Mexico

Cost of Living in 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.

Monthly Total

$1,903

$33,303

Housing (1BR Mid-range)

$1,012

Daily Spend (ex. rent)

$30

Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/15/2025.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Housing (Rent)

1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood

$1,012

$17,710

Utilities

Electric, water, gas, and internet

$123

$2,153

Groceries

Groceries from supermarkets

$207

$3,623

Dining Out

Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month

$60

$1,050

Transportation

Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month

$150

$2,625

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Entertainment, occasional cleaning service

$189

$3,308

Healthcare

Basic private health insurance

$120

$2,100

Phone & Subscriptions

Phone plan and streaming subscriptions

$42

$735

Monthly Total

$1,903

$33,303

Living in Mexico City

Mexico City defies easy categorization—and that's precisely its appeal. This sprawling metropolis of 22 million people is a global megacity with world-class museums (over 150—more than any city in the world), a food scene rivaling any on earth, and living costs that range from genuinely affordable to surprisingly expensive depending on your choices. At 7,350 feet elevation, it offers spring-like temperatures year-round but comes with real considerations: air quality concerns, earthquake risk, and an increasingly complicated conversation about foreign residents driving up housing costs.

Housing Reality

Property Purchase

Day-to-Day Costs

Healthcare

The Trade-offs

Budget Tiers

Destination Guide

Complete Guide to Living in Mexico City

A global megacity with world-class culture at developing-world prices

Digital NomadsFoodiesCulture EnthusiastsUrban Explorers
Read Full Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City safe for expats?▼
Mexico City's reputation for danger is significantly outdated. The murder rate of approximately 8.4 per 100,000 is lower than Atlanta's and comparable to many U.S. cities. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2—the same as many popular destinations. Under former Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum (2018-2023), crime rates reportedly decreased by roughly half. Neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán are genuinely safe with standard urban precautions. The main concerns are petty theft (phone snatching on metro) and unlicensed taxis—use Uber or DiDi instead.
What's the cheapest way to live in Mexico City?▼
Skip the trendy expat neighborhoods and live like middle-class Mexicans. Neighborhoods like Narvarte, Del Valle, Santa María la Ribera, and San Rafael offer safe, metro-connected housing at 7,000-12,000 pesos ($410-$705) for furnished one-bedrooms—30-50% less than Roma-Condesa. Use the metro at 5 pesos ($0.29) per ride. Shop at markets like La Merced for 30-50% grocery savings. Eat at fondas for 50-80 peso comida corrida. Search for rentals in Spanish on Inmuebles24. A lean budget of $1,200-1,500/month is achievable.
Which neighborhood should I live in Mexico City?▼
Roma/Condesa: walkable, tree-lined, expat-heavy, 15,000-24,000 pesos for one-bedrooms—but 20-30% rent increases since 2020. Polanco: luxury tier, embassy territory, 25,000-40,000+ pesos. Coyoacán: bohemian, near Frida Kahlo museum, 12,000-18,000 pesos. Narvarte/Del Valle: excellent metro access, authentic Mexican neighborhoods, 14,500-16,500 pesos. Santa María la Ribera/San Rafael: emerging, artsy, budget-friendly, 7,000-12,000 pesos. Most recommend starting in Roma/Condesa to orient, then exploring value neighborhoods.
How does Mexico City cost of living compare to US cities?▼
Roughly 50-70% cheaper for equivalent lifestyle. A lifestyle costing $4,500/month in Austin or Denver runs $1,800-2,200 in CDMX. The biggest savings are housing (50-60% less) and healthcare (50-75% less—dental cleaning $35-60 vs $160-250 US). The 5-peso metro is 95% cheaper than US transit. Fine dining at world-ranked restaurants costs $150-300 versus $400+ in NYC. Imported goods and electronics cost similar to the US.
Do I need Spanish to live in Mexico City?▼
Basic Spanish is strongly recommended and transforms your experience. While Roma, Condesa, and Polanco have significant English infrastructure, genuine integration requires Spanish. You'll miss the city's depth and pay the 10-30% 'gringo premium' on everything without it. The gentrification conversation is real—locals increasingly expect foreigners to learn the language. That said, you can survive initially in expat-heavy neighborhoods while learning.
What about the visa situation for 2025?▼
Temporary residency requires monthly income of ~$4,100-4,185 or savings of ~$69,750-70,000. First-year card fees are 5,570 pesos (~$278). CRITICAL: All residency fees DOUBLE effective January 1, 2026. The 180-day tourist visa (FMM) no longer guarantees 180 days—officers frequently grant 30-90 days and visa runs trigger increasing scrutiny. If staying long-term, get legal residency in 2025 before the fee increase.

Compare Mexico City to Other Cities

See how Mexico City stacks up against other popular expat destinations in Mexico.

vs San Miguel de Allendevs Méridavs Oaxaca Cityvs Puerto Vallartavs Guadalajara
Customize Your Comparison