Cost of Living in Mexico 2024
The average monthly cost of living for an individual in Mexico in 2024 is USD $982. The top three most affordable major cities in Mexico for an individual include Morelia, Culiacan, and Leon. The average monthly cost of living in these cities is USD $812 or less.
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Are you hoping to know more about the cost of living in Mexico for individuals and families? Perhaps you are considering moving to a country with a lower cost of living.
Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, the top 20 most affordable large cities, and how these cost of living averages compare to averages in the United States.
This article will take a close look at the overall cost of living as well as the average costs in major budget categories such as housing, food, and transportation.
For additional information about healthcare costs and options in Mexico, please also see the Ten Best Insurers in Mexico and Is There Free Healthcare in Mexico?
2024 Cost of Living Estimates in Mexico
The 2024 estimated cost of living for a single person in Mexico is USD $982 monthly, and the average cost of living for a family of four is USD $2,375. Mexico is much more affordable than other countries. It’s ranked 81st in the world for average cost of living.
The following table compares the average cost of living in Mexico to other countries around the world.
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The Monthly Cost of Living in Mexico Compared to Other Countries |
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|
Average Cost of Living for One Adult |
Country |
| USD $982 | Mexico |
| USD $1924 | Norway |
| USD $1578 | Sweden |
| USD $1156 | Costa Rica |
| USD $2896 | Switzerland |
| USD $1383 | Spain |
| USD $2042 | Canada |
| USD $1097 | Japan |
| USD $679 | China |
| USD $1581 | Germany |
| USD $2433 | United States |
Later, we’ll offer a more detailed cost of living comparison between the United States and Mexico.
Housing Costs in Mexico
In 2024, the average cost of rent for one adult in Mexico will be USD $446 a month. On average, a family of four will pay USD $782 monthly for rent. Buying a house in the suburbs of Mexico results in an average price of USD $1,368 per square meter. Interest rates are currently around 11.4%.
2024 Average Rent Prices for Single Bedroom Apartments in Mexico
- Rent for a single-bedroom apartment downtown is USD $563 monthly on average in Mexico for a 420-square-foot apartment.
- Cheaper one-bedroom apartments further from the city center cost an average of $329 monthly in Mexico.
2024 Average Rent Prices for Three-Bedroom Apartments in Mexico
- Rent for a three-bedroom apartment downtown is USD $990 monthly on average in Mexico for an 860-square-foot apartment.
- Cheaper three-bedroom apartments further from the city center cost an average of $614 monthly in Mexico.
Cost to Purchase an Apartment or House in Mexico in 2024
- The average interest rate for a twenty-year mortgage in Mexico is around 11.4%
- Expect to pay around USD $1801 per square meter on average in Mexico.
- In the suburbs of Mexico, the average purchase price per square meter is USD $1368.
Cost of Utilities in Mexico
The average utility bill in Mexico for a single person is USD $42.20, including electricity, water, and heating. For a family, the average bill in Mexico is USD $64.90. On average, internet at a speed of 50Mpbs or greater costs USD $28.20 for one month of unlimited data in Mexico.
Cost of Food and Groceries in Mexico
The cost of food and groceries in Mexico is much more affordable than in other countries in North America. For example, an entire liter of bottled water is only USD $69 on average in Mexico. Groceries from fruits, vegetables, and eggs to toiletries are also relatively affordable.
Also, check out this guide to food and water safety in Mexico.
2024 Average Cost of Eating Out in Mexico
- A meal from the lunch menu costs USD $9.97 on average in Mexico.
- Having dinner for two in a restaurant costs USD $34.50 in Mexico.
- A fast food meal, like one found in McDonald’s, costs USD $8.25 on average in Mexico.
- A pint of beer from a pub costs USD $2.53 on average in Mexico.
- Ordering a coffee (cappuccino) in Mexico will cost $3.69 on average.
- A half-liter Pepsi or Coke costs USD $1.30 on average in Mexico.
2024 Average Prices for Dairy and Meat Grocery Items in Mexico
- A gallon of milk costs USD $5.96 on average in Mexico.
- A dozen eggs in Mexico costs $2.49 on average.
- On average, one pound of cheese costs USD $4.10 in Mexico.
- In Mexico, a pound of chicken breast costs USD $3.31 on average.
- On average, a pound of round steak in Mexico costs USD $5.23.
2024 Average Cost of Grain Grocery Items in Mexico
- A pound of rice in Mexico costs only USD 71 cents on average.
- A loaf of bread costs USD $2.04 in Mexico on average.
2024 Average Prices for Fruits and Vegetables in Mexico
The following table shows the average estimated price per pound for fruits and vegetables in Mexico in USD.
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Average Price per Pound of Fruits and Vegetables in Mexico |
|
|
Vegetable or Fruit |
Price Per Pound |
| Apples | USD $1.25 |
| Bananas | USD $0.64 |
| Onions | USD $0.80 |
| Oranges | USD $0.79 |
| Potatoes | USD $0.85 |
| Tomatoes | USD $0.75 |
2024 Average Prices for Toiletries in Mexico
- A one-week supply of cold medicine costs USD $6.24 on average in Mexico.
- Shampoo costs USD $3.66 on average in Mexico.
- Toilet paper costs USD 51 cents in Mexico on average.
- One tube of toothpaste costs USD $1.82 on average.
Transportation Costs in Mexico
A single, one-way ticket on public transportation costs USD $0.65 in Mexico on average. A monthly pass for transportation costs USD $30.10 on average, and a five-mile taxi ride is USD $11.90. However, gasoline costs a whopping USD $5.04 per gallon on average in Mexico.
Most Affordable Cities in Mexico 2024
The most affordable city in Mexico for an individual is Morelia with an average cost of USD $765 monthly, with Culiacan close behind at an average cost of USD $795. For a family, the most affordable city in Mexico is Ecatapec de Morelos at USD $1683 monthly.
Methodology Comparing Major Cities’ Cost of Living in Mexico
We used crowd-sourced data to find the average cost of living in Cities in Mexico. We used cities in Mexico with data that had a population of 800,000 or greater. The crowd-sourced data we used was updated in March of 2024.
Most Affordable Cities in Mexico for an Individual 2024
The most affordable cities in Mexico for an individual are Morelia, Culican, Leon, Aguascalientes, and La Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. All of the cities have an average cost of living under USD $900 monthly. The most expensive Mexican city for an individual was Monterrey at USD $1415 monthly on average.
The following table shows the rankings for the most affordable large cities in Mexico and the average monthly cost according to crowd-sourced data.
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Most Affordable Cities in Mexico for an Individual |
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|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
| 1 | Morelia | $765 |
| 2 | Culiacan | $795 |
| 3 | Leon | $812 |
| 4 | Aguascalientes | $818 |
| 5 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $828 |
| 6 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $904 |
| 7 | Naucalpan | $905 |
| 8 | Hermosillo | $914 |
| 9 | Saltillo | $927 |
| 10 | Chihuahua | $1,010 |
| 11 | Guadalajara | $1,035 |
| 12 | Mexicali | $1,054 |
| 13 | Puebla | $1,066 |
| 14 | Ciudad Juarez | $1,126 |
| 15 | Merida | $1,128 |
| 16 | Tijuana | $1,184 |
| 17 | Zapopan | $1,217 |
| 18 | Mexico City | $1,288 |
| 19 | Cancun | $1,291 |
| 20 | Monterrey | $1,415 |
Most Affordable Cities in Mexico for Families 2024
The most affordable cities for families in Mexico are Ecatapec de Morelos, Culiacan, La Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, and Aguascalientes. Each of these cities has an average cost of less than USD $2,000 monthly for a family of four.
The table below illustrates the 20 most affordable cities overall for families in Mexico in 2024.
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Most Affordable Cities in Mexico for Families |
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|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
| 1 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $1,683 |
| 2 | Culiacan | $1,841 |
| 3 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $1,866 |
| 4 | Aguascalientes | $1,930 |
| 5 | Leon | $2,006 |
| 6 | Saltillo | $2,067 |
| 7 | Chihuahua | $2,158 |
| 8 | Morelia | $2,235 |
| 9 | Hermosillo | $2,257 |
| 10 | Naucalpan | $2,264 |
| 11 | Ciudad Juarez | $2,412 |
| 12 | Mexicali | $2,478 |
| 13 | Guadalajara | $2,624 |
| 14 | Puebla | $2,624 |
| 15 | Merida | $2,630 |
| 16 | Tijuana | $2,873 |
| 17 | Zapopan | $2,927 |
| 18 | Cancun | $3,101 |
| 19 | Monterrey | $3,203 |
| 20 | Mexico City | $3,248 |
Most Affordable Rent in Mexican Cities for Individuals 2024
The cities in Mexico with the most affordable rent for an individual include Morelia, Leon, and Culiacan. The average rent for an individual is less than USD $300 monthly. The most expensive city, Monterrey, has an average monthly rent price of USD $795.
The following table displays the average monthly rent paid by individuals in the given Mexican city.
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Most Affordable Rent Mexican Cities for an Individual |
||
|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
| 1 | Morelia | $271 |
| 2 | Leon | $288 |
| 3 | Culiacan | $292 |
| 4 | Aguascalientes | $343 |
| 5 | Hermosillo | $344 |
| 6 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $371 |
| 7 | Naucalpan | $381 |
| 8 | Saltillo | $391 |
| 9 | Chihuahua | $426 |
| 10 | Guadalajara | $463 |
| 11 | Mexicali | $488 |
| 12 | Puebla | $495 |
| 13 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $500 |
| 14 | Tijuana | $508 |
| 15 | Merida | $524 |
| 16 | Ciudad Juarez | $560 |
| 17 | Cancun | $609 |
| 18 | Zapopan | $619 |
| 19 | Mexico City | $663 |
| 20 | Monterrey | $795 |
2024 Most Affordable Rent for Families in Mexican Cities
In Mexico, the most affordable rent for families is found in Culiacan, Ecatapec de Morelos, and La Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. These cities all have an average monthly rent price of under USD $500 for a family of four in 2024. The most expensive average rent for a family is USD $1,357 in Monterrey.
The next table shows the top 20 most affordable average monthly family rent prices in major cities in Mexico.
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Most Affordable Rent for Families in Mexican Cities |
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|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
| 1 | Culiacan | $415 |
| 2 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $431 |
| 3 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $469 |
| 4 | Leon | $501 |
| 5 | Chihuahua | $510 |
| 6 | Saltillo | $523 |
| 7 | Aguascalientes | $579 |
| 8 | Hermosillo | $598 |
| 9 | Naucalpan | $694 |
| 10 | Ciudad Juarez | $800 |
| 11 | Morelia | $814 |
| 12 | Mexicali | $849 |
| 13 | Merida | $899 |
| 14 | Guadalajara | $927 |
| 15 | Tijuana | $929 |
| 16 | Puebla | $956 |
| 17 | Cancun | $1,075 |
| 18 | Zapopan | $1,159 |
| 19 | Mexico City | $1,322 |
| 20 | Monterrey | $1,357 |
Mexican Cities with the Most Affordable Food Prices in 2024
The Mexican city with the most affordable average food prices is Ecatapec de Morelos. Individual residents in this Mexican city spend less than USD $300 a month on food. Families of four in the city spend an average of USD $679 on food monthly.
The most expensive city is Cancun, where individuals spend an average of USD $463 monthly on food, and families spend an average of USD $1,215 monthly.
The table below shows the average monthly expense for food for an individual resident in the given city.
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Most Affordable Food Costs by City in Mexico for an Individual |
||
|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Food Expense (USD) |
| 1 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $260 |
| 2 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $301 |
| 3 | Aguascalientes | $333 |
| 4 | Leon | $343 |
| 5 | Morelia | $346 |
| 6 | Mexicali | $348 |
| 7 | Culiacan | $349 |
| 8 | Hermosillo | $365 |
| 9 | Saltillo | $367 |
| 10 | Naucalpan | $369 |
| 11 | Puebla | $370 |
| 12 | Ciudad Juarez | $375 |
| 13 | Guadalajara | $395 |
| 14 | Merida | $396 |
| 15 | Zapopan | $396 |
| 16 | Mexico City | $407 |
| 17 | Tijuana | $409 |
| 18 | Chihuahua | $413 |
| 19 | Monterrey | $423 |
| 20 | Cancun | $463 |
The next table illustrates the average monthly expense of food for a family of four in 2024 in the top 20 most affordable cities in Mexico.
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Most Affordable Food Costs by City in Mexico for Families |
||
|
Ranking |
City |
Family Average Monthly Food Expense (USD) |
| 1 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $679 |
| 2 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $790 |
| 3 | Aguascalientes | $865 |
| 4 | Leon | $886 |
| 5 | Culiacan | $897 |
| 6 | Mexicali | $904 |
| 7 | Morelia | $906 |
| 8 | Hermosillo | $948 |
| 9 | Saltillo | $960 |
| 10 | Naucalpan | $965 |
| 11 | Puebla | $972 |
| 12 | Ciudad Juarez | $978 |
| 13 | Merida | $1,028 |
| 14 | Guadalajara | $1,030 |
| 15 | Zapopan | $1,035 |
| 16 | Chihuahua | $1,059 |
| 17 | Tijuana | $1,069 |
| 18 | Mexico City | $1,071 |
| 19 | Monterrey | $1,105 |
| 20 | Cancun | $1,215 |
Mexican Cities with the Most Affordable Transportation in 2024
The Mexican cities with the most affordable transportation costs in 2024 include Naucalpan, Morelia, Aguascalientes, and Culiacan. In these cities, individuals spend less than USD $80 monthly on transportation on average. Families of four spend an average of USD $205 or less monthly.
The following table displays the average monthly transportation expense for an individual in the 20 most affordable large Mexican cities.
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Most Affordable Transportation Costs by City in Mexico for an Individual |
||
|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Transportation Cost (USD) |
| 1 | Naucalpan | $63 |
| 2 | Morelia | $70 |
| 3 | Aguascalientes | $73 |
| 4 | Culiacan | $75 |
| 5 | Saltillo | $80 |
| 6 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $81 |
| 7 | Guadalajara | $81 |
| 8 | Chihuahua | $81 |
| 9 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $83 |
| 10 | Leon | $96 |
| 11 | Monterrey | $97 |
| 12 | Hermosillo | $102 |
| 13 | Mexico City | $105 |
| 14 | Merida | $107 |
| 15 | Zapopan | $107 |
| 16 | Ciudad Juarez | $108 |
| 17 | Puebla | $110 |
| 18 | Cancun | $125 |
| 19 | Mexicali | $135 |
| 20 | Tijuana | $167 |
The table below shows the average cost of transportation for a family of four in the twenty most affordable large Mexican cities in 2024.
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Most Affordable Transportation Costs by City in Mexico for Families |
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|
Ranking |
City |
Average Monthly Transportation Cost (USD) |
| 1 | Naucalpan | $169 |
| 2 | Morelia | $190 |
| 3 | Aguascalientes | $205 |
| 4 | Culiacan | $205 |
| 5 | Saltillo | $209 |
| 6 | Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl | $217 |
| 7 | Chihuahua | $217 |
| 8 | Guadalajara | $221 |
| 9 | Ecatapec de Morelos | $231 |
| 10 | Leon | $254 |
| 11 | Monterrey | $258 |
| 12 | Mexico City | $288 |
| 13 | Puebla | $293 |
| 14 | Merida | $297 |
| 15 | Zapopan | $302 |
| 16 | Ciudad Juarez | $302 |
| 17 | Cancun | $344 |
| 18 | Mexicali | $376 |
| 19 | Tijuana | $466 |
| 20 | Hermosillo | $948 |
2024 Cost of Living in Mexico vs. the United States
Mexico has a much more affordable cost of living than the United States when comparing expenses. Living in the United States costs 148% more for an individual than living in Mexico on average. On average, for a family, the United States cost of living is 139% more than in Mexico.
Mexico attracts many expats seeking a better standard of living at a more affordable price than what’s available in many other countries, including the United States.
We’ll offer a breakdown to compare the average costs in major budget categories in Mexico versus the United States.
2024 Housing Costs in Mexico vs. the United States
Rent and utilities for a single person cost 248% more in the United States than in Mexico. For a family, the United States costs 247% more than Mexico on average. That means that the average rent and utility prices in the US are more than triple the average in Mexico.
Let’s take an even closer look at comparing housing costs in Mexico and the United States.
Rent Comparisons for Downtown Apartments in the US vs. Mexico
- A downtown, one-bedroom apartment in the United States costs 186% more than a similar apartment downtown in Mexico.
- A downtown, three-bedroom apartment in the United States costs 189% more than a similar apartment in Mexico.
Rent Comparisons for Apartments in Less Expensive Areas: US vs. Mexico
- A cheap single-bedroom apartment in the United States costs almost four times (295% more) as much as a similar apartment in Mexico.
- A cheap three-bedroom apartment in the United States also costs almost four times (283%) more than a similar three-bedroom apartment in Mexico.
Purchase Prices for Homes in the United States versus Mexico
- Purchasing a condo in downtown will cost you 164% more per square foot in the United States compared to Mexico.
- Purchasing a single-family home in the suburbs will cost you 182% more in the United States compared to Mexico.
- However, the current 20-year interest rate for a mortgage in Mexico is 11.4%, but only 6.4% in the United States.
2024 Utility Costs in the United States vs. Mexico
Utilities, including water, electricity, and heating, for a single person in the United States costs 189% more than in Mexico. For a family, utilities are 190% more in the US than in Mexico on average. An internet plan in the US will cost you 138% more than a similar plan in Mexico.
2024 Food Costs in Mexico vs. the United States
Food for an individual in Mexico is much more affordable than in the United States. In the US, you’ll spend 69% more on food than in Mexico on average. Similar savings can be found when comparing the costs of eating out in Mexico versus the United States.
Cost of Eating Out in the USA vs. Mexico
- Fast food costs 27% more in the USA than in Mexico.
- A meal on the lunch menu of a restaurant in Mexico is close to half the price of a similar meal in the United States.
- Dinner for two in a restaurant in Mexico is less than half the price of dinner for two in the United States.
2024 Transportation Costs in Mexico vs. the United States
Transportation in Mexico is only slightly more affordable than in the United States. For an individual, transportation costs in the United States are 27% higher than in Mexico. This is due, in part, to the higher gasoline prices in Mexico. Savings are seen due to cheaper public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to comfortably live in Mexico?
The average cost of living in Mexico is USD $982 monthly for an individual. To live more comfortably than average, you’ll need to budget for the city you have in mind. Monterrey, Cancun, and Mexico City have the highest average monthly cost of living of the major cities: as high as USD $1,415.
Can you live on only USD $500 a month in Mexico?
There are rural areas of Mexico where a person could live on USD $500 monthly. However, the average cost of living for an individual in Mexico in 2024 is USD $982. It is unlikely that you would live comfortably on only $500 monthly in Mexico.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Mexico?
The cheapest major city in Mexico for an individual is Morelia, with an average cost of living of USD $765 monthly. The most affordable large city in Mexico for a family is Ecatapec de Morelos, with an average cost of living of USD $1,683 monthly for a family of four.
Conclusion
Mexico is a very affordable country to live in, especially for digital nomads relocating from the United States or other countries with high average salaries. The average cost of living for individuals and families is much lower in Mexico than in many countries.
Don’t forget to secure health insurance before moving to another country because your domestic health insurance policy won’t cover you abroad. Contact an insurance expert online today for free, personalized advice.
You may also find and compare health insurance quotes for free online through Pacific Prime.
Keep reading here to learn more about opening bank accounts in Mexico as an expatriate.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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