Mexico, located south of the United States, is a popular destination for Americans to move. Mexico’s vibrant celebrations and holidays—like Carnaval and Día de los Muertos—are deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Throw in the warm weather and fabulous food, and it’s no wonder Mexico catches the eye of so many seeking to relocate.
If you are one of the many Americans considering a move south of the border, you’ll first want to learn about the cost of living in Mexico versus the United States for necessities like housing, transportation, food, utilities, and healthcare costs.
Whether you have family or friends in Mexico or you’re an expatriate who’s already made the move, you may eventually need to send money across the border. With Western Union, you can easily send money to or from Mexico via the Western Union® app.
Sending cash electronically through Western Union is fast and convenient. And the recipient can receive the money directly into an account or pick it up in person at one of thousands of agent locations.
Average cost of living in Mexico
If you don’t currently call the country home, you might be wondering: How much does it cost to live in Mexico? Well, the average monthly cost for a family of four is just over 42,600 Mexican pesos (MXN), not including rent costs. Use a currency converter to calculate that amount into US dollars (USD), and it comes out to about $2,500.
Overall, the cost of living in Mexico is 39% cheaper than it is in the US. It’s a great option if you want to live in a more affordable country.
How the cost of living varies throughout Mexico
Just like in the United States, living in a city may cost more than living in a rural area of Mexico. For instance, the cost of living in Mexico City is just over $2,800 (USD), which is more than 11% higher than the cost of living across the country.
In USD, the estimated cost of living for a family of four (not including rent) in some of the more popular Mexico cities among US expatriates include:
- San Miguel de Allende: $3,360
- Merida: $2,760
- Playa del Carmen: $2,570
- Santiago de Querétaro: $2,680
- Guadalajara: $2,610
- Tijuana: $2,560
- Cancun: $2,830
Source: Numbeo
Cost of housing in Mexico
There are plenty of options for housing in Mexico that are less expensive than in the United States. The tourist and metropolitan areas are the most expensive residential parts of the country.
Cities like Tijuana, Mexico City, and Cancun tend to be more on the expensive end, with a nice apartment costing up to $1,000 (USD) per month. However, you can also find cheaper options in other cities like Puerto Vallarta or Mérida, where a one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $600.
These costs are significantly less expensive than in the United States, where the average median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a metropolitan area is about $1,770.00.
Cost of food in Mexico
Mexican cuisine is well-known across the world and is so good that it attracts tourists and expatriates alike. You can dine out and buy fresh produce for relatively low prices, which makes holidays like Easter in Mexico less expensive for the entire family. Take a look at how the USD price of some foods in Mexico compares to the United States.
| Food | Average Cost in Mexico | Average Cost in the US |
| Milk (1 gallon) | $5.96 | $4 |
| Rice (1 lb.) | $0.82 | $2.07 |
| Apples (1 lb.) | $1.34 | $2.40 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.55 | $3.70 |
| Cappuccino | $3.33 | $5.10 |
| Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $9.45 | $20 |
Cost of transportation in Mexico
You’ll find that many cities in Mexico are walkable, but if you need to travel greater distances, public transportation is generally accessible and inexpensive.
There are many transportation options, including local bus systems, microbuses that will drop you off at any point along a specified route, and even metro systems in the country’s major cities. The cost of each of these options is quite cheap. For instance, a metro ticket in Mexico City will likely cost you around 25 cents (USD), compared with a whopping $2.90 in New York City.
Cost of healthcare in Mexico
Mexicans receive their healthcare through a complex mix of public and private options. The public system is free for all Mexican citizens and eligible foreign nationals, while the private system is more costly but popular among expats and those with higher incomes.
The public sector delivers healthcare through the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), the Institute of Safety and Social Services for Public Sector Workers (ISSSTE), and the Secretary of Health (SSA). The private sector includes hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
Healthcare and medicine costs in Mexico are about 50% cheaper than in the United States, which is a huge savings for those who decide to make the move.
Cost of key utilities in Mexico
As in other countries, the cost of utilities in Mexico varies greatly depending on your usage. For example, if you use minimal electricity, your monthly bill could be as little as $3 (USD) in Mexico. However, if you use air conditioners and other power-hungry appliances, you might pay as much as you would in the US.
The total monthly cost for electricity, heating and cooling, water, and garbage service in USD pencils out to about $72 for a 915-square-foot-apartment. Compare that to more than $200 in the US.
What about internet? Telmex, the country’s major internet and phone provider, offers plans for high-speed internet plus a landline for about $21 per month.
Median annual income in Mexico
While the cost of living in Mexico is quite reasonable, don’t expect to earn a lot of money if you take a job in the country. The average disposable income per capita in Mexico is $16,269 (USD), which pales in comparison to $51,147 in the United States.
Mexico’s financial system is quite robust. There are a variety of banks for expats in Mexico that provide the financial services you might need to secure your savings, obtain new lines of credit, and conduct your financial transactions.
Whether you’re still contemplating your move and need to send money to Mexico or you’re already there and need to send money back to the US, Western Union makes it easy.
Calculate the exchange rate and set up your transaction straight from our website or the Western Union® app. Prefer to send money in person? No problem. Visit one of our thousands of agent locations in Mexico and the US.
FAQs
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Mexico?
To live comfortably in Mexico, you will likely need between $600 and $2,000 (USD) per month. However, much depends on what you consider “living comfortably” to be and where in the country you want to live.
Can you live in Mexico on $1,000 a month?
If you live in a big city, it may be difficult to live on $1,000 (USD) per month. However, if you live in a rural area of Mexico with a lower cost of living, you may be able to live off this amount of money.
How much is rent in Mexico in US dollars?
Rent costs will depend on where you’re living and the size of the apartment. A luxury one-bedroom apartment in major cities can cost you up to $1,000 per month, while apartments in more rural areas or less populated cities can cost as little as a few hundred dollars per month.
