Last update: Oct 2026 Mexico 138.4K

Cost of Living in Zacatecas

For one person, living costs in Zacatecas are estimated at $738 a month, including rent and utilities – 42% 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 Zacatecas

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

Living costs for one person come to about $738 monthly including rent, or $553 excluding housing.

$738 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,170 with rent, or $941 without housing.

$1,170 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,602 including rent, or $1,330 for daily expenses alone.

$1,602 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.12 MX$113
$5.33 MX$98.4
$18.64 MX$344
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.70 MX$586
$20.42 MX$377
$134 MX$2,482
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.50 MX$139
$6.66 MX$123
$11.11 MX$205
Cappuccino
$2.96 MX$54.7
$2.69 MX$49.77
$5.39 MX$99.5
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.21 MX$22.31
$1.07 MX$19.79
$2.40 MX$44.44
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 MX$13.31
$0.53 MX$9.76
$1.84 MX$34.07
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.86 MX$34.45
$1.27 MX$23.50
$3.99 MX$73.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.08 MX$75.4
$3.27 MX$60.3
$5.44 MX$101
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.37 MX$25.41
$1.12 MX$20.72
$2.19 MX$40.54
White Bread (500g)
$2.21 MX$40.91
$1.13 MX$20.83
$3.37 MX$62.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.54 MX$28.52
$0.59 MX$10.90
$2.15 MX$39.79
Eggs
$2.29 MX$42.31
$1.52 MX$28.08
$3.10 MX$57.3
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.32 MX$135
$4.88 MX$90.2
$13.56 MX$251
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.12 MX$113
$3.20 MX$59.1
$13.03 MX$241
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.25 MX$171
$8.00 MX$148
$17.07 MX$315
Apples (1kg)
$1.75 MX$32.31
$1.35 MX$24.87
$3.77 MX$69.7
Banana (1kg)
$1.66 MX$30.63
$1.01 MX$18.72
$3.30 MX$61.1
Oranges (1kg)
$2.02 MX$37.30
$1.11 MX$20.51
$3.32 MX$61.4
Tomato (1kg)
$1.46 MX$27.05
$0.83 MX$15.30
$2.77 MX$51.1
Potato (1kg)
$2.00 MX$36.98
$1.03 MX$18.96
$2.72 MX$50.3
Onion (1kg)
$1.76 MX$32.50
$0.75 MX$13.80
$3.23 MX$59.7
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.52 MX$28.04
$1.11 MX$20.56
$2.22 MX$40.94
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.84 MX$15.60
$0.84 MX$15.60
$1.41 MX$26.06
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.29 MX$79.4
$4.29 MX$79.4
$5.85 MX$108
Wine (Bottle)
$10.67 MX$197
$5.54 MX$102
$22.15 MX$409
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.67 MX$30.90
$1.12 MX$20.73
$2.23 MX$41.27
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.38 MX$62.5
$1.63 MX$30.15
$4.90 MX$90.6
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.53 MX$9.88
$0.53 MX$9.88
$0.57 MX$10.45
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.52 MX$305
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.21 MX$40.77
$1.11 MX$20.48
$5.08 MX$93.8
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.08 MX$19.91
$0.80 MX$14.84
$2.68 MX$49.58
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.28 MX$227
$5.02 MX$92.9
$27.92 MX$516
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.45 MX$26.79
$1.24 MX$22.96
$1.53 MX$28.25
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.1K MX$390.6K
$19.1K MX$353.2K
$21.1K MX$390.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.5K MX$452.6K
$23.7K MX$438.3K
$25.4K MX$469.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$23.16 MX$428
$23.16 MX$428
$81.7 MX$1,511
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.38 MX$155
$8.38 MX$155
$27.92 MX$516
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$25.17 MX$465
$18.88 MX$349
$53.9 MX$997
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$25.02 MX$462
$22.24 MX$411
$27.80 MX$514
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.17 MX$151
-
Cinema Ticket
$4.39 MX$81.1
$3.89 MX$71.9
$13.89 MX$257
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$256 MX$4,736
$138 MX$2,550
$386 MX$7,140
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,234 MX$59.8K
$3,234 MX$59.8K
$12.0K MX$221.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.26 MX$836
$32.59 MX$602
$81.5 MX$1,506
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.19 MX$743
$16.42 MX$303
$71.1 MX$1,314
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.6 MX$1,692
$76.6 MX$1,415
$155 MX$2,871
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$43.08 MX$796
$43.08 MX$796
$135 MX$2,488
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$242 MX$4,467
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$162 MX$2,994
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$383 MX$7,074
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$249 MX$4,606
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$571 MX$10.5K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$407 MX$7,527
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10.8
9
15

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Zacatecas $738
Groceries & Markets
$228
Accommodation & Living
$162
Eating Out
$132
Clothing & Footwear
$99
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$57
Sport & Entertainment
$34
Getting Around
$26

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $242 for a central one-bedroom, or $162 outside the center. At 59% of the average salary ($407), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $407, while typical expenses reach $738. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $228 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $32.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $16.52 per month.

Cost Highlights

Zacatecas has the 5th cheapest 3-bedroom apartment, outside city center in North America

Zacatecas has the 9th cheapest 3-bedroom apartment, city center in North America

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

Good to know
🕒 Local time
18:16 6:16 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
138,444
💱 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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Zacatecas Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Zacatecas - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zacatecas a good value for long stays or short trips compared with other Mexican destinations?
Zacatecas offers a friendly balance of price and quality that appeals to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want reliability without a premium. In general, you’ll find affordable housing options – from compact apartments to shared houses near the historic center – and you’ll enjoy solid value in local meals, markets, and everyday services. Getting around is straightforward, with walkable cores and decent public transport. The cultural calendar adds substantial value, turning a modest budget into rich experiences in museums, galleries, and street food. Cost of Living in Zacatecas tends to be moderate and predictable, with room to save while you settle in. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a centrally located, walkable neighborhood to test the vibe.
What does a typical day-to-day life look like, from housing search to groceries and transport?
Daily life follows a relaxed, walkable rhythm. In the housing hunt, start in the historic center or nearby residential streets for easy access to shops, cafes, and markets; there are options for both short-term leases and longer stays. For groceries, you’ll find vibrant local markets and affordable produce, plus international items in larger supermarkets. Transport is practical, with buses and rideshares complementing easy walkability. Co-working spaces fit a range of budgets, offering reliable wi-fi and social spaces. Know the Zacatecas living cost to plan a daily rhythm and priorities. Tip: Build a budgeting cushion by using free public events and choosing one new activity per week.
What about quality of life and budgeting strategies to maximize value, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
To maximize value, use a simple budgeting framework: assign a housing bracket, then cap daily costs for meals, transport, and errands. Favor neighborhoods that balance walkability with quiet evenings; Centro Histórico offers access to culture while hillside zones can be quieter and cooler. Cooking at home with market ingredients stretches funds, while occasional meals out keep the vibe alive. Seasonality matters for crowds and prices around festivals; plan longer stays when fewer tourists are around if possible. Take note of safety, amenities like laundromats, and access to green spaces when choosing a base. Tip: Keep a recurring calendar of local events to shape your plans.
Is Zacatecas one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Zacatecas is just cheap – all-in costs average $738 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
Is Zacatecas a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Zacatecas than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $738 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How does the average salary in Zacatecas compare to the cost of living?
At $407 take-home, most residents in Zacatecas can cover the $738 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,107 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Zacatecas per month?
Where you live in Zacatecas makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $242; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $162. Overall, the market runs from $162 to $242 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Zacatecas?
A monthly transit pass in Zacatecas runs about $16.52, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Zacatecas?
Groceries in Zacatecas cost around $228 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Zacatecas?
$1,200 stretches far in Zacatecas – all-in monthly costs average only $738. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Zacatecas?
Zacatecas offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, clean air, and at around $738 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 Zacatecas?
Monthly expenses in Zacatecas run around $738, so putting money aside takes more than $1,107 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Zacatecas?
Budget travelers love Zacatecas – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $738 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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