Cost Of Living in Mexico 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Mexico

Whether you're living in Mexico or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

53,000 MXN

per month
$3,100

4,100 MXN   $240
$31,000   530,000 MXN

Single

37,000 MXN

per month
$2,200

12,000 MXN   $720
$14,000   250,000 MXN

Couple

61,000 MXN

per month
$3,600

20,000 MXN   $1,200
$19,000   330,000 MXN

Family

82,000 MXN

per month
$4,800

29,000 MXN   $1,700
$27,000   450,000 MXN

Student

25,000 MXN

per month
$1,500

10,000 MXN   $600
$2,700   46,000 MXN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Mexico is 37,000 MXN. Expenses can range from 12,000 MXN at the minimum level to 250,000 MXN at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Mexico is 61,000 MXN. Expenditure can range from 20,000 MXN to 330,000 MXN per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Mexico is 82,000 MXN per month. Families spend anywhere from 29,000 MXN to 450,000 MXN.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Mexico is 25,000 MXN. Students spend from 10,000 MXN to 46,000 MXN per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Mexico


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
6.6 MXN 7.5 MXN 8.7 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.44 $0.51
Fast food combo meal
56 MXN 110 MXN 190 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $6.6 $11
Restaurant meal for one
190 MXN 280 MXN 560 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33
Fine dining meal for one
380 MXN 560 MXN 2,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $130
Soda or Soft Drink
8 MXN 9.4 MXN 11 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.55 $0.66
Cappuccino or latte
47 MXN 75 MXN 110 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $4.4 $6.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
38 MXN 45 MXN 56 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.7 $3.3
Loaf of bread
6.8 MXN 7.7 MXN 8.9 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.45 $0.53
12 eggs
28 MXN 38 MXN 56 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.2 $3.3
Fresh whole chicken
64 MXN 83 MXN 120 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.9 $6.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
75 MXN 110 MXN 230 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $6.6 $13
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
30 MXN 41 MXN 59 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $3.5
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
11 MXN 15 MXN 28 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.88 $1.7
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
20 MXN 26 MXN 43 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.6

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
47 MXN 56 MXN 110 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.3 $6.6
Average car full tank
280 MXN 380 MXN 750 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $22 $44
Average car 1-day rental
280 MXN 380 MXN 560 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $22 $33
Average car price
140,000 MXN 280,000 MXN 380,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,300 $17,000 $22,000
Bus ticket one way
9.4 MXN 14 MXN 28 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.83 $1.7
Car Service
380 MXN 560 MXN 1,100 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $66

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
740 MXN 2,200 MXN 15,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $130 $870
Utility Bill - Couple
1,000 MXN 3,100 MXN 16,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $180 $970
Utility Bill - Family
860 MXN 2,500 MXN 14,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $140 $800
Internet and cable
280 MXN 560 MXN 750 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $33 $44
Mobile phone charges
230 MXN 380 MXN 1,100 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $22 $66

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
140 MXN 190 MXN 280 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $11 $17
One month gym membership
450 MXN 560 MXN 1,100 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $33 $66

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
330 MXN 470 MXN 700 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $28 $41
Woman dress
310 MXN 430 MXN 1,400 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $26 $83
Woman shoes
300 MXN 400 MXN 940 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $24 $55
Men's shoes
260 MXN 310 MXN 630 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $37
Men suit
280 MXN 350 MXN 1,900 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $21 $110
Regular t-shirt
140 MXN 190 MXN 560 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $11 $33

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
4,700 MXN 7,000 MXN 19,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $410 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
7,000 MXN 11,000 MXN 28,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $660 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
9,400 MXN 14,000 MXN 38,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $830 $2,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
940,000 MXN 1.4M MXN 2.8M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $83,000 $170,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.1M MXN 1.9M MXN 7M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $110,000 $410,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.9M MXN 5.6M MXN 11M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $330,000 $660,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
5,600 MXN 7,000 MXN 9,400 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $410 $550
Double Bed
3,800 MXN 5,600 MXN 7,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $410
Single Bed
3,300 MXN 4,300 MXN 5,600 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $330
Living Room
6,300 MXN 8,000 MXN 28,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $470 $1,700
Dining Table
2,800 MXN 3,800 MXN 7,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $220 $410
Sofa or Couch
3,800 MXN 5,100 MXN 11,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $300 $660

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
3,800 MXN 5,600 MXN 11,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $660
Fridge or Freezer
3,300 MXN 5,100 MXN 7,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $410
Washing Machine
4,300 MXN 6,300 MXN 11,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $370 $660
Stove or Cooker
4,000 MXN 5,100 MXN 7,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $300 $410
Mobile Phone
4,700 MXN 5,600 MXN 8,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $330 $470
Laptop or Computer
5,100 MXN 6,300 MXN 11,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $660

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Mexico

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

83%

74% to 92%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Mexico is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
67%
83%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
87%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
97%

How do people spend their money in Mexico?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW$72   1,200 MXN
AVERAGE$940   16,000 MXN
HIGH$9,400   160,000 MXN
Per Month

People living in Mexico typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 16,000 MXN with expenditure ranging from 1,200 MXN to 160,000 MXN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$12   200 MXN
AVERAGE$160   2,700 MXN
HIGH$1,600   27,000 MXN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Mexico ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,700 MXN with 200 MXN and 27,000 MXN being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$24   410 MXN
AVERAGE$310   5,300 MXN
HIGH$3,100   53,000 MXN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 410 MXN to 53,000 MXN on commuting with 5,300 MXN being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$60   1,000 MXN
AVERAGE$780   13,000 MXN
HIGH$7,800   130,000 MXN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Mexico is 13,000 MXN. The cost of groceries can range between 1,000 MXN to 130,000 MXN. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$17   290 MXN
AVERAGE$220   3,700 MXN
HIGH$2,200   37,000 MXN
Per Month

People in Mexico allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 290 MXN to 37,000 MXN with 3,700 MXN being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$9.7   160 MXN
AVERAGE$130   2,100 MXN
HIGH$1,300   21,000 MXN
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 160 MXN to 21,000 MXN with 2,100 MXN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$14   250 MXN
AVERAGE$190   3,200 MXN
HIGH$1,900   32,000 MXN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,200 MXN per month with 250 MXN being the minimum spent amount and 32,000 MXN being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$31   530 MXN
AVERAGE$410   6,900 MXN
HIGH$4,100   69,000 MXN
Per Month

How much money can you save in Mexico every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Mexico manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
66%
Not Saving
34%

Almost 66% of the surveyed people in Mexico said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 34% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Mexico

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles68%32%
Couples63%37%
Families58%42%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 MXN
$90
20,000 MXN
$1,200
200,000 MXN
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 20,000 MXN on average with savings ranging from 1,500 MXN to 200,000 MXN.

68% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Mexico?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 26% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,600 MXN
$270
14,000 MXN
$810
92,000 MXN
$5,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%27%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%18%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 14,000 MXN with 4,600 MXN and 92,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

7,700 MXN
$450
23,000 MXN
$1,400
120,000 MXN
$7,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%18%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 34% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 23,000 MXN with 7,700 MXN and 120,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

11,000 MXN
$630
31,000 MXN
$1,800
170,000 MXN
$9,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Mexico can save anywhere between 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 31,000 MXN with 11,000 MXN and 170,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Mexico

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Mexico?


Yes
70%
No
30%

Around 70% of surveyed residents think that living in Mexico is affordable with proper budgeting while 30% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Mexico

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Mexico have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Mexico whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes69%

No31%


Based on the survey, 31% of the people living in Mexico said that they don't have an emergency fund while 69% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Mexico

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy65%


We asked residents of Mexico whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 35% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 65% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Mexico have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance28%

Easily manages finances72%

Financial goals of people in Mexico

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Mexico, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction30%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 30% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Mexico

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Mexico. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Mexico

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Mexico

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Mexico and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Mexico is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Mexico:
AgeAmount
25150,000 MXN
30290,000 MXN
35510,000 MXN
40730,000 MXN
451.1M MXN
501.5M MXN
551.8M MXN
602.3M MXN
652.7M MXN

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Mexico about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job9%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Mexico

8,900 MXN
$530
27,000 MXN
$1,600
180,000 MXN
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Mexico


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Mexico have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Mexico

Debt to income ratio

28%

18% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Mexico goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%10%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%20%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Mexico pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Mexico

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan24%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan35%

14% of debtors in Mexico confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 24% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Mexico.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Mexico

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Mexico how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Mexico

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Mexico

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
4,700 MXN 7,000 MXN 19,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $410 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
7,000 MXN 11,000 MXN 28,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $660 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
9,400 MXN 14,000 MXN 38,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $830 $2,200
3-bedroom apartment
11,000 MXN 19,000 MXN 51,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,100 $3,000
Furnished apartment
23,000 MXN 56,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,300 $6,600
Townhouse
19,000 MXN 28,000 MXN 80,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,700 $4,700
House
23,000 MXN 56,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,300 $6,600
Villa
28,000 MXN 70,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $4,100 $6,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Mexico ranges between 4,700 MXN and 19,000 MXN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 7,000 MXN to 28,000 MXN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 9,400 MXN and 38,000 MXN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 11,000 MXN to 51,000 MXN. The average rent of a townhouse in Mexico is around 28,000 MXN while house rental costs can be as high as 56,000 MXN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 28,000 MXN to 110,000 MXN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Mexico

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
940,000 MXN 1.4M MXN 2.8M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $83,000 $170,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.1M MXN 1.9M MXN 7M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $110,000 $410,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.9M MXN 5.6M MXN 11M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $330,000 $660,000
3-bedroom apartment
6.3M MXN 9.4M MXN 28M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370,000 $550,000 $1.7M
Townhouse
8M MXN 19M MXN 70M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470,000 $1.1M $4.1M
House
9.4M MXN 56M MXN 80M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $3.3M $4.7M
Villa
11M MXN 63M MXN 94M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $3.7M $5.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Mexico can range from 940,000 MXN to 2.8M MXN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.1M MXN to 7M MXN. A villa can cost you 63M MXN on average with prices ranging from 11M MXN to 94M MXN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Mexico will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


43 x126 monthly income 216
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Mexico can be x126 to x216 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x126 multiples of the average monthly salary in Mexico.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 33% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Mexico is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


82 MXN 1,100 MXN 11,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Mexico

Housing34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$260   4,400 MXN
AVERAGE$780   13,000 MXN
HIGH$5,200   88,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$43   740 MXN
AVERAGE$130   2,200 MXN
HIGH$870   15,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$58   980 MXN
AVERAGE$170   2,900 MXN
HIGH$1,200   20,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$120   2,000 MXN
AVERAGE$350   5,900 MXN
HIGH$2,300   39,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$65   1,100 MXN
AVERAGE$200   3,300 MXN
HIGH$1,300   22,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$36   610 MXN
AVERAGE$110   1,800 MXN
HIGH$720   12,000 MXN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$14   250 MXN
AVERAGE$43   740 MXN
HIGH$290   4,900 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$130   2,200 MXN
AVERAGE$390   6,600 MXN
HIGH$2,600   44,000 MXN
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Mexico

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$400   6,800 MXN
AVERAGE$1,200   20,000 MXN
HIGH$6,400   110,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$60   1,000 MXN
AVERAGE$180   3,100 MXN
HIGH$970   16,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$140   2,500 MXN
AVERAGE$430   7,400 MXN
HIGH$2,300   39,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$170   2,900 MXN
AVERAGE$510   8,600 MXN
HIGH$2,700   46,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$130   2,300 MXN
AVERAGE$400   6,800 MXN
HIGH$2,100   36,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$72   1,200 MXN
AVERAGE$220   3,700 MXN
HIGH$1,200   20,000 MXN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$24   410 MXN
AVERAGE$72   1,200 MXN
HIGH$390   6,600 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$210   3,500 MXN
AVERAGE$620   10,000 MXN
HIGH$3,300   56,000 MXN
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Mexico

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW$540   9,200 MXN
AVERAGE$1,500   26,000 MXN
HIGH$8,500   140,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$140   2,300 MXN
AVERAGE$390   6,600 MXN
HIGH$2,100   36,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$300   5,200 MXN
AVERAGE$870   15,000 MXN
HIGH$4,800   81,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$140   2,300 MXN
AVERAGE$390   6,600 MXN
HIGH$2,100   36,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$85   1,400 MXN
AVERAGE$240   4,100 MXN
HIGH$1,300   23,000 MXN
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$240   4,000 MXN
AVERAGE$680   11,000 MXN
HIGH$3,700   63,000 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$200   3,400 MXN
AVERAGE$580   9,800 MXN
HIGH$3,200   54,000 MXN
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Mexico

Housing22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW$140   2,400 MXN
AVERAGE$360   6,100 MXN
HIGH$640   11,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$24   410 MXN
AVERAGE$60   1,000 MXN
HIGH$110   1,800 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$42   710 MXN
AVERAGE$100   1,800 MXN
HIGH$190   3,200 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$120   2,000 MXN
AVERAGE$300   5,100 MXN
HIGH$540   9,100 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$36   610 MXN
AVERAGE$90   1,500 MXN
HIGH$160   2,700 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$30   510 MXN
AVERAGE$75   1,300 MXN
HIGH$130   2,300 MXN
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$110   1,900 MXN
AVERAGE$280   4,800 MXN
HIGH$510   8,700 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$90   1,500 MXN
AVERAGE$220   3,800 MXN
HIGH$400   6,800 MXN
Per Month
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