Mexico
Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen operates on stark seasonal pricing—high season (December-April) commands 30-40% premiums over low season. Spanish listings on Inmuebles24 run 15-25% cheaper.
Monthly Total
$2,059
$36,033
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,035
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$34
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/19/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,035
$18,113
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$177
$3,098
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$245
$4,288
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$96
$1,680
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$150
$2,625
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$204
$3,570
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$100
$1,750
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$52
$910
Monthly Total
$2,059
$36,033
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Living in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has tourist area pricing but offers more value than Cancun or Tulum. Quinta Avenida area is priciest; residential neighborhoods offer savings. AC essential year-round. Good coworking infrastructure for Caribbean beach town.
Complete Guide to Living in Playa del Carmen
Caribbean beach town combining cosmopolitan energy with laid-back Mexican beach life
Frequently Asked Questions
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