Riviera Maya vs Mexico City
Cost of living comparison for expats considering Riviera Maya or Mexico City, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
Mexico City is 15% cheaper than Riviera Maya
Monthly savings
$323
Mexico
Riviera Maya
$2,226
$38,955
Mexico
Mexico City
$1,903
$33,303
Cheaper option
Category Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
Utilities
Groceries
Dining Out
Transportation
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Healthcare
Phone & Subscriptions
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
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya corridor offers dramatic price variations by town. Puerto Morelos two-bedroom condos run $700-900 on the colonia (local) side, $1,500-2,500 beach-side. Akumal skews 30-50% higher due to vacation rental dominance. Puerto Aventuras' gated security commands premiums—studios start at $900. Mahahual offers beachfront casitas at $400-800 but 4+ hours from Cancún. Seasonal swings of 30-50% between high (Dec-Apr) and low season. The CFE electricity DAC threshold is critical—exceeding 400 kWh monthly average triggers 5-6x higher rates. Uber does not operate here; colectivos are the budget transport backbone at $2-3 per segment.
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.
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These estimates use a typical expat profile. Adjust housing, dining, and lifestyle preferences to match your actual situation.
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