People keep asking me what Mexico City costs. So I went through twelve months of bank statements. Here’s the answer, with receipts.
The headline number
I averaged $1,100 USD per month in Mexico City. That covered a one-bedroom in Roma Norte, all my food (cooking + restaurants), a CrossFit membership, weekend trips, Ubers everywhere, and the occasional flight to Oaxaca or Puerto Escondido.
If you cook more and skip the boutique gym, you can do this on $800. If you want a doorman building in Polanco and eat steak twice a week, plan on $2,500.
Rent: where the money goes
I paid $620 for a one-bedroom apartment in Roma Norte, three blocks from Parque Mexico. The same apartment in San Francisco would be $4,500. The same building in Polanco runs $900-1,400.
The Airbnb tax is real. The same flat on Airbnb costs $1,800 a month because they jack the price for digital nomads. Find a real lease through Facebook groups, expat WhatsApps, or by walking the neighborhood and writing down the FOR RENT signs.
Food: cheap if you eat where Mexicans eat
Continue planning your Mexico trip
- Tlacoyo from a street cart: 25 pesos ($1.40). Best lunch in CDMX.
- Comida corrida at a fonda: 80 pesos ($4.50). Three courses.
- Tacos al pastor at El Tizoncito: 25 pesos a taco. Eat four.
- Brunch at one of those Roma Norte cafes: 300-450 pesos ($17-25). This is where the money disappears.
- Pujol tasting menu: $300 USD per person. Worth it once.
My monthly food average was $380. About a third of that was groceries and home cooking. The other two thirds was the daily ritual of getting out and trying things. CDMX has the second-best food scene in the world (Tokyo wins, fight me). Don’t move there and cook every night.
Transportation
Uber is everywhere and absurdly cheap. A 20-minute ride across town runs $4-6. I budgeted $90/month for Ubers and never went over.
The metro is 5 pesos a ride (28 cents). It’s safe during the day, crowded at rush hour, and has been my preferred way to move during the daytime for two years.
Walking is the secret. Roma Norte, Condesa, Centro, Coyoacan – all walkable. The reason people move to Mexico City and stay is the walking.
The hidden expenses
Health insurance for expats: $80-150/month depending on coverage. SafetyWing nomad insurance was $48/month and covered me fine.
Tipping: 10-15% standard at restaurants. Tip the parking guy, the gas attendant, the bag boy at the grocery store. Adds maybe $30/month.
The unexpected day-trip costs: weekend in Oaxaca $200, weekend in Valle de Bravo $150, weekend in Puebla $120. Plan on at least one a month if you’re going to fully use the location.
What I wish I knew before moving
Roma Norte and Condesa are amazing for the first six months. Then you get sick of the same restaurants. Move neighborhoods if you stay longer. San Miguel Chapultepec, Juarez, San Rafael, Coyoacan – all different vibes, all cheaper than Roma.
The water sucks. Buy a 5-gallon garrafon from the corner store for 35 pesos and refill it every week. Don’t drink tap water, don’t trust ice at carts (most carts are fine but the rule of thumb saves you).
The altitude is real. 2,200 meters. Take it slow the first week, drink more water than usual, and don’t be surprised when your standard 5k run feels like a 10k.
Bottom line
$1,100/month gets you a comfortable, social, exciting life in Mexico City. The same money buys you a shared room in San Francisco or a tiny studio in Berlin. The math is obvious. The reason more people don’t do it is fear of change, not money.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cost Of Living Mexico City expensive to visit?
Cost depends heavily on your travel style and timing. Budget travelers can manage on $50-80 per day, mid-range travelers spend $100-200, and luxury travelers $300+. Shoulder season offers the best value-to-experience ratio.
How can I save money in Cost Of Living Mexico City?
Key savings strategies include traveling in shoulder season, eating at local spots instead of tourist restaurants, using public transportation, and booking activities directly rather than through hotel concierges. Free walking tours are available in most major destinations.
What is the cheapest way to get to Cost Of Living Mexico City?
Compare flights across multiple airlines and booking platforms. Flying midweek and during off-peak months typically yields the lowest fares. Consider nearby alternate airports and budget carriers for additional savings.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Cost Of Living Mexico City?
Exchange a small amount for immediate expenses, then use ATMs locally for better rates. Avoid airport exchange counters which typically charge 5-10% more. A travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal for larger purchases.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.