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Cost of Living in Monterrey

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico · Population 5,324,281

▲ +23% vs Mexico average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$12,081 ($653)
Couple, monthly$21,697 ($1,173)
Family of four, monthly$28,305 ($1,530)

Estimated Prices in Monterrey

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$121 ($6.53)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$483 ($26.11)per meal
Cappuccino$36.23 ($1.96)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$2,737 ($148)per month
Monthly public transport pass$443 ($23.94)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$1,167 ($63.10)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$338 ($18.28)per month
Fitness club membership$338 ($18.28)per month
Cinema ticket$88.56 ($4.79)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$5,793 ($313)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$4,030 ($218)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$12,090 ($654)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Monterrey is $17,760 ($960) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $12,081 ($653) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $15,706 ($849) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($4,030 ($218)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Monterrey

Monterrey vs Mexico CityMonterrey vs GuadalajaraMonterrey vs San Luis PotosíMonterrey vs TolucaMonterrey vs TijuanaMonterrey vs Ecatepec

Nearby Cities

San Nicolás de los Garza

8 km away · Nuevo León

San Pedro Garza García

9 km away · Nuevo León

Guadalupe

10 km away · Nuevo León

Ciudad General Escobedo

14 km away · Nuevo León

Ciudad Santa Catarina

14 km away · Nuevo León

Ciudad Apodaca

17 km away · Nuevo León

Ciudad Benito Juárez

23 km away · Nuevo León

García

31 km away · Nuevo León

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

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

Puebla

Puebla · pop. 1,576,259

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Living in Monterrey

Monterrey is one of the key cities in Mexico. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $12,081 ($653), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $4,030 ($218) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $28,305 ($1,530) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $21,697 ($1,173) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Monterrey is $17,760 ($960). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $15,706 ($849) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monterrey expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $12,081 ($653) per month in Monterrey including rent outside the city centre. That is 23% more than the national average for Mexico.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Monterrey?
A net salary of around $15,706 ($849) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Monterrey with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Monterrey is $17,760 ($960).
How much is rent in Monterrey?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $5,793 ($313) per month in the city centre and $4,030 ($218) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $12,090 ($654).
Is Monterrey cheaper than Mexico on average?
No — Monterrey is estimated to be about 23% more expensive than the Mexico average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Monterrey?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $2,737 ($148) in Monterrey. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $121 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around $36 ($2).
How do transport costs in Monterrey compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Monterrey is estimated at $443 ($24). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Monterrey are estimates based on Mexico national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,324,281). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.