Cost of Living in Monterrey, Mexico

Are you considering a move to Monterrey, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Monterrey 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 Monterrey and help you understand whether $2168 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1106.28.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Monterrey, Mexico
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

13.63 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

43.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.7 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.32 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.48 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.34 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.34 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.99 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.58 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.59 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.98 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.75 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

9.59 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

8.78 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

12.61 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.96 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.37 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.53 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.86 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.15 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.57 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.32 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.08 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.43 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.67 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.23 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.87 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

23.63 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.74 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.16 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

18.85 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.4 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

22907.77 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23994.44 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

124.4 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

30.48 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

38.06 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

19.81 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

5.8 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

271.85 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4987.51 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

60.65 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

44.61 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

100.64 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

105.28 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

952.76 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

647.6 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1677.97 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1091.02 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2203.79 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1484.54 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1106.28 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

11.61 %

Cost of Living in Monterrey, Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Monterrey?

The monthly expenses for living in Monterrey come to a total of approximately $2168. This includes an average monthly rent of around $952 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $139 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $612 per month.

How affordable is living in Monterrey?

Living in Monterrey appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1106.28. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Monterrey, you would likely need an income exceeding $1106.28.

What is the average salary in Monterrey?

In Monterrey, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1106.28, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Monterrey?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Monterrey is approximately $952. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $647.6 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Monterrey?

The expense for groceries in Monterrey can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $494 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.

What is the cost of living in Mexico?

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.

Monterrey, Mexico

How Safe Is Monterrey, Mexico for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Monterrey, Mexico

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Monterrey is generally safe, but there are very dangerous areas of the city. Take proper precautions to minimize risk. Local professionals and cab drivers can be useful sources for suggesting safer destinations within the district since they know the area.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation areas such as bus and railway depots tend to be places where people are most pickpocketed. You should take care to call ahead for a taxi or keep your belongings secure to your body while on a train or bus.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Public places such as stations, streets, and airports are common areas for theft. Always keep your purse, wallet, baggage, and other valuable belongings secured and close by your side. Make sure you don’t have cash or credit cards loose and exposed.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Although there is little risk, Monterrey is prone to flooding since it is divided by a river that lies along the main thoroughfare. It is not serious, but you should be aware of it during inclement weather. Also, be careful when swimming on beaches and avoid the ocean during high tides.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The chances that a tourist will be mugged are rare but can happen if one leaves oneself vulnerable. Stay in areas that are well-lit and not deserted. If you can avoid it, do not travel alone. There is more safety in numbers.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven’t been any attacks in Monterrey's recent history, but you should always be wary of the possibility in today's volatile world. It behooves us all to be watchful and keep abreast of local threats in the news and areas of heightened security.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams can happen in Monterrey or anywhere. There are always con artists that will sense an opportunity that presents itself, especially with out-of-town visitors who can be carefree and naïve. Please do not accept any drinks, food, or favors from strangers as you don’t know their intent.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you are traveling alone, avoid local clubs and bars where you could be exposed to sexual and violent predators. You lower your risk by vacationing with a partner or group. If you must travel alone, stay within a close radius of your hotel or another source of accommodation. If you experience a threat, you have the safety net of a 24-hour hospitality staff nearby.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Drinking water is generally safe in Monterrey because Mexico has progressed in the last ten years with improvements to sanitation and piping procedures. The water quality is much better in larger municipalities and major cities like Monterrey than in rural areas.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Legal entry to Monterrey is fairly easy. Nationals can obtain a traveler’s permit for 15 USD upon entering Mexico. If you are unsure about your visa status as per your nationality, contact your local Mexican embassy for more information.

currency_exchange

Currency

The official currency in Monterrey is the Mexican peso. Mexico is considered mostly a cash economy, although credit cards are accepted at most tourist locations, such as major hotels, restaurants, and stores. ATMs can be found throughout the country.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Monterrey has a dry, arid climate with very little rainfall during the year. July is the warmest month, while January is the coolest. Temperatures can get as high as the 90s in summer and as low as the 50s in winter.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Monterrey International Airport is located in Apodaca, Nuevo León. In conjunction with Del Norte International Airport, the airport handles domestic and international flights for the city of Monterrey and its surrounding area. MIA is conveniently small with a fast, friendly, and English-speaking service.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Be prepared with insurance should you have a medical emergency or a victim of theft. Travel insurance is always recommended when traveling to Monterrey or anywhere else outside your country. There is nothing like having that peace of mind in the event of misfortune so far from home.

Monterrey, Mexico

What about weather in Monterrey, Mexico ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 71°F 76°F 82°F 88°F 91°F 93°F 94°F 94°F 89°F 83°F 77°F 72°F
Temp 59°F 63°F 69°F 75°F 79°F 82°F 82°F 83°F 78°F 73°F 65°F 59°F
Low 50°F 53°F 58°F 65°F 70°F 73°F 73°F 73°F 70°F 64°F 57°F 51°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 21°C 24°C 27°C 31°C 32°C 33°C 34°C 34°C 31°C 28°C 25°C 22°C
Temp 15°C 17°C 20°C 23°C 26°C 27°C 27°C 28°C 25°C 22°C 18°C 15°C
Low 10°C 11°C 14°C 18°C 21°C 22°C 22°C 22°C 21°C 17°C 13°C 10°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Mexico with Monterrey

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries