Mexico City vs Oaxaca City

Cost of living comparison for expats considering Mexico City or Oaxaca City, Mexico.

Based on a typical expat lifestyle

Oaxaca City is 25% cheaper than Mexico City

Monthly savings

$475

Mexico

Mexico City

$1,903

$33,303

Mexico

Oaxaca City

$1,428

$24,990

Cheaper option

Category Breakdown

Category
Mexico City
Oaxaca City
Difference

Housing (Rent)

$1,012
$679
-33%

Utilities

$123
$116
-6%

Groceries

$207
$182
-12%

Dining Out

$60
$60
—

Transportation

$150
$83
-45%

Lifestyle & Entertainment

$189
$187
-1%

Healthcare

$120
$75
-37%

Phone & Subscriptions

$42
$47
+12%
Monthly Total
$1,903
$1,428
-25%

Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment, basic health insurance.

City Insights

Mexico City

CDMX offers incredible value for a world-class metropolis. The range is enormous—you can spend like you're in NYC or live comfortably on $1,200-1,500/month. Neighborhood choice matters more here than anywhere else in Mexico. The 'gringo premium' is real but manageable: English-language rental platforms run 10-30% higher than Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 or Segundamano. The temperate climate at 7,350ft means minimal utility costs—no AC or heating needed. Tap water is NOT drinkable; budget $15-20/month for garrafones. The metro at 5 pesos ($0.29) per ride is one of the world's great transportation bargains.

Cost breakdown Destination guide

Oaxaca City

Oaxaca delivers possibly the best food-to-cost ratio in Mexico—tlayudas for $4-6, tacos de tasajo at Central de Abastos for just $0.17 each. Mezcal runs $8-15/bottle vs $60+ in the US. The valley climate at 5,080ft means no AC needed—utility bills stay minimal year-round. The rental market is two-tiered: English listings charge 30-100% premiums over Spanish sources. Average rent citywide is $890, but smart seekers using Inmuebles24 pay far less. CRITICAL: Severe water crisis—public authority supplies only 33% of capacity. Some neighborhoods get municipal water only once every 42 days; budget for pipa delivery (800-1,000 pesos/10,000L). Uber does NOT operate here (taxi unions blocked it). DiDi works with limitations. Rising popularity pushes Centro rents up, but Xochimilco and outer Reforma offer 20-40% savings.

Cost breakdown Destination guide

Customize This Comparison

These estimates use a typical expat profile. Adjust housing, dining, and lifestyle preferences to match your actual situation.

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