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Cost of Living in Mexico

1,069 cities covered · Currency: MXN ($) · Capital: Mexico City

Single person, monthly$9,851 ($532)
Couple, monthly$17,647 ($954)
Family of four, monthly$22,979 ($1,242)
Average net salary$14,708 ($795)

Average Prices in Mexico

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$100 ($5.41)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$400 ($21.62)per meal
Cappuccino$30.00 ($1.62)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$2,267 ($123)per month
Monthly public transport pass$367 ($19.82)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$967 ($52.26)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$280 ($15.14)per month
Fitness club membership$280 ($15.14)per month
Cinema ticket$73.34 ($3.96)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$4,576 ($247)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$3,184 ($172)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$9,551 ($516)per month

Major Cities in Mexico

Mexico City

Ciudad de México · pop. 21,804,000

Guadalajara

Jalisco · pop. 5,525,000

Monterrey

Nuevo León · pop. 5,324,281

San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potosí · pop. 2,822,255

Toluca

México · pop. 2,476,689

Tijuana

Baja California · pop. 2,002,000

Ecatepec

México · pop. 1,655,015

León de los Aldama

Guanajuato · pop. 1,579,803

Puebla

Puebla · pop. 1,576,259

Juárez

Chihuahua · pop. 1,321,004

Zapopan

Jalisco · pop. 1,257,547

Nezahualcóyotl

México · pop. 1,077,208

Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl

México · pop. 1,072,676

Saltillo

Coahuila · pop. 1,017,806

Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes · pop. 934,424

Chihuahua

Chihuahua · pop. 925,762

Naucalpan de Juárez

México · pop. 913,681

Hermosillo

Sonora · pop. 899,817

Mérida

Yucatán · pop. 892,363

Cancún

Quintana Roo · pop. 888,797

Mexicali

Baja California · pop. 862,360

Culiacán

Sinaloa · pop. 808,416

Querétaro

Querétaro · pop. 794,789

Morelia

Michoacán · pop. 743,275

Cheapest Cities in Mexico

TepeapulcoJerécuaroSanta Lucía del CaminoCatemacoSantiago PapasquiaroCintalapa de FigueroaApizacoValle HermosoOcoyoacacSan Pedro MixtepecFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Mexico

Mexico City vs Guadalajara

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Mexico

Mexico City vs Monterrey

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Mexico

Guadalajara vs San Luis Potosí

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Mexico

Monterrey vs San Luis Potosí

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Mexico

Cost of Living by City Size in Mexico

Living costs in Mexico vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $9,851 ($532) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Mexico?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Mexico is $9,851 ($532), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly $22,979 ($1,242) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Mexico?
Tepeapulco ranks among the most affordable cities in Mexico with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Mexico?
The estimated average net salary in Mexico is $14,708 ($795) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Mexico derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.