Mexico’s cost of living is a fraction of the cost in the US, which is how it’s always been. The largest expenses are things like clothing, technology, and health care. However, the latter is really the only necessary item, as we’re assuming you’re coming clothed and with a way to communicate with the outside world, since you’re reading this. Although, healthcare is one of the more expensive items, it is ridiculously inexpensive compared to health care in America. In fact, health care without insurance in Mexico, is typically cheaper than health care with insurance, in the States.
As with every country, prices vary between a metropolitan city and a small town. If you choose to live in a bigger city, like Guadalajara or Mexico City, you’re still going to experience a much lower cost of living than you’re used to. Expect to pay anywhere from $240-$500 per month, for an average, furnished apartment, depending on where you decide to live. Rent in Mexico can be comparable to similarly-sized US cities, if the location is popular or fashionable, averaging around $700 a month for a nice, furnished apartment. Mexico has a centralized economy, which means most of it’s economic happenings occur around the capital city (Mexico City). Even then, for an expensive apartment located in the capital, it will cost you a fraction of that same apartment in an American city. Bigworld's sample run to the grocery store (consistent across all our reviewed countries) consists of: •4 liters of milk •pound of chicken •midrange bottle of wine •head of lettuce •onion •bunch of bananas •loaf of white bread •dozen eggs The US market average: $31 The Mexican market average (in USD): $17 This means that a grocery store run is almost half of what the same food would cost you in the United States. What’s more, is that food in Mexico is almost always more fresh than the food up north, and with less chemical additives. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and can be bought fresh on many street corners or markets. In comparison, the street markets offer their produce at around half the price grocery stores offer. Transportation varies widely, depending on the part of Mexico you would like to live in. Public transportation is extremely inexpensive. A monthly bus pass will set you back around $14, and even Uber is much less expensive. An average Uber ride of 10 km will cost you around $4. Owning a car can be expensive, as some of the nicer roads, you actually have to pay to use. This is nothing like the $2-$3 that you would pay for a toll road in the States. To use the road, it can cost around $30 each way. This applies more to situations like road trips, and not so much a daily commute, but it is worth noting. Gas prices fluctuate much less in Mexico, as gas and diesel prices are set by the Mexican government. |
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