cost of living in Mexico: Travel and daily budget

What you need to know about Mexican currency

• Mexico's official currency, the Mexican peso (MXN).
• Exchange rates : As a rough guide, 1 USD is equivalent to around 16-17 Mexican pesos, although this rate is subject to variations depending on the exchange market.
• Minimum wage in Mexico is 650 dollars (12,000 pesos). The average salary varies widely according to location and sector, offering a glimpse of the country's diverse economy. A qualified professional in a metropolis like Mexico City can expect a monthly salary ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 pesos, with higher possibilities for specialized or managerial positions. This salary range highlights the variety of opportunities available, particularly attractive to digital nomads and international professionals seeking a balance between work and quality of life.

Cost of living in Mexico: Housing and Food

The cost of living varies significantly from city to city. Major metropolises such as Mexico City and Monterrey are similar to those of some European cities. On the other hand, Guadalajara, Puebla, or Querétaro offer a more affordable living environment.

Accommodation in Mexico

For example, a shared apartment with swimming pool in Puebla or Guadalajara can cost around of 300 dollars, while at Mexico City, the same budget would limit you to a small room in a shared apartment. For expatriates, 800 dollars to rent a shared room in a fully-equipped residence (gym, pool, paddle) or a conveniently located self-contained studio, for 500 to 600 dollars in cities like Puebla or Guadalajara for equivalent services.

Food in Mexico

A meal in a good restaurant costs around from 10-12 EUR, while street food can be enjoyed for as little ast 5 EUR.

Food and groceries in Mexico

Shopping for a week costs around 400 to 800 MXN (20 to 45 dollars), depending on your eating habits.

Monthly expenses in Mexico

Costs for internet, electricity and water are generally around 1,500 MXN (80 dollars) per month.

Transportation in Mexico

Mexico offers several transportation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

Getting around the city:

• Uber: A practical solution for short journeys in the city, with trips costing between 80 and 200 pesos (4 to 10 dollars) for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Bike : Annual subscriptions to self-service bicycles such as Ecobici in Mexico City cost about 30 dollars, offering an ecological and economical alternative in urban environments.
• Public transport : Although very economical, at around 10 pesos a way (less than 1 dollar), they can be crowded and less comfortable for some.

Overall cost of living in Mexico

• 800€ accommodation
• 300€ food/daily expenses
• 700€ Weekends + outings + vacations
• 200€ savings/investments

= 2000€ TOTAL

Advice for residents in Mexico

• Compare accommodation prices in different neighborhoods to find the best value for your money. Check out Facebook groups or apps like Roomie. Choose neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa or Polanco.
• Take advantage of local markets to buy fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.

Travel to Mexico: Budget and tips

Travelling in Mexico can be adapted to all budgets, from the most modest to the most affluent. Here are a few points to consider:

Accommodation in Mexico

Whether you use Booking, Airbnb, or other platforms, the possibilities are vast:

• For a bed in a hostel, allow about 10/15 dollars.
• For a basic hotel room, you can expect to pay from 20 dollars per person.
• By increasing the budget to 30-40 dollars, you'll have access to establishments offering superior services, such as swimming pools and rooftops.
• Villas for groups : For vacations with friends or family, consider renting a villa. From as little as 25 dollars per person, you can rent large villas with swimming pools, ideal for families or friends.

Eating out in Mexico

Eating in Mexico is an affordable pleasure. A meal in a local restaurant or puesto de tacos on the street costs between 100 and 150 MXN (€5 to €8), while a meal in a more upscale establishment can cost from 200 to 600 MXN. During your travels, a budget of 15 dollars per meal per person is generally enough to eat well, whether in a restaurant, for tacos, burritos or other specialties, drinks included.

Transportation in Mexico

Transportation options in Mexico are varied and suitable for all budgets.

• Plane : Domestic flights are affordable, with round trips to popular destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Escondido, or Baja California costing around 100 dollars.
• Bus : Intercity connections (for example, from Mexico City to Queretaro, Puebla or the Pueblos Magicos) are very easy and comfortable, with prices varying from 20 to 30 dollars for journeys of around 3 hours. Also ideal for traveling in the Yucatan. We recommend the ADO company!
• Colectivos : Public transport (colectivos) is very economical, at around 50$ MXN per journey.

Travel advice for Mexico

• Plan your trips according to Seasons to get the best rates on accommodation and flights. Booking often has very good mobile offers, check them out from their app!
• Explore street food to discover delicious dishes at unbeatable prices.

Overall cost of travel to Mexico

For a comfortable, fun-filled week's vacation in Mexico/person :

• 200€ restaurants + outings
• 150€ accommodation
• 150€ visits + activities
• 50 local transport

= 550€ TOTAL

And if you're a little more careful with your spending, here's what we recommend you budget for:

• For a solo trip 350 for the week (€50 per day).
• For a couple or friends 420 for the week (€60 per day per person).
• For a family with 2 children 1400 € for the week (200 € per day for the whole family).