Cost of Living in Tijuana, Mexico

Are you considering a move to Tijuana, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Tijuana 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 Tijuana and help you understand whether $1886 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $947.24.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

11.6 $

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

47.85 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.7 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.9 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

5.22 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.9 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.21 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.79 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.51 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.32 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.5 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.64 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.59 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.83 $

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

11.24 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.59 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.45 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.84 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.76 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.64 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.6 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.24 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.02 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.41 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.39 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.35 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.99 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

20.7 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.75 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.87 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

9.86 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.32 $

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

19080.14 $

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

22835.28 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

86.73 $

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

--

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

29.77 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

43.75 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

37.7 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

4.35 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

144.99 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

3997.2 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

40.71 $

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

53.52 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

80.61 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

64.43 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

713.26 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

466.69 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1332.2 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

950.55 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2300.03 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1394.12 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

947.24 $

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

11.75 %

Cost of Living in Tijuana, Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Tijuana?

The monthly expenses for living in Tijuana come to a total of approximately $1886. This includes an average monthly rent of around $713 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $101 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $577 per month.

How affordable is living in Tijuana?

Living in Tijuana appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $947.24. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Tijuana, you would likely need an income exceeding $947.24.

What is the average salary in Tijuana?

In Tijuana, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $947.24, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Tijuana?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Tijuana is approximately $713. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $466.69 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Tijuana?

The expense for groceries in Tijuana can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $435 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.

Tijuana, Mexico

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

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

If you must travel to Tijuana right now, it may be best to go on a well-protected tour. Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people.  By the end of 2020, Tijuana accounted for at least 2,000 murders. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Taxi drivers may scam you in this city - especially if you hail one from the street. You can have a more stress-free ride using Uber. The location also makes it convenient to take your car over the border to drive down the peninsula. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and in transportation stations.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. In almost all cases, there is a lot of commotion and distractions going on around you, so it makes it easy for the thief to steal from you. Sometimes they work in groups. Don’t let strangers stop you on the street with a sob story.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. The earthquake risk is very low in Tijuana. It is not an area where you will expect a blizzard or tornado either.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Muggings, kidnappings and similar street crimes have been known to happen in Tijuana, but they aren't very common occurrences, according to the residents of the city. Tourists are still highly advised to leave all valuables at home and remain vigilant at all times.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The biggest threat in Tijuana is the drug cartel. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

You can get scammed in Tijuana very easily. Various people will try to take advantage of you, so just be aware of your surroundings and don't trust anyone that you don't know.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

If you are a female tourist, there is a high risk that you will be harassed or even assaulted in Tijuana. It is highly recommended that you avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-known areas. Even if you prefer solo travel, it is best to travel in a group if you are female. Unfortunately, the city holds the record of having the highest femicide rate in the world.

TAP WATER RISK: HIGH

Don't drink water from the tap here! It's not safe. Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

American and Canadian tourists can visit Tijuana for up to 72 hours without a visa. To stay beyond that time frame, make sure you stop at the immigration kiosk for a visa if you are coming by land. Mexico usually allows Americans to stay for up to six months on an approved cost-free Visa.

currency_exchange

Currency

The currency of Mexico is the peso. One US dollar equals about 20 pesos. You can use your credit card in most major cities in Mexico, but it is best to carry cash.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The weather in Tijuana is typically warm and dry with average temperatures ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius.

flight_takeoff

Airports

To fly to Tijuana, visitors can use the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) which is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. You can also fly into San Diego, California, and take a short bus or taxi ride across the border.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

It is best to come to Tijuana with some type of travel insurance for both health and property protection. Make sure you can seek medical care in case you accidentally get food poisoning, which is known to happen in Mexico. Since property crime can be rampant in Tijuana, having property coverage can give you peace of mind.

Tijuana, Mexico

What about weather in Tijuana, Mexico ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 66°F 66°F 67°F 69°F 70°F 73°F 77°F 78°F 78°F 75°F 70°F 66°F
Temp 56°F 57°F 58°F 60°F 62°F 65°F 69°F 70°F 69°F 66°F 60°F 56°F
Low 48°F 49°F 51°F 53°F 57°F 60°F 63°F 64°F 63°F 59°F 53°F 48°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 18°C 18°C 19°C 20°C 21°C 22°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 23°C 21°C 18°C
Temp 13°C 13°C 14°C 15°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 21°C 20°C 18°C 15°C 13°C
Low 8°C 9°C 10°C 11°C 13°C 15°C 17°C 17°C 17°C 15°C 11°C 8°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Mexico with Tijuana

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries