Cost of living in Merida
Merida, the vibrant capital of the Yucatan state in Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture. As a growing city, understanding the cost of living in Merida is crucial for both potential residents and expatriates.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $9.77 on average, with a range between $4.89 and $15.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $43.98, with prices ranging from $34.2 to $65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.33, with a range between $6.35 and $9.77.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.47 to $4.4, imported beer $3.18 to $4, cappuccino $2.2 to $7.33, and Coke/Pepsi $0.83 to $1.37.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $1.56 per liter, averaging $1.31.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.71 and $2.96, with an average price of $2.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.51 to $2.55, averaging $1.88.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.47 to $3.42 per kg, while oranges range from $1.22 to $3.42 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.37 and $2.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.73 to $1.47 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.42 and $0.59, with a monthly pass priced at $29.32.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.22 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.95, with a cost of $2.93 to $3.91 per km and $4.89 to $9.77 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $390.91 to $732.95, averaging $560.22.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $293.18 to $732.95, averaging $459.34.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $732.95 to $1465.9, averaging $1015.27.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $537.5 to $1000, averaging $714.25.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $439.77 to $1905.67, averaging $944.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $635.22 to $2247.71, averaging $1309.9.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $51.92 and $180.58, averaging $95.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.01 to $43.93, with an average cost of $26.98.
Cost of Living Rankings
Merida ranks 3rd on the Cost of Living rankings in Mexico. The cost of living indices for Mexico are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Mexico, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Merida offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Transportation is economical, especially public transport, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merida presents a cost-effective living environment with a blend of modern amenities and cultural richness.
Whether you're considering a move for work, retirement, or simply a change of scenery, understanding the cost of living in Merida will help you plan your budget effectively.