San Luis Potosí vs San Miguel de Allende
Cost of living comparison for expats considering San Luis Potosí or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Based on a typical expat lifestyle
San Luis Potosí is 18% cheaper than San Miguel de Allende
Monthly savings
$300
Mexico
San Luis Potosí
$1,337
$23,398
Cheaper option
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
$1,637
$28,648
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
San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí hasn't developed the 'expat premium' seen in San Miguel de Allende—searching in Spanish yields the best deals. The industrial economy (BMW, GM, Cummins) keeps wages and prices stable without tourist inflation. The serious water crisis requires preparation: tinaco (rooftop tank) and cisterna (underground storage) are essential, and garrafones or filtration systems are mandatory for drinking water. Lomas neighborhoods offer the best balance of safety, amenities, and value. The small expat community means genuine immersion but limited English services.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel operates on two parallel tracks: English-language rental sites charge 30-50% premium over Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 and Segundamano. The Tuesday tianguis market is essential for local prices. Healthcare offers 60-80% savings vs US prices. The walkable centro means many skip car ownership entirely. Water is unsafe due to arsenic/fluoride—budget $15-20/month for garrafones or reverse osmosis.
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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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