Mexico (MX)
Mexico is one of the world's most important expat destinations, especially for US and Canadian retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs, families and lifestyle migrants.
Capital: Mexico City
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: MXN (MX$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)
Emergency: 911
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Mexico — 2026 data in MXN.
38
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Food & Groceries
Bread (loaf, 500g) MXN 40–60
Milk (1L) MXN 28–38
Eggs (12) MXN 40–60
Chicken breast (1kg) MXN 100–180
Pasta (500g) MXN 25–50
Beer (0.5L, Corona/Modelo, supermarket) MXN 25–45
Wine (750ml, domestic) MXN 150–400
Monthly groceries for 1 person MXN 4,000–8,000
Dining Out
Street tacos (taco de canasta / al pastor, iconic) MXN 15–35 each
Comida corrida (set lunch, 3 courses) MXN 80–180
Casual restaurant meal MXN 150–350
Cappuccino MXN 70–150
Beer in a bar (355ml Corona/Modelo) MXN 60–120
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) MXN 700–1,800
Rent
1-bed apartment, CDMX central (Roma, Condesa, Polanco) MXN 18,000–38,000/month
1-bed apartment, Guadalajara / Querétaro / Mérida MXN 10,000–25,000/month
Beach/tourist hub furnished 1-bed (Puerto Vallarta, Tulum) MXN 18,000–50,000/month
Lake Chapala / San Miguel de Allende expat rental MXN 14,000–35,000/month
Utilities (CFE electricity, gas, water) MXN 600–3,000/month
Building maintenance fee (cuotas de mantenimiento) MXN 500–3,000/month
Transport
CDMX Metro single fare MXN 5
CDMX Metro monthly pass MXN 500
Uber / DiDi short city ride (CDMX) MXN 80–250
Intercity premium bus (ADO, e.g. CDMX–Puebla) MXN 300–600
Petrol (1L, Magna 87) MXN 22–26
Monthly parking (CDMX) MXN 2,000–5,000
Toll road (CDMX–Guadalajara one way) MXN 800–1,500
Health & Insurance
IMSS voluntary enrollment (annual, expat option) MXN 2,500–5,000/year
Pharmacy-adjacent doctor (médico de farmacia) MXN 50–150 + medication
Private GP / specialist MXN 700–2,500
Private emergency visit (before tests/admission) MXN 2,000–20,000
International health insurance (expat, annual) MXN 15,000–80,000
Utilities
Electricity (CFE, without heavy AC) MXN 300–1,500/month
Gas (LP or natural, monthly) MXN 200–800
Home fibre internet (Telmex/Izzi/Megacable) MXN 400–900/month
Mobile plan (Telcel/AT&T/Movistar) MXN 200–700/month
Water (municipal, monthly) MXN 100–400
Childcare
CENDI / IMSS public daycare (subsidised for insured) Free–MXN 500/month
Private bilingual primary school (annual) MXN 60,000–250,000
Premium international school (annual) MXN 250,000–500,000
Spanish language tutor (per hour) MXN 200–800
Leisure
Cinema ticket (Cinépolis / Cinemex) MXN 100–200
Gym membership (monthly) MXN 500–2,000
Museum entrance (Museo de Antropología / UNAM) MXN 80–200
Lucha libre match ticket (iconic Mexico experience) MXN 150–600
Sports club membership (monthly) MXN 2,000–8,000
Concert ticket (local venue) MXN 500–3,000
Haircut (men's) MXN 100–300
Haircut (women's) MXN 300–1,200
Cost of Living
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