Mexico
Cost of Living in San Cristóbal de las Casas
San Cristóbal offers Mexico's best value for comfortable living—a couple can thrive on $1,500/month in a UNESCO-worthy colonial town. The water is contaminated with fecal bacteria—never drink tap.
Monthly Total
$961
$16,818
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$402
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$19
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
$402
$7,035
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$73
$1,278
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$119
$2,083
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$42
$735
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$60
$1,050
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$176
$3,080
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$55
$963
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$33
$578
Monthly Total
$961
$16,818
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Living in San Cristóbal de las Casas
San Cristóbal is exceptionally affordable—comfortable living on $800-1,200/month is realistic. The highland location means no AC costs. Coffee is excellent and cheap. Budget backpacker infrastructure keeps prices low across all categories.
Complete Guide to Living in San Cristóbal de las Casas
A highland colonial jewel where Maya traditions meet bohemian spirit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Cristóbal de las Casas safe?▼
Is the tap water safe to drink?▼
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