281

$12,081 ($653) / mo

San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potosí · pop. 2,822,255

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Toluca

México · pop. 2,476,689

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Tijuana

Baja California · pop. 2,002,000

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Ecatepec

México · pop. 1,655,015

$10,657 ($576) / mo

León de los Aldama

Guanajuato · pop. 1,579,803

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Living in El Arenal

El Arenal is one of the key cities in Mexico. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $8,256 ($446), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $2,595 ($140) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $19,185 ($1,037) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $14,757 ($798) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in El Arenal is $12,488 ($675). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $10,732 ($580) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Arenal expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $8,256 ($446) per month in El Arenal including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Mexico.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in El Arenal?
A net salary of around $10,732 ($580) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in El Arenal with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in El Arenal is $12,488 ($675).
How much is rent in El Arenal?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $3,730 ($202) per month in the city centre and $2,595 ($140) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $7,784 ($421).
Is El Arenal cheaper than Mexico on average?
Yes — El Arenal is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Mexico average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in El Arenal?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $1,925 ($104) in El Arenal. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $85 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around $25 ($1).
How do transport costs in El Arenal compare?
A monthly public transport pass in El Arenal is estimated at $311 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for El Arenal are estimates based on Mexico national averages adjusted for city size (population 15,037). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.