RemoteScore

Cost of Living in Mexico City

Mexico · All prices in USD

#166 cheapest of 366 cities · Updated March 2026

Expense Mexico City vs Global Avg
Rent (1BR, city centre) $561 +6%
Rent (1BR, outside centre) $535 +51%
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) $6 -49%
Meal (mid-range, 2 people) $11 -77%
Coffee (cappuccino) $3 -30%
Monthly transport pass $45 -36%
Utilities (monthly) $84 -44%
Internet (monthly) $22 -45%

Budget Monthly Cost

$946

Outside centre, cheap meals, public transport

Comfortable Monthly Cost

$896

City centre, mid-range dining, coworking

Living Costs Explained

Mexico City ranks #166 out of 366 cities for affordability. At $896/month for a comfortable lifestyle, it's 24% cheaper than the global average of $1,180. This makes Mexico City an attractive base for nomads looking to stretch their income further.

Accommodation Costs

Rent is typically 40-50% of a nomad's monthly budget in Mexico City. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $561/month. Moving outside the centre saves approximately $26/month, bringing rent to $535. Look for monthly rentals on local platforms for better rates than booking.com or Airbnb.

Food and Dining

Eating out in Mexico City is reasonably priced, especially at local restaurants. A cheap restaurant meal costs $6, while a mid-range dinner for two runs about $11. Coffee culture is reasonably priced at $3 per cappuccino.

Transport and Utilities

Monthly public transport in Mexico City costs $45. The city scores 63/100 for walkability, so a transport pass is useful for daily commutes. Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling) average $84/month, and internet runs $22/month for a home connection.

Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget lifestyle ($946/mo): Rent outside centre, cook at home, cheap restaurants, public transport, work from cafes. Suitable for nomads focused on saving.

Comfortable lifestyle ($896/mo): City centre apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking membership ($89/mo), occasional activities and socialising. The sweet spot for most remote workers.

Cheaper Alternatives in North America

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mexico City for digital nomads?
A comfortable monthly budget in Mexico City is approximately $896, including city centre rent ($561), mid-range dining, transport ($45), and utilities ($84). This is 24% below the global average.
How much is rent in Mexico City?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Mexico City city centre costs around $561/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay $535/month — a saving of $26.
How much does food cost in Mexico City?
A cheap restaurant meal costs $6, a mid-range dinner for two around $11, and a cappuccino $3. Cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
Is Mexico City cheap or expensive for digital nomads?
Mexico City ranks #166 out of 366 cities by affordability. At $896/month, it's below the global average of $1,180, making it a reasonably priced destination.
What's the cheapest way to live in Mexico City?
Budget nomads can live in Mexico City for $946/month by renting outside the centre ($535), eating at cheap restaurants ($6/meal), using public transport ($45/month), and working from cafes instead of coworking spaces.

Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan median data for Mexico City, Mexico. Prices in USD, updated March 2026. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Back to Mexico City overview.