Are you considering a move to Guadalajara, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara and help you understand whether $1701 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $834.1.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
10.15 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
46.4 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.7 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.03 $ |
|
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.77 $ |
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|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.04 $ |
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.13 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.75 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.43 $ |
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.62 $ |
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.0 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.49 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.58 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.91 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.6 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
2.92 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.6 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
1.48 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
1.53 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
1.94 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
1.66 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
1.29 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.17 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.76 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.61 $ |
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.5 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.12 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.58 $ |
|
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Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
21.75 $ |
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Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.9 $ |
|
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Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
11.6 $ |
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.37 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22032.05 $ |
|
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Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24212.64 $ |
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Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
41.29 $ |
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1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
31.99 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.12 $ |
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
24.03 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.22 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
236.12 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6425.77 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
53.28 $ |
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1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
46.68 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
86.78 $ |
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
89.16 $ |
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Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
608.94 $ |
|
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Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
400.52 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1230.03 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
854.56 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2206.25 $ |
|
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Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1362.87 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
834.1 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
11.12 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Guadalajara come to a total of approximately $1701. This includes an average monthly rent of around $608 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $57 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $580 per month.
Living in Guadalajara appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $834.1. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Guadalajara, you would likely need an income exceeding $834.1.
In Guadalajara, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $834.1, 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 Guadalajara is approximately $608. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $400.52 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Guadalajara can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $482 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.
Guadalajara is a very large city with 4.4 million people, so some crime is to be expected.The U.S. State Dept. gives the state of Jalisco the second-highest warning level because of crime and Covid-19.Car theft is a major problem.Some caution is advised, but if you stay in tourist areas and don't venture out alone at night, you should not have any problems.
Registered taxis are safe, and hotels and restaurants will summon them for you.Do not hail taxis on the street or take rides with unregistered taxis.Buses and trains tend to be crowded and have pickpocket operators around. Armed robberies sometimes happen on buses. Chartered buses for groups are safe, but be careful on buses for the general public or trains.
Especially on a crowded bus, or bus or train station, a pickpocket can steal your wallet without you realizing it at the time.They tend to focus on tourist areas and people who appear careless or intoxicated. Don't look like a tourist, protect your valuables, and don't let anyone see your electronics or cash.Blend in with the crowd to be a less obvious target.
There have been, and continue to be, minor earthquakes in the mountains of Jalisco around Guadalajara.They have been small for years and there has not been a major one in a long time.Hurricanes don't get this far inland, and flooding has not been an issue. A natural disaster could happen, of course, but there has not been one in this area in a long time.
There seem to be two worlds at Guadalajara, one in the day and a different one at night.During the day it is very safe in tourist areas, but at night it can be dangerous.You should not be out alone, especially at night, and during the day don't get caught in areas where you could be trapped. Armed robberies involve buses or public transportation.
The risk was higher a few years ago when drug cartels were active in the area.The city has done a lot to distance itself from drug activities.Cartels and gangs are not very active now.There is very little terrorism in Mexico and not much at all in Guadalajara.
There are more and more tourists in Guadalajara, and that means more scam operators are showing up.Scammers like to work on tourists, from fake tours, fake souvenirs, fake taxies, and everything else.Restaurants sometimes have a different menu for tourists, with higher prices than what locals pay.Places of business will add to your credit card bill if you are not paying attention.
If women stay in groups and stay in tourist areas there is very little danger.It is dangerous for a woman alone, however, and especially outside of the tourist areas or at night.There have also been cases of people taking advantage of intoxicated women in clubs.Don't go out alone, and don't accept drinks from strangers in bars.There is some risk, but it is not more dangerous than any other big city.
If you drink tap water in Guadalajara, or anywhere in Mexico, you will very likely get sick for a day or two.Some of that is just differences in water, and some are due to pollution.Montezuma's Revenge is real.Don't take chances, even by using ice that restaurants may have made from tap water.
You will need a passport, but you will not need a Visa.A passport takes 8-10 weeks and costs about $100.You can get it faster if you pay more.There are also passport cards available for around $30.Be sure to keep this document safe and don't let it out of your hands.
The Peso is the basic currency in Mexico, and the exchange rate can change daily.You can make an exchange at the airport, but you don't want to carry too much cash around.Banks and ATM machines are good places to do currency exchange.
Guadalajara is a hot city in summer due to its tropical location.Some say the best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is not so hot. It can get cold at night during those months.The air is dry, but there are occasional showers in summer.
Guadalajara has a modern airport that is about 12 miles from the city center.There are shuttles to major hotels that are free or at a very low cost.There are registered taxis as well, to take you anywhere you want to go.There may also be buses, but they can be confusing if you don't know the area or the language.
A lot can go wrong when you travel.Usually, nothing too bad happens, but when it does, you need to have the peace of mind that you will be OK.Travel insurance will give you that peace of mind and will be a tremendous help if something does go wrong during your trip.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 75°F | 79°F | 83°F | 87°F | 88°F | 84°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 78°F | 75°F |
| Temp | 57°F | 61°F | 65°F | 70°F | 73°F | 72°F | 69°F | 68°F | 68°F | 66°F | 61°F | 58°F |
| Low | 41°F | 43°F | 46°F | 51°F | 57°F | 61°F | 61°F | 60°F | 60°F | 54°F | 46°F | 42°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C | 28°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 23°C |
| Temp | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C | 21°C | 22°C | 22°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 18°C | 16°C | 14°C |
| Low | 5°C | 6°C | 7°C | 10°C | 13°C | 16°C | 16°C | 15°C | 15°C | 12°C | 7°C | 5°C |