Cost of Living in Oaxaca City

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Oaxaca City helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $300 – $500 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $200 – $350 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $600 – $1,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $700 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $600 – $1,000
Transportation	One-way local transportation ticket: $0.50 Monthly public transportation pass: $20 – $30 Taxi starting tariff: $1.50 Taxi 1 km (normal tariff): $0.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $0.90 – $1.10
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.20 Bread (500g): $1.00 – $2.00 Rice (1 kg): $1.00 – $1.50 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 Cheese (1 kg): $4.00 – $8.00 Chicken breasts (1 kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Beef round (1 kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Apples (1 kg): $1.50 – $3.00 Bananas (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Oranges (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Tomatoes (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.50 Potatoes (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.50 Onions (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.50 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $3.00 – $6.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $20.00 – $40.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.00 – $2.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.50 Cappuccino: $1.50 – $2.50 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.30 – $0.70
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $30 – $60 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $150 – $300 per month Elementary School: $200 – $400 per month Middle School: $300 – $600 per month High School: $400 – $800 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Oaxaca City

“The cost of living in Oaxaca City, is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are quite reasonable, with a variety of options available for different budgets. The cost of food and groceries is also relatively low, with fresh produce and local ingredients being widely available at affordable prices. Eating out at local restaurants and street food stalls is also inexpensive.Public transportation is affordable and widely available, making it easy to get around the city without spending too much. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, are reasonably priced, although they may be slightly higher than in smaller towns. Healthcare is also affordable, with both public and private options available at reasonable costs.Overall, Oaxaca City offers a good quality of life at a relatively low cost, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Mexico,” said one expat living in Oaxaca City.

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

“I’ve been living in Oaxaca City for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. The cost of living here is generally lower than in the US or Europe, but you’ll still need to be mindful of your spending.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend looking into areas like San Felipe del Agua or Colonia Reforma. These neighborhoods are safe and have a good mix of locals and expats. You can find a decent apartment for around $400-$600 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Jalatlaco or Xochimilco, but keep in mind that the rent prices there can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $1,000 a month or more.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $50-$100 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet service is relatively affordable, with plans starting at around $20 a month.When it comes to food, you’ll find that eating out at local restaurants is quite affordable, with meals costing around $3-$5. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you’ll be paying closer to US prices. Groceries are generally cheaper than in the US, especially if you shop at local markets. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is very affordable, with bus fares costing around $0.50 per ride. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also reasonably priced, but if you plan on using them frequently, the costs can add up. Owning a car is an option, but keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US, and parking can be a challenge in some areas.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Oaxaca City. You can visit museums, art galleries, and cultural events for little to no cost. However, if you’re into more expensive hobbies like golf or fine dining, you might need to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Oaxaca City is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of the many low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful city,” commented an expat living in Oaxaca City.

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

“I’ve been living in Oaxaca City 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, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to choose a neighborhood that’s affordable but still offers a good quality of life. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Oaxaca City include Reforma, La Noria, and San Felipe del Agua. These areas have a mix of local and expat residents, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are more expensive and might not be the best options if you’re trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget.When it comes to transportation, using public buses and taxis is quite affordable in Oaxaca City. However, if you’re used to having your own car, you might need to consider the costs of purchasing and maintaining a vehicle, as well as parking fees. It’s worth noting that traffic can be quite congested in the city, so relying on public transportation might be a more convenient option.As for groceries and dining out, you’ll find that local markets and street food vendors offer delicious and affordable options. However, if you’re used to eating at high-end restaurants or buying imported products, you might need to adjust your habits to stay within your budget. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money while still enjoying the delicious flavors of Oaxaca.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Oaxaca City. You can visit museums, art galleries, and cultural events for little to no cost. However, if you’re used to frequenting upscale bars and clubs, you might need to cut back on those outings or find more budget-friendly alternatives.Lastly, healthcare in Oaxaca City is generally affordable, especially if you’re willing to use public hospitals and clinics. However, if you prefer private healthcare providers, you might need to factor in the costs of insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Oaxaca City is achievable, but it might require some adjustments to your lifestyle and spending habits. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the many low-cost entertainment options, you can make the most of your budget while still enjoying a high quality of life,” said one expat living in Oaxaca City.

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

“I’ve been living in Oaxaca City 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 even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many other places.As for sacrifices, I wouldn’t say there are many. You might have to adjust to a slower pace of life and get used to the local customs and culture, but that’s part of the charm of living in a place like Oaxaca. The city has a rich history and a vibrant arts scene, so there’s always something interesting to do or see.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are several neighborhoods that I would recommend. One of my favorites is Jalatlaco, which is a charming, walkable area with cobblestone streets and colorful houses. It’s close to the city center, so you’ll have easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Another great option is Xochimilco, which is a bit more upscale but still affordable. It’s known for its beautiful gardens and parks, so it’s perfect if you enjoy spending time outdoors.On the other hand, there are some neighborhoods that might be a bit too expensive if you’re trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget. For example, San Felipe del Agua is a very exclusive area with large, luxurious homes and stunning views of the city. While it’s certainly a beautiful place to live, it might not be the best option if you’re trying to save money.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Oaxaca. Eating out at local restaurants can be very inexpensive, and there are plenty of markets where you can buy fresh produce and other goods at low prices. Public transportation is also quite cheap, and you can easily get around the city by bus or taxi.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Oaxaca City on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. There’s a lot to love about this city, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring everything it has to offer,” commented an expat living in Oaxaca City.

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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