Cost of living in Mexico City
Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, is known for its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and historical significance. Understanding the cost of living in this dynamic city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mexico City, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $9.94 on average, with a range between $4.97 and $17.39.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $49.68, with prices ranging from $32.29 to $89.42.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.7, with a range between $6.21 and $9.94.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.74 to $3.97, imported beer $2.98 to $5.96, cappuccino $1.74 to $4.22, and Coke/Pepsi $0.89 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.14 and $1.89 per liter, averaging $1.47.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.24 and $3.23, with an average price of $2.44.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.59 to $3.33, averaging $2.18.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.49 to $3.48 per kg, while oranges range from $0.99 to $2.98 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $2.43 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.75 to $1.94 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.25 and $0.6, with a monthly pass priced between $9.94 and $38.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.14 and $1.31 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.53, with a cost of $0.25 to $0.75 per km and $4.26 to $7.45 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $596.14 to $1241.96, averaging $895.59.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $372.59 to $894.21, averaging $554.7.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1241.96 to $2980.71, averaging $1887.96.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $745.18 to $1900, averaging $1154.02.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1987.14 to $4967.86, averaging $2919.26.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1490.36 to $2980.71, averaging $2210.37.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $24.84 and $84.45, averaging $39.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.32 to $37.26, with an average cost of $24.44.
Cost of Living Rankings
Mexico City ranks 2nd 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"
Mexico City offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many major global cities. Dining out can be economical, especially at local eateries.
Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and the outskirts, providing options for different budgets.
Public transportation is very affordable, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mexico City presents a diverse range of living costs, with affordable options in dining and transportation.
While housing prices can vary, the city offers a range of choices to suit different financial situations. Understanding these costs can help residents and newcomers plan their budgets effectively.