Cost of Living in Mexico as an Expat in 2023

Are you tired of struggling to make ends meet? Do you dream of a life where your hard-earned money goes further?

The answer could be Mexico with a low cost of living compared to the US, Canada and Europe your dollar will stretch further than you ever thought possible.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of the cost of living in Mexico in 2023, including housing, food, transportation, utilities and healthcare.

Housing

The cost of housing in Mexico varies depending on the location size and type of property, in popular beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Los Cabos can be higher than in less touristy areas.

In Mexico City the capital and largest city in Mexico the cost of housing can range from affordable to expensive. A typical two-bedroom apartment in a mid-range neighborhood can cost around $700 USD per month (2023). If you prefer to live in a more upscale area you can expect to pay around $1,100 USD per month (2023).

In the smaller cities or towns the cost of housing can be even more affordable. A two-bedroom apartment in a city like Querétaro can cost around $400 to $500 USD per month (2023).

It’s worth noting that in Mexico many apartments are rented unfurnished which means you will need to purchase your own furniture, appliances and other household items.

Utilities

In addition to rental prices there are other costs associated with housing in Mexico, utility bills are not normally included in the rent and can add up to an addition of $75 USD per month (2023) and an internet connection with a decent speed will cost around $35 USD per month (2023).

I would avoid cable TV as you’ll get far better programs in English or your native language on the internet platforms like Netflix, Amazon, etc.

Food

Mexican food is famous around the world for its delicious flavour and variety. As an expat in Mexico you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of affordable and tasty food options whether you prefer street food or fine dining there is some something for everyone.

Eating Out

A meal in a local restaurant can cost you around $4-6 USD for the menu of the day (2023) . While a meal in a more upscale restaurant can cost $15 to $25 USD per person (2023).

Home Cooking

If you prefer to cook at home you could expect to pay around $270 USD per month (2023) for groceries as a single person. This includes basic food items like rice, beans, meat, vegetables and fruits.

In addition to food costs there are also costs associated with dining out such as tipping in Mexico it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the total bill in restaurants and bars.

Transportation

The cost of transportation in Mexico will depend on the mode of transportation and their location in major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara public transportation is cheap and convenient.

A Metro ride in Mexico City costs around 30 US cents while a city bus ride is roughly 35 US cents (2023).

Taxis and services like Uber are also affordable with the average cost being around $4 – $5 USD (2023) for a short ride 5 km – 3 miles.

If you are planning to travel around the country there are several bus companies that offer comfortable and affordable long-distance travel. A one way ticket from Mexico City to Guadalajara (550 km / 342 miles) for example will be around $50 USD (2023).

I would avoid the additional expense of owning your own car until you’ve had at least six months of living in Mexico.

Healthcare

Unfortunately we all get sick at some point and healthcare prices can really vary in Mexico, I’ll provide a short resume in this article as the subject has so many variables.

State Healthcare

If you are around 60 years old and in fairly good condition expect to pay between $700 – $1,000 USD per annum (2023) for the cheapest state healthcare program. This is currently called IMSS BIENESTAR before it is known as the Seguro Popular, be aware the wait times could be never ending for many services.

Private Healthcare

A private healthcare insurance policy in Mexico for a 50 to 65 year old with no pre-existing conditions would be paying somewhere between $2,500 to $4,000 USD per annum (2023) with a $4,000 USD deductible for a decent private.

A private healthcare insurance policy in Mexico for a 35 year old would be paying around $1,500 USD (2023) with the same deductible

So with a $4,000 USD deductible you might be wondering how much it would cost to treat a simple injury like a hairline fracture. While a small hospital would charge around $1,500 USD but a high-end large hospital would be closer to $4,000 USD (2023).

Total Costs

 

Living Costs in Mexico for a Single Expat in 2023
$500 USD	Housing – Mid-Range Apartment
$110 USD	Utilities & Internet Connection
$270 USD	Food and Groceries
$100 USD	Transportation
$170 USD	Health Care (biggest variable)
$250 USD	Entertainment & Miscellaneous
$1,400 USD	Total