Cost of living in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, a charming city in Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively and make informed 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 $7.33 and $17.1.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $48.86, with prices ranging from $30 to $87.95.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.84, with a range between $5.86 and $9.28.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.95 to $3.66, imported beer $3.18 to $5.86, cappuccino $1.95 to $3.91, and Coke/Pepsi $0.98 to $1.95.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.03 and $1.86 per liter, averaging $1.33.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.71 and $4.69, with an average price of $3.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.17 to $4.28, averaging $2.3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.88 to $7.54 per kg, while oranges range from $1.37 to $3.91 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.91 and $6.35 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.88 to $2.93 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.39 and $0.44.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.18 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.93, with a cost of $2.13 to $3.91 per km and $7.33 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 $830.67 to $1221.58, averaging $1017.98.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $586.36 to $879.54, averaging $724.8.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1221.58 to $2931.79, averaging $1991.18.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $879.54 to $1759.08, averaging $1169.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $449.54 to $1577.88, averaging $1013.71.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $894.13.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.2 and $100, averaging $55.05.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29.32 to $39.09, with an average cost of $30.
Cost of Living Rankings
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
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
San Miguel de Allende offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is quite affordable, especially public transport, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Miguel de Allende provides a balanced cost of living with affordable options for dining, transportation, and housing.
While some areas like housing in the city centre can be pricier, overall, the city offers a cost-effective lifestyle for both locals and expatriates.
Understanding these costs can help you plan your budget effectively and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.