Cost of Living in Mexico
Last updated on Jan 20, 2023
Summary: What is the cost of living in Mexico? Hear what expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mexico have to say about the cost of housing, health insurance and general living costs.
Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Mexico, they wrote:
"$1,500 a month for a single, $2500 a month for a couple. Less if you go to a smaller town," explained one expat.
"That is such a personal question. I recommend that people housesit in the community they are thinking of retiring in so they can gauge costs, safety, reliability of utilities, etc," said another person in Lake Chapala.
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Will I save money living in Mexico?
"While things were not as cheap as I'd heard, we are able to live a nice life on our income. We DID pick a popular city on the coast, so prices are higher here than in smaller towns," remarked another expat in Mazatlan.
"Mexico stretches my dollar considerably! For example, I joined a fantastic gym and get 3 personal training sessions per week -- for about $63 US/month," explained one expat living in Lake Chapala.
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What is the average cost of housing in Mexico?
If you are thinking about moving to Mexico, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Expenses here are FAR lower than the USA even though Real Estate here has gone up in price. Still very affordable. I live in So. Rosarito close to Puerto Nuevo. My house is on a Hillside above the ocean with spectacular Views of the Ocean and coastline. I have a 3 bedroom house, 3 baths home with huge view patio and enclosed parking for 3 cars. This for a fraction of the cost of an ocean view home in California. If you are looking to rent, Ocean view and ocean front places are low price and vary from area to area. Many American colonies here have 24/7 guards and security. Rents vary from about 400 USD to well under 2000 USD. Depending on size and area, Everything from small apartments to huge view homes are available," remarked another expat in Rosarito.
"My husband found a two bedroom one bath house in Pensiones neighborhood in Merida Yucatan for about $35,000 USD. It needs another $10k in upgrades or remodeling but it is a cute home and would be great. The rents here are all over the place. But a huge home with a lot of amenities unfurnished in my neighborhood (4 bedrooms or 5 with three bathrooms and so on? Goes for $14,000 Mexican pesos a month. About $675 or $700 USD give or take," explained one expat living in Mexico.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Mexico?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Mexico?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Mexico?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Mexico accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Mexico like?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Mexico?
- What are healthcare services like in Mexico?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Mexico?
- What is the weather like in Mexico?
- Are there good restaurants in Mexico?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Mexico?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Mexico?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Mexico?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Mexico?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?