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Cost of Living in Mexico

Is it better to rent or buy in Mexico? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$55,072
$671/mo

Median in area: $671

$142,438

Median in area: $142,438

$28,488

If you Rent

$871 /mo
Base Rent$671
Est. Utilities$200
% of Income19.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,718

If you Buy

$1,126 /mo
P&I (7.124%)$768
Taxes & Ins$158
Est. Utilities$200
% of Income24.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,464

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Mexico?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Mexico. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $871, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,126 per month (a difference of $255).

How much do utilities cost in Mexico?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Mexico is approximately $200. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Mexico?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Mexico without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $34,840 per year.