Cost of Living in Mexico City - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,481 monthly including rent, or $703 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,352 with rent, or $1,261 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,222 including rent, or $1,819 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.16 MX$229
$6.32 MX$110
$26.32 MX$458
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$53.6 MX$933
$37.51 MX$653
$107 MX$1,865
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.55 MX$166
$7.95 MX$138
$10.61 MX$185
Cappuccino
$3.72 MX$64.8
$2.16 MX$37.62
$6.48 MX$113
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 MX$27.28
$1.04 MX$18.19
$3.13 MX$54.4
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.16 MX$20.12
$0.64 MX$11.12
$2.15 MX$37.41
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.18 MX$55.4
$1.86 MX$32.35
$4.78 MX$83.2
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.63 MX$80.6
$3.09 MX$53.7
$7.21 MX$126
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.71 MX$29.68
$1.35 MX$23.46
$2.16 MX$37.68
White Bread (500g)
$2.62 MX$45.54
$1.60 MX$27.77
$5.11 MX$88.9
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.89 MX$32.87
$1.04 MX$18.05
$3.10 MX$54.0
Eggs
$2.60 MX$45.17
$1.92 MX$33.40
$3.52 MX$61.3
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.91 MX$172
$4.30 MX$74.8
$15.71 MX$273
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.22 MX$143
$3.93 MX$68.4
$12.83 MX$223
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.78 MX$205
$7.96 MX$139
$18.59 MX$323
Apples (1kg)
$3.00 MX$52.1
$1.62 MX$28.20
$3.77 MX$65.6
Banana (1kg)
$1.80 MX$31.32
$1.08 MX$18.86
$2.98 MX$51.8
Oranges (1kg)
$2.07 MX$36.09
$1.03 MX$17.95
$3.24 MX$56.4
Tomato (1kg)
$1.97 MX$34.23
$1.03 MX$17.96
$2.83 MX$49.31
Potato (1kg)
$2.07 MX$36.06
$1.14 MX$19.92
$3.13 MX$54.4
Onion (1kg)
$2.17 MX$37.84
$1.03 MX$17.99
$3.35 MX$58.4
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.40 MX$24.42
$0.89 MX$15.47
$2.09 MX$36.45
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 MX$18.70
$0.75 MX$13.09
$1.55 MX$27.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.12 MX$71.7
$3.86 MX$67.3
$4.90 MX$85.2
Wine (Bottle)
$17.42 MX$303
$8.71 MX$152
$29.03 MX$505
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.68 MX$29.16
$1.25 MX$21.70
$2.32 MX$40.35
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.65 MX$63.5
$1.77 MX$30.79
$6.42 MX$112
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.38 MX$6.62
$0.27 MX$4.65
$0.65 MX$11.27
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$18.71 MX$326
$10.40 MX$181
$49.89 MX$868
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.33 MX$23.13
$0.68 MX$11.82
$2.19 MX$38.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.30 MX$5.27
$0.25 MX$4.37
$1.02 MX$17.82
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.51 MX$95.9
$4.22 MX$73.4
$10.80 MX$188
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.31 MX$22.72
$1.21 MX$21.00
$1.41 MX$24.61
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.2K MX$333.6K
$17.6K MX$305.8K
$24.0K MX$417.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.7K MX$413.3K
$22.5K MX$391.0K
$26.8K MX$465.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$41.14 MX$716
$26.89 MX$468
$86.9 MX$1,512
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.74 MX$483
$13.42 MX$234
$42.97 MX$748
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.13 MX$524
$21.30 MX$371
$45.25 MX$787
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$53.7 MX$935
$21.45 MX$373
$126 MX$2,198
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$25.98 MX$452
$15.67 MX$273
$36.55 MX$636
Cinema Ticket
$6.49 MX$113
$4.60 MX$80.1
$11.90 MX$207
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$437 MX$7,599
$267 MX$4,644
$640 MX$11.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.5K MX$182.0K
$6,258 MX$108.9K
$17.5K MX$305.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.3 MX$1,015
$32.05 MX$558
$80.1 MX$1,394
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$45.86 MX$798
$26.92 MX$468
$64.6 MX$1,124
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$101 MX$1,765
$64.9 MX$1,129
$156 MX$2,709
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$107 MX$1,854
$63.4 MX$1,104
$159 MX$2,759
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,005 MX$17.5K
$662 MX$11.5K
$1,324 MX$23.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$634 MX$11.0K
$428 MX$7,441
$962 MX$16.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,148 MX$37.4K
$1,337 MX$23.3K
$3,209 MX$55.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,247 MX$21.7K
$956 MX$16.6K
$2,124 MX$37.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,859 MX$67.2K
$3,393 MX$59.0K
$4,757 MX$82.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,085 MX$36.3K
$1,377 MX$24.0K
$3,112 MX$54.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,072 MX$18.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.34
9.8
13

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

Last update: July 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,005 for a central one-bedroom, or $634 outside the center. At 94% of the average salary ($1,072), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,072, while typical expenses reach $1,481. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $291 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $54.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $18.71 per month.

Cost Highlights

Mexico City has the 5th cheapest taxi in North America

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 97% of cities in North America

Internet is cheaper than 95% of cities in North America

Mexico City 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 Mexico City - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico City a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other major cities?
Mexico City generally offers a compelling mix of value and variety. You can secure comfortable long-term housing in several neighborhoods, from walkable cores like Roma and Condesa to quieter pockets beyond the center. The food scene ranges from affordable street eats to diverse international cuisine, while markets help you stretch a budget without sacrificing flavor. Public transit and ride-hailing cover the city well, and coworking spaces keep you productive. The city scales with your lifestyle, from budget-friendly days to more flexible, upscale experiences. Cost of Living in Mexico City, Mexico remains accessible for many long stays. Tip: Start with a short-term lease in a core neighborhood to compare daily rhythms.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Mexico City?
Daily life blends affordability with big city variety. Housing options range from shared apartments to longer-term rentals in Roma, Condesa, or San Ángel; search with terms like month-to-month leases and building amenities to compare value quickly. Food options span bustling mercados, casual taquerías, and international eateries, so you can cook at home or eat out without breaking the budget. Public transit covers most neighborhoods, with ride-hailing handy for late nights; bikes and scooters support quick, cheap trips. Errands from groceries to pharmacies are typically convenient near residential blocks. Mexico City, Mexico living cost varies by neighborhood but stays manageable with planning. Tip: scout a few corridors for daily commutes before choosing a base.
How can you assess quality of life, budget effectively, and find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and seasonality?
Quality of life in Mexico City blends culture, convenience, and opportunity, so you can tailor budgeting around your rhythms. A practical framework is to divide essentials into housing, food, transport, and activities, then adjust as seasons shift. The wet season draws crowds to markets and galleries, while dry spells are generally more comfortable for outdoor work. Neighborhood fit matters: Roma and Condesa are walkable and social, while Polanco leans upscale and calmer. Save by cooking at home, using local markets, and choosing flexible coworking days. When planning, check internet reliability and safety routines in your chosen block. Tip: set a monthly walkable radius to minimize commutes and maximize exploration.
What are the monthly living expenses in Mexico City as of 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Mexico City come to around $1,481 including rent, or roughly $703 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is the cost of living in Mexico City reasonable?
At around $1,481 monthly all-in, Mexico City offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
What is the average net income after taxes in Mexico City?
The typical net salary in Mexico City lands around $1,072 monthly. Some sectors pay significantly more, but this number gives you a realistic sense of what most full-time workers earn and how far it stretches against local costs.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Mexico City per month?
Where you live in Mexico City makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,005; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $634. Overall, the market runs from $634 to $1,005 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Mexico City?
A monthly transit pass in Mexico City runs about $18.71, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Mexico City?
At about $291 monthly, food costs in Mexico City sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Mexico City?
Living on $2,000 in Mexico City means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,481. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Mexico City?
Mexico City offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, vibrant nightlife, remote work facilities, and at around $1,481 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Mexico City?
Monthly expenses in Mexico City run around $1,481, so putting money aside takes more than $2,222 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can budget travelers get by in Mexico City?
Budget travel in Mexico City works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,481 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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