Are you considering a move to Acapulco, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Acapulco is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Acapulco and help you understand whether $1368 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $756.81.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
8.12 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
23.2 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
6.96 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.48 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.49 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.92 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.91 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.17 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.11 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.28 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.55 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
13.54 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.7 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.36 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.7 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.61 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.68 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.81 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.71 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.7 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.44 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.89 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.7 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
12.61 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.9 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.32 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
7.25 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.31 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24154.36 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19660.09 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
50.75 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
33.35 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
31.17 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
20.3 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
4.06 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
160.45 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2435.76 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
45.66 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
28.27 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
66.69 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
63.77 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
340.72 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
242.13 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
504.55 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
275.47 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1024.57 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
715.26 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
756.81 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
14.0 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Acapulco come to a total of approximately $1368. This includes an average monthly rent of around $340 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $67 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $582 per month.
Living in Acapulco appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $756.81. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Acapulco, you would likely need an income exceeding $756.81.
In Acapulco, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $756.81, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Acapulco is approximately $340. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $242.13 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Acapulco can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $445 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Mexico can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Mexico.
Currently, the U.S. Department of State is advising that Americans not travel to the Mexican state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, due to both high levels of COVID-19 in the country, and rampant crime and kidnapping in Guerrero specifically.
It is advised that travelers rely on Uber and regulated taxi stands while visiting Acapulco. It’s safest to refrain from hailing cars on the street and to avoid traveling between cities after dark or traveling alone. Whenever possible, travel with a companion, travel during the day, and always let someone know where you are going if leaving the city area.
Thieves and pickpockets commonly frequent high-traffic tourist destinations, and prey on unsuspecting out-of-town visitors. For this reason, it’s important to be self-aware in public areas and to be sure that your valuables, money, identification, and important papers are always secured.
The most likely natural disaster to affect Acapulco is an earthquake, however, this is very unlikely to be a factor during your trip. The most recent major earthquake to hit Acapulco was a 7.0 magnitude quake with an epicenter about 11 miles northeast of Acapulco in September of 2021. While some buildings were damaged, and some landslides and gas leaks were triggered by the earthquake, there was no major damage to the city or tourist areas.
Muggings can be common in Acapulco; however, tourists are not often the target of these crimes. To maintain your safety, be sure not to walk through secluded or dangerous areas alone at night. If you do find yourself a victim of a mugging, do not resist. Give the muggers what they are asking for to avoid the encounter becoming more violent. Losing some money is always better than putting your life at risk.
While there is a risk of terrorism in all high-traffic vacation areas, the relative risk of terrorism in Acapulco is quite low. Acapulco has not been a target of terrorist groups in the past, and there are currently no credible public threats against the area. However, as always, you should remain vigilant in crowded areas, just as you would in any city or tourist destination.
It’s not uncommon in Acapulco for unsuspecting tourists to be victims of a scam. Knowing what to look for can help you to avoid finding yourself in a scam situation. One common type of scam in Acapulco is locals pretending to be law enforcement and demanding money for something they’ve alleged you’ve done.
Acapulco poses the same type of risks present for female travels at any tourist destination but doesn’t demonstrate a high level of crime against women. Most of the crime in the state of Guerrero is related to gangs and drug cartels, so if you stay away from that type of activity, you shouldn’t be a target. However, women traveling alone to any destination should always be alert and aware of their surroundings.
While locals may have no trouble drinking tap water, tourists are encouraged to stick to bottled water at all times. Mexican tap water, including in the Acapulco region, is known to cause gastrointestinal distress in people not used to drinking it. To avoid your trip being interrupted by stomach problems, steer clear of tap water.
Visas are not required when vacationing in Acapulco unless your trip will last more than 180 days. Instead, if staying in Mexico longer than 72 hours, U.S. tourists must buy an FM-T or tourist card. If you’re flying, this is most likely included in the price of your ticket. If you’re entering via land or sea, a tourist card can be purchased for around $20 at Mexican border crossings, consulates, or tourism offices.
The currency in Acapulco is the Mexican Peso (MXN.) Though the exchange rate fluctuates, as of December 2021, $1.00 USD equals roughly 20 pesos. If possible, it’s best to exchange your money for pesos at home before traveling. Additionally, many tourist locations in Acapulco accept the U.S. dollar, as well as major credit cards.
Acapulco features a tropical climate, with an average daily temperature of about 82 degrees. Average lows and highs range from approximately 76 to 88 degrees year-round. The year is split into a dry season, which lasts from November through May, and a rainy season, stretching from June through October. Due to the consistently warm temperatures, it’s advised to pack lightweight summer clothes, perhaps with a warmer outfit or two for the cooler nights.
The closest airport to Acapulco is General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport, located about 26 kilometers from the city center. The easiest and safest way to get from the airport to your destination is by hiring a licensed taxicab or using a rideshare service, such as Uber.
There are many different companies that provide trip and travel insurance with varying degrees of coverage and at different price points. If you are interested in protecting your trip in the event that you must cancel or postpone, it’s advised to purchase travel insurance upfront, either through a travel agent, or other reputable sources.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 88°F | 88°F | 87°F |
| Temp | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 79°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 81°F | 81°F | 80°F | 79°F |
| Low | 70°F | 70°F | 70°F | 71°F | 75°F | 77°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 74°F | 71°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C |
| Low | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 23°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 21°C |