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Cost of Living in Monterrey

If you're moving to Monterrey, understanding the the cost of living in Monterrey helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Monterrey

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Monterrey is around $400 to $600 USD per month. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Monterrey, Mexico is around $1,000 to $2,000 USD per square meter. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Monterrey, Mexico is around $0.50 USD per ride. Taxis are also available and the cost is around $2.50 USD per ride.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Monterrey, Mexico is around $50 to $100 USD per week. This cost can vary depending on the type of food purchased.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Monterrey, Mexico is around $10 to $20 USD per meal. This cost can vary depending on the type of restaurant.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Monterrey, Mexico is around $50 to $100 USD per month. This cost can vary depending on the type of utilities used.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Monterrey, Mexico is around $200 to $400 USD per month for preschool, $400 to $800 USD per month for elementary school, $800 to $1,200 USD per month for middle school, and $1,200 to $2,000 USD per month for high school. This cost can vary depending on the type of school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Monterrey

“The cost of living in Monterrey is generally considered to be quite affordable. Real estate prices tend to range from moderately priced to moderately expensive, while the cost of everyday items such as groceries and transportation are considered to be quite reasonable. Monterrey is known for its low cost of living, but also for its high quality of life,” said one expat living in Monterrey.

Can I live in Monterrey on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Monterrey for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Monterrey include San Nicolás de los Garza, Guadalupe, and Apodaca. These areas are a bit farther from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, neighborhoods like San Pedro Garza García, Valle Oriente, and Del Valle are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tight budget.When it comes to transportation, you’ll probably want to rely on public transportation, as owning a car can be quite expensive. The good news is that Monterrey has a decent public transportation system, including buses and a metro system. A monthly pass for public transportation will cost you around $30, which is quite affordable.As for groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries and avoid high-end restaurants. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $5, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can easily cost $20 or more.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Monterrey. You can visit the city’s many parks, such as Parque Fundidora or Parque Ecológico Chipinque, or explore the city’s museums, many of which offer free admission on certain days. Going to the movies can be quite affordable as well, with ticket prices ranging from $3 to $6.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Monterrey is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Monterrey.

Can I live in Monterrey on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Monterrey for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For example, some of the more upscale neighborhoods like San Pedro Garza Garcia and Valle Oriente can be quite expensive, with rents for a nice apartment or house easily going over $1,500 a month. If you want to live in these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller place or share an apartment with roommates to make it work within your budget.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Cumbres, Contry, and Mitras where you can find decent apartments or houses for around $600 to $1,000 a month. These areas might not be as fancy as San Pedro or Valle Oriente, but they still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and public transportation.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation are generally cheaper in Monterrey compared to the US or Europe. Eating out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. However, if you’re a fan of imported products or dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.Overall, I’d say that living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Monterrey is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises when it comes to housing and lifestyle choices,” said one expat living in Monterrey.

Can I live in Monterrey on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Monterrey for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Monterrey is a modern city with a lot of the same amenities you’d find in the US or Europe, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on much.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are several neighborhoods that are more affordable and still offer a great quality of life. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods include San Pedro Garza Garcia, which is a nice residential area with parks, shopping centers, and good schools. Another option is Colonia Del Valle, which is a bit more central and has a mix of residential and commercial areas. Both of these neighborhoods are safe and have a good community feel.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you’re trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget. These include Valle Oriente and Valle Poniente, which are both upscale areas with luxury apartments and high-end shopping centers. While they’re beautiful and offer a lot of amenities, they can be quite pricey and might not be the best fit for your budget.As for other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Monterrey. You can easily find fresh produce at local markets, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars that offer great food and drinks at reasonable prices. Public transportation is also quite cheap, and you can get around the city easily using buses or the metro system.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Monterrey on a $5,000 a month budget is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You’ll be able to enjoy modern amenities and a great quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of the neighborhoods you choose to live in, and you should be able to make it work without any issues,” commented an expat living in Monterrey.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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