Cost of Living in Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico · North America
$1,400
Monthly Cost
avg/person
40
Cost Index
NYC=100
35
Rent Index
NYC=100
62
Quality of Life
Moderate
35
Safety Index
Below Average
9.2M
Population
MXN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $25 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $15 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $450/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $900 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 12% |
Cost of Living in Mexico City — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Mexico City, Mexico is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Mexico City has a cost index of 40, making it around 60% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Mexico City costs around $450/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,500/month. The rent index is 35 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Mexico City scores 62/100 on the quality of life index and 35/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 65/100. The climate index is 78/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Mexico City is approximately $900/month. With a purchasing power index of 52/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MXN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Mexico City
The average monthly salary in Mexico City is approximately $900. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,400, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 52/100.
Healthcare Costs in Mexico City
Healthcare quality in Mexico City is rated 65/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Mexico City
Mexico City has a quality of life score of 62/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Mexico City
Students living in Mexico City should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Mexico City
Expats moving to Mexico City often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Mexico City, Mexico is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 40 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Mexico City
Living in Mexico City offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 40 and a quality of life score of 62/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $900 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Mexico City provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Mexico and around the world.
Key Facts About Mexico City
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,400
- Cost Index: 40
- Rent Index: 35
- Average Salary: $900
- Quality of Life: 62/100
- Safety Score: 35/100
- Country: Mexico
- Currency: MXN
Is Mexico City Expensive?
Mexico City has a cost index of 40 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Mexico City compare to other cities?
Mexico City is located in North America with a population of approximately 9.2M. At a cost index of 40 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Mexico City stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mexico City?
The average cost of living in Mexico City, Mexico is approximately $1,400 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 40 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Mexico City?
Rent in Mexico City varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 35 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Mexico City alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Mexico City expensive to live in?
Mexico City has a cost index of 40 compared to New York City (100). At 40, Mexico City is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,400.
What is the quality of life in Mexico City?
Mexico City has a quality of life index of 62/100 and a safety index of 35/100. The city is located in North America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Mexico City compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Mexico City with any city worldwide. Mexico City's cost index is 40 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Mexico City?
Many residents live comfortably in Mexico City with a monthly budget of around $1,400 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Mexico City good for expats?
Mexico City is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Mexico City?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,400 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Mexico City.
Is Mexico City cheaper than New York?
Yes, Mexico City has a cost index of 40 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Mexico City?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Mexico City.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Mexico City
Cheapest Ways to Live in Mexico City
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Mexico City typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $450/month compared to $700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Mexico City, Mexico.
Is Mexico City Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 52/100 and a quality of life score of 62/100, Mexico City is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 40 relative to New York City, Mexico City remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Mexico has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Mexico City Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Mexico City", "Mexico City monthly expenses 2026", and "is Mexico City affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,400, a safety score of 35/100, and healthcare rated 65/100, Mexico City offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Mexico.
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