Are you considering a move to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen and help you understand whether $2123 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $770.5.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
5.8 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
31.2 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.39 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.19 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.64 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.53 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.12 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.88 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.52 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.07 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.48 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.5 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.25 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.34 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.25 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.49 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.28 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.5 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.13 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.41 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
17.4 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.75 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.61 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
13.05 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.37 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20877.97 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23197.74 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
88.88 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
26.99 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
58.97 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.4 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
4.06 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
299.64 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
3131.7 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
59.93 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
23.2 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
72.49 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
71.04 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
968.99 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
618.61 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1900.93 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1058.4 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1773.14 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1879.09 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
770.5 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
11.33 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Playa del Carmen come to a total of approximately $2123. This includes an average monthly rent of around $968 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $102 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $601 per month.
Living in Playa del Carmen appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $770.5. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Playa del Carmen, you would likely need an income exceeding $770.5.
In Playa del Carmen, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $770.5, 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 Playa del Carmen is approximately $968. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $618.61 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Playa del Carmen can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $437 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.
The possibility of a terrorist attack in Playa del Carmen is low since there is no immediate terrorism threat.
Tourists typically feel protected since tourism is the primary source of economy in the area. However, it is important to understand that tourists can become victims of kidnappings, or pickpockets, especially when utilizing public transportation. Like in any location, never flash money or expensive items in public. Therefore, the overall risk is medium.
Since Playa del Carmen is not a large city, you can walk to the most visited destinations. However, there are occasions where you need to use a taxi or public transportation to get around. Most taxis do not have a meter so the prices can greatly vary. If you decide to rent a car and drive, be on alert that traffic signs are not followed like in the U.S. After dark, crime levels risk on public transportation and highways. The rest of the time, it is fairly safe, so the transport and taxis risk is low.
When it comes to less serious crimes, pickpocketing is the most common. The only way to protect yourself is to watch for your belongings and be aware of your surroundings since thieves often work in cooperation with taxi drivers. Travelers should never use taxis hailed from the street.
The hurricane season lasts from June until November with Playa del Carmen being susceptible to flooding and high winds. Also, the area is prone to earthquakes. Furthermore, being that the city is located on a coastline, tsunamis and severe weather are also possible. Additionally, there are several active volcanoes in the area which could erupt at any time. Therefore, the risk of natural disasters is medium.
While the pickpocketing of tourists is possible, mugging and kidnapping are incredibly rare. In situations where express kidnappings occurred, the victims were forced to withdraw from ATMs and then released. Tourists are the least attacked targets since they are protected by the police, but you should always be careful. The overall mugging risk is low.
In bars and nightclubs, an elevated risk of drink spiking exists, so never leave your drink or food unattended. Also, never reveal personal information to anyone except required information for your hotel. Credit card fraud is frequent, so be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing money from ATMs. The safest way to withdraw money is at the airport then inside bank ATMs when necessary. Therefore, the risk of scams is medium.
Although women traveling alone on public transportation should be vigilant, overall, Playa del Carmen is not dangerous for solo women travelers. There have been reports of sexual harassment occurring in nightclubs and bars, but this is uncommon, especially in touristy areas. The women travelers' risk is low.
The risk of drinking tap water in Playa del Carmen and Mexico is high. It is advisable to not drink tap water and purchase inexpensive bottled water instead. There is a high level of water pollution in the drinking water with a low-quality level due to Mexico’s infrastructure. Also, when showering, try not to get the water in your mouth and use bottled water when brushing your teeth.
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens if visiting Mexico for under 180-days. However, you must ensure your passport is stamped by Mexican officials upon arrival. Also, you may need to complete an online FMM form in advance or upon arrival since every visitor is given a traveler’s permit.
The official currency of the country is the Mexican Peso and overall, Mexico is inexpensive, unless staying at a luxury resort. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, and ATMs are available everywhere. As mentioned, always use ATMs inside a bank or at official buildings like the airport.
With an average temperature of 83, shorts and t-shirts or tank tops can be worn year-round. However, during the rainy season, you want to pack a raincoat and umbrella to be safe. Also, if you plan to do a lot of walking, pack a comfortable pair of sneakers, and remember the risk of hurricanes from August to October.
If visiting Playa del Carmen by the airport, which is the most used mode of transportation, the nearest airport is Cancun International Airport, which also features the cheapest flights from the U.S. From Cancun, you can take the bus ($10 each way), a taxi (up to $75 each way), or rent a car (up to $30 per day).
With the uncertainty of the world now, especially due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, travel insurance is always advisable. This is important to protect your family and belongings, but also if renting an automobile.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 82°F | 83°F | 86°F | 88°F | 90°F | 89°F | 90°F | 90°F | 88°F | 86°F | 84°F | 82°F |
| Temp | 72°F | 74°F | 75°F | 78°F | 80°F | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F | 80°F | 78°F | 76°F | 74°F |
| Low | 65°F | 65°F | 66°F | 69°F | 71°F | 73°F | 72°F | 72°F | 72°F | 71°F | 68°F | 66°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°C | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 27°C |
| Temp | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C |
| Low | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 21°C | 20°C | 18°C |