Cost of Living in Cuernavaca - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $987 monthly including rent, or $565 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,692 with rent, or $1,023 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,398 including rent, or $1,481 for daily expenses alone.

Currency
Do you live in Cuernavaca? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.38 MX$162
$4.12 MX$71.3
$15.46 MX$267
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$36.39 MX$629
$25.99 MX$450
$104 MX$1,798
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.99 MX$121
$6.48 MX$112
$9.71 MX$168
Cappuccino
$2.32 MX$40.10
$1.61 MX$27.84
$5.09 MX$88.1
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.25 MX$21.64
$0.83 MX$14.37
$2.58 MX$44.63
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 MX$12.47
$0.51 MX$8.82
$2.54 MX$43.91
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.19 MX$37.82
$1.28 MX$22.19
$4.63 MX$80.0
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.11 MX$53.8
$2.59 MX$44.78
$5.90 MX$102
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.56 MX$26.96
$0.78 MX$13.57
$2.62 MX$45.34
White Bread (500g)
$1.75 MX$30.18
$0.78 MX$13.55
$3.46 MX$59.9
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.39 MX$24.13
$1.09 MX$18.80
$2.71 MX$46.83
Eggs
$1.80 MX$31.19
$0.93 MX$16.10
$3.11 MX$53.7
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.32 MX$144
$5.31 MX$91.9
$14.61 MX$253
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.27 MX$108
$5.22 MX$90.3
$19.00 MX$329
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.96 MX$224
$7.89 MX$136
$63.1 MX$1,092
Apples (1kg)
$2.16 MX$37.29
$1.87 MX$32.39
$5.35 MX$92.6
Banana (1kg)
$1.34 MX$23.15
$1.06 MX$18.34
$2.18 MX$37.75
Oranges (1kg)
$1.77 MX$30.66
$1.07 MX$18.57
$5.36 MX$92.7
Tomato (1kg)
$1.61 MX$27.83
$1.07 MX$18.56
$2.67 MX$46.21
Potato (1kg)
$1.70 MX$29.39
$1.03 MX$17.80
$3.08 MX$53.2
Onion (1kg)
$1.85 MX$31.98
$0.94 MX$16.34
$3.15 MX$54.5
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.97 MX$16.85
$0.54 MX$9.40
$2.17 MX$37.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.77 MX$13.37
$0.72 MX$12.47
$1.83 MX$31.63
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.20 MX$72.6
$4.20 MX$72.6
$5.25 MX$90.8
Wine (Bottle)
$8.85 MX$153
$8.85 MX$153
$26.56 MX$459
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.11 MX$19.27
$1.05 MX$18.08
$3.13 MX$54.1
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.98 MX$51.5
$1.89 MX$32.73
$4.98 MX$86.2
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.55 MX$9.57
$0.55 MX$9.57
$0.55 MX$9.57
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.70 MX$462
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.83 MX$31.68
$1.57 MX$27.23
$3.93 MX$68.0
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.20 MX$20.79
$0.97 MX$16.70
$2.99 MX$51.6
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$9.08 MX$157
$7.77 MX$134
$25.93 MX$449
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 MX$22.24
$1.18 MX$20.48
$1.36 MX$23.48
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.6K MX$321.4K
$18.6K MX$321.4K
$23.9K MX$413.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.8K MX$359.8K
$16.1K MX$278.9K
$22.6K MX$391.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$60.9 MX$1,054
$32.15 MX$556
$127 MX$2,198
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$22.81 MX$394
$10.50 MX$182
$31.50 MX$545
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.66 MX$496
$21.54 MX$373
$45.76 MX$791
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.12 MX$400
$18.67 MX$323
$32.02 MX$554
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.17 MX$280
$8.08 MX$140
$16.17 MX$280
Cinema Ticket
$5.44 MX$94.0
$4.35 MX$75.2
$10.87 MX$188
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$213 MX$3,677
$213 MX$3,677
$425 MX$7,355
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,852 MX$83.9K
$2,598 MX$44.9K
$12.7K MX$219.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.28 MX$818
$31.65 MX$547
$68.6 MX$1,186
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.11 MX$694
$24.07 MX$416
$53.5 MX$925
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$100 MX$1,737
$58.9 MX$1,019
$161 MX$2,779
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$82.7 MX$1,430
$47.45 MX$821
$132 MX$2,282
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$375 MX$6,483
$211 MX$3,644
$650 MX$11.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$321 MX$5,556
$321 MX$5,556
$321 MX$5,556
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$897 MX$15.5K
$467 MX$8,070
$1,576 MX$27.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$786 MX$13.6K
$750 MX$13.0K
$804 MX$13.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$905 MX$15.7K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$634 MX$11.0K
$433 MX$7,496
$834 MX$14.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$694 MX$12.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.33
10
14

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $375 for a central one-bedroom, or $321 outside the center. At 54% of the average salary ($694), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $694, while typical expenses reach $987. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $226 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $36.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $26.70 per month.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

Eggs is cheaper than 98% of cities in North America

Rice is cheaper than 97% of cities in North America

Cuernavaca Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Cuernavaca - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuernavaca a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other destinations?
Cuernavaca offers a balanced mix of climate, culture, and practical costs that appeals to travelers and long stays. The city sits between Mexico City’s pace and a more relaxed provincial vibe, often translating to more reasonable housing and daily expenses than the capital or coastal resorts. In the Cost of Living in Cuernavaca, Mexico, you’ll find a broader range of older, affordable apartments alongside newer options. Dining out ranges from mercados to casual eateries, with steady prices for essentials. Utilities and internet are generally reliable in urban neighborhoods. Tip: Start with a short stay in a central neighborhood to gauge rhythm and value.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Cuernavaca?
Daily life centers on a market-driven pace, with leafy residential areas and a vibrant Centro where amenities cluster. For housing search, look for sunlit apartments in mid-range buildings near parks or old streets; longer stays may reward you with options in hillside neighborhoods that stay cooler. Food options range from bustling mercados with fresh produce to casual eateries and bakeries. Transport is flexible: walkable downtown, reliable buses, and ride-hailing apps. For errands, plan a few block-heavy days to avoid peak crowds. Cuernavaca, Mexico living cost fits a balanced budget without rushing you. Tip: Map a couple of neighborhood anchors and test a weeklong stay before committing.
What is the overall quality of life, budgeting framework, and seasonal considerations for Cuernavaca?
Cuernavaca tends to deliver a comfortable quality of life for those who value outdoor time, gardens, and a slower pace without sacrificing access to services. A practical budgeting framework works well: define a housing tier that suits your needs, then allocate blocks of your income to food, transport, and occasional leisure, leaving room for spontaneous day trips to nearby natural spots. Seasonality matters mainly for outdoor plans and crowds during holidays. Neighborhood fit ranges from historic Centro with walkable amenities to cooler hillside pockets with greener views. Tip: try a neighborhood stay during different days of the week to sense energy, safety, and connectivity.
How affordable is daily life in Cuernavaca?
Your money goes further in Cuernavaca than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $987 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How much of a salary does housing take in Cuernavaca?
With 54% of the average paycheck going to rent, Cuernavaca is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How much should you earn to live well in Cuernavaca?
Earning $1,481 monthly in Cuernavaca means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Cuernavaca?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Cuernavaca range from $321 to $375, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Cuernavaca?
A monthly transit pass in Cuernavaca goes for roughly $26.70, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Cuernavaca?
Childcare averages $213 monthly at a private kindergarten in Cuernavaca. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Cuernavaca?
$1,000 stretches far in Cuernavaca – all-in monthly costs average only $987. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Cuernavaca?
Living in Cuernavaca means access to fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife at about $987 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Cuernavaca?
Monthly expenses in Cuernavaca run around $987, so putting money aside takes more than $1,481 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Cuernavaca vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities