Last update: Oct 2026 Mexico 1.6M

Cost of Living in Ecatepec

For one person, living costs in Ecatepec are estimated at $961 a month, including rent and utilities – 25% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Ecatepec

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Ecatepec actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $961 per month with rent, or $765 for everyday expenses alone.

$961 /mo

A couple spends around $1,670 per month with rent, or $1,322 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,670 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,380 per month with rent, or $1,879 without housing.

$2,380 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.14 MX$206
$5.57 MX$103
$25.05 MX$463
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$50.1 MX$926
$36.18 MX$669
$83.5 MX$1,543
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.57 MX$177
$8.21 MX$152
$10.94 MX$202
Cappuccino
$3.71 MX$68.6
$2.23 MX$41.29
$4.75 MX$87.9
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.62 MX$30.02
$1.11 MX$20.51
$2.76 MX$51.1
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.09 MX$20.09
$0.83 MX$15.39
$1.95 MX$36.04
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.38 MX$62.5
$1.80 MX$33.24
$5.63 MX$104
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.59 MX$103
$3.97 MX$73.4
$7.55 MX$140
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.72 MX$31.71
$1.28 MX$23.74
$2.04 MX$37.69
White Bread (500g)
$2.66 MX$49.12
$2.15 MX$39.70
$3.77 MX$69.6
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.96 MX$36.17
$1.09 MX$20.09
$2.44 MX$45.12
Eggs
$2.75 MX$50.9
$1.61 MX$29.67
$3.34 MX$61.8
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.82 MX$163
$5.45 MX$101
$19.08 MX$353
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.12 MX$168
$5.04 MX$93.2
$12.33 MX$228
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.47 MX$249
$9.16 MX$169
$19.30 MX$357
Apples (1kg)
$3.14 MX$58.0
$1.95 MX$35.94
$4.44 MX$82.0
Banana (1kg)
$1.66 MX$30.74
$1.13 MX$20.87
$2.81 MX$52.0
Oranges (1kg)
$2.04 MX$37.65
$1.11 MX$20.50
$5.53 MX$102
Tomato (1kg)
$1.90 MX$35.12
$0.81 MX$15.00
$3.26 MX$60.2
Potato (1kg)
$1.79 MX$33.16
$1.09 MX$20.15
$3.26 MX$60.3
Onion (1kg)
$1.75 MX$32.42
$1.08 MX$20.03
$3.24 MX$59.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.49 MX$27.48
$0.55 MX$10.08
$2.17 MX$40.12
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.19 MX$21.95
$0.91 MX$16.87
$1.61 MX$29.75
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.59 MX$84.9
$4.41 MX$81.5
$6.62 MX$122
Wine (Bottle)
$16.62 MX$307
$8.31 MX$154
$27.69 MX$512
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.92 MX$35.43
$1.09 MX$20.09
$3.52 MX$65.0
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.83 MX$70.7
$1.87 MX$34.55
$6.40 MX$118
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.63 MX$11.72
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.01 MX$573
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.99 MX$36.81
$1.59 MX$29.45
$3.20 MX$59.1
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.52 MX$9.68
$0.27 MX$4.93
$3.13 MX$57.9
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.32 MX$98.3
$4.15 MX$76.6
$26.59 MX$491
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.54 MX$28.48
$1.35 MX$24.88
$1.59 MX$29.43
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.5K MX$397.7K
$18.6K MX$344.2K
$25.0K MX$462.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.5K MX$434.5K
$22.8K MX$421.5K
$28.2K MX$520.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$57.7 MX$1,067
$32.72 MX$605
$106 MX$1,958
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.01 MX$499
$12.02 MX$222
$65.6 MX$1,212
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.74 MX$457
$21.92 MX$405
$54.8 MX$1,013
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$26.37 MX$487
$22.20 MX$410
$30.53 MX$564
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.00 MX$203
$8.25 MX$152
$13.74 MX$254
Cinema Ticket
$6.47 MX$120
$4.85 MX$89.7
$9.66 MX$178
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$270 MX$4,996
$194 MX$3,593
$556 MX$10.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,048 MX$93.3K
$3,841 MX$71.0K
$20.4K MX$377.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.1 MX$1,092
$42.97 MX$794
$68.1 MX$1,259
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.94 MX$830
$27.47 MX$508
$82.4 MX$1,523
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$100 MX$1,855
$77.0 MX$1,423
$138 MX$2,541
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$98.8 MX$1,826
$66.1 MX$1,222
$138 MX$2,545
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$243 MX$4,487
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$138 MX$2,550
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$683 MX$12.6K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$444 MX$8,205
-
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$755 MX$14.0K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$755 MX$13.9K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$553 MX$10.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.3
10
14

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Ecatepec $961
Groceries & Markets
$298
Eating Out
$201
Accommodation & Living
$138
Clothing & Footwear
$136
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$109
Sport & Entertainment
$39
Getting Around
$38

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $243, dropping to $138 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 44% of the average salary ($553) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $553 – below monthly costs of $961. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $298 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $50.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $31.01.

Cost Highlights

Ecatepec has the 6th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in North America

Taxi is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

1-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
23:30 11:30 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,645,352
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MXN – Mexican Peso Converter

Mexican Peso exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 18.48 MXN (100 MXN = 5.41 USD). 1 EUR = 20.77 MXN (100 MXN = 4.81 EUR).

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Ecatepec Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Ecatepec - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Ecatepec for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Ecatepec offers budget-friendly baselines relative to central Mexico City, especially for housing on the periphery and daily essentials. Cost of Living in Ecatepec, Mexico tends to be gentler on a nomad’s wallet when you’re willing to navigate busier streets and local services. You’ll encounter cheaper apartment options outside the city core, plus abundant street food and markets that keep meals predictable and affordable. Shopping at local mercados usually beats supermarkets on price, though some imported items cost more. Commuting to central hubs is doable, but time matters. Tip: plan a two-week housing trial to test layout, noise, and access.
What does daily life look like in Ecatepec in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Ecatepec revolves around practical routines: you’ll find rental options across neighborhoods with differing transit access and safety profiles. Start your housing search near affordable apartments, then browse mercados, panaderías, and tiendas for fresh produce and staples. Food options range from street-taco stalls to family-run cantinas; cooking at home stretches a budget. Transport is flexible: buses, metro connections, and rideshares cover most trips, though peak hours can slow you down. For work, casual coworking spaces and quiet cafes pop up in several pockets of the city. Ecatepec, Mexico living cost shapes what you choose for the week. Tip: Map out a small weekly food plan to keep groceries and transit costs predictable.
How can you balance quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Ecatepec for a longer stay?
Quality of life in Ecatepec comes from balancing affordable basics with access to services, green spaces, and safe, walkable streets. A practical budgeting framework keeps you flexible: allocate for housing first, then food and transport, with a modest buffer for utilities and occasional upgrades. Seasonal shifts affect outdoor plans and travel times, so build a flexible schedule. Neighborhood fit varies from quieter residential pockets to busier markets near transit hubs; spend a few evenings exploring to sense safety, noise, and amenities. Tip: track your expenses for a month to spot where you can adjust without sacrificing comfort.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Ecatepec?
In Ecatepec, housing takes around 44% of a typical salary – close to the global norm of 30%. Most full-time workers can afford a decent apartment and still cover their other bills without too much stress.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Ecatepec?
All in, Ecatepec runs about $961 monthly with rent, or $765 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Does the average salary in Ecatepec cover rent and expenses?
At $553 per month, the average salary in Ecatepec falls short of the $1,441 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Is Ecatepec a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Ecatepec – 1-bedroom apartments range from $138 to $243 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is preschool in Ecatepec per month?
Private kindergarten in Ecatepec costs about $270 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Ecatepec?
Expect to pay about $26.37 per month for a gym in Ecatepec – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Ecatepec?
$2,000 is below the $961 average in Ecatepec, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Ecatepec a good place to raise kids?
Ecatepec is a solid pick for families. Childcare runs about $270 per month, and there's good access to parks, schools, and family-oriented services. Most neighborhoods are safe and walkable, which makes daily family life practical.
Is Ecatepec affordable for the average person?
Ecatepec is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $961, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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