If you’ve been thinking about moving to Mexico in 2025, you’re not alone. The combination of mild weather, vibrant cities, beach towns, and a cost of living that’s still lower than the U.S. or Canada makes the country one of the most popular destinations for expats. But the real question most people ask before packing their bags is simple:
“How much does it actually cost to live in Mexico in 2025?”
The short answer: it depends on where you live, how you live, and whether you rely on public systems or private services—especially when it comes to healthcare.
The long answer is what this guide is for.
Let’s break everything down so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.
What’s the Real Cost of Living in Mexico in 2025?
Mexico is affordable, but not in the simplistic “everything is cheap” way people imagine. In 2025, the cost of living varies dramatically between cities—and even between neighborhoods within the same city.
A modest lifestyle in a mid-size city can cost as little as $1,500–$2,400 USD per month, while a comfortable expat lifestyle in major cities or beach areas ranges between $5,000–$10,000 USD for a single person.
Here’s what influences most of your budget:
- Housing — the biggest variable by far
- Healthcare — cheap public options, but private hospitals can get expensive
- Transportation — super affordable
- Food & entertainment — depends on how “local” or “expat” your taste is
- Utilities & internet — generally lower than in the U.S./Canada
Most expats combine public and private systems, especially for healthcare. If you want help comparing private insurance options that work best for foreigners, at Donna, we can guide you anytime.
Housing Costs in Mexico (2025 Update)
Housing is the category with the wildest range. Prices depend heavily on the city, the neighborhood, and whether the place is furnished.
Renting in Mexico
Here’s what you can realistically expect in 2025:
Mexico City (CDMX)
- Polanco / Roma / Condesa: $2,200–$10,500 USD for a 1–3 bedroom
- Del Valle / Narvarte / Escandón: $800–$2,400 USD
- More residential areas: $900–$2,900 USD
Puerto Vallarta / Playa del Carmen / Tulum
- Beach towns are more expensive due to tourism. Expect $900–$2,000 USD for modern apartments in central or beach-adjacent zones.
Mérida / Querétaro / Puebla / Guadalajara
- Typically cheaper, often $450–$900 USD for a good apartment. A bit more for a house.
Furnished vs unfurnished:
Furnished rentals aimed at expats can be 20–40% more expensive, but they save you the headache of buying appliances (fridges and washing machines are rarely included in rentals here).
Buying Property
If you’re thinking long-term, buying can be an option — but it’s not always cheaper upfront, or even cheaper in the long run.
Approximate price per square meter (2025):
- CDMX premium areas: $2,000–$5,000 USD
- Mérida / Querétaro: $1,200–$2,200 USD
- Beach cities: $1,000–$4,000 USD
Remember to factor in:
- Notary fees
- Transfer taxes
- Appraisal
- Closing costs
Many expats choose to rent for at least 6–12 months before deciding where to buy, simply to understand neighborhoods and seasons.
Healthcare Costs in Mexico (Public & Private)
Mexico has two systems: public (IMSS, ISSSTE) and private. Expats often mix both, but most rely primarily on private care because it’s faster, more modern, and easier to navigate in English.
Public Healthcare: IMSS
Expats can join IMSS voluntarily at a yearly cost that varies by age. In 2025, fees typically range:
- Under 35: ~$500 USD per year
- 35–49: ~$700 USD per year
- 50–59: ~$800 USD per year
- 60+: ~$1,100 USD per year
IMSS can be helpful for basic treatments and prescriptions, but wait times can be long, and English-speaking staff is rare. IMSS also excludes certain pre-existing conditions.
Private Healthcare: What Expats Actually Use
Private healthcare is excellent in Mexico, but the price varies dramatically depending on the hospital and procedure.
Here’s what you might typically pay out of pocket without insurance:
- Private doctor consultation: $25–$60 USD
- Specialist consultation: $40–$100 USD
- Ultrasound: $40–$80 USD
- MRI: $300–$600 USD
- ER visit: $200–$400 USD (before tests)
Surgeries without insurance:
- Appendicitis: $8,000–$15,000 USD
- Fractures with surgery: $6,000–$20,000 USD
- C-section in a private hospital: $2,000–$5,000 USD
That’s why health insurance is one of the first things most expats get. If you want a comparison of options (national or international plans), I can help you review them based on your age, needs, and budget.
Health Insurance for Expats in Mexico: What You Can Expect to Pay
Premiums vary depending on your age, medical history, deductible, and whether you choose a national plan (valid inside Mexico) or an international one (covers you globally).
Typical Premium Ranges (2025)
For a single adult:
- Age 25–35: $900–$2,200 USD per year
- Age 40–50: $1,400–$3,800 USD
- Age 55–70: $2,500–$10,000+ USD
Plans with higher deductibles are more affordable. International plans (with U.S. and worldwide coverage) are the most expensive.
Why Expats Prefer Private Insurance
- English-speaking doctors and coordinators
- Faster appointments
- Modern facilities
- Access to top hospitals (ABC, Ángeles, Médica Sur)
- Better coverage for emergencies and chronic conditions
If you’d like a personalized quote, you can fill out the quick form clicking the button below and we’ll review everything personally.
Transportation Costs: Public Transit, Taxis, and Owning a Car
Transportation is one of the most affordable parts of living in Mexico.
Public transportation
- Metro (CDMX): ~$0.30 USD per ride
- Buses: ~$0.20–$1.35 USD
- Metrobus / Tram systems: ~$0.40–$0.70 USD
Cleanliness and reliability vary by city. Smaller cities often lack large-scale transit, so apps become essential.
Ride-hailing apps
Uber, Didi, and inDrive are widely available.
Typical costs:
- 10-minute ride: $3–$15 USD
- Airport trips: $10–$50 USD depending on the city
Beach towns tend to be more expensive due to surge pricing.
Owning a car
- Gasoline: ~$1.25 USD/liter
- Monthly parking: $40–$120 USD
- Auto insurance: $300–$1600 USD/year depending on the car and coverage
- Car maintenance: lower than in the U.S./Canada
- Used cars are still relatively expensive in 2025
Food & Dining: Groceries, Eating Out, and Lifestyle
Food is one of the joys of living in Mexico, and it’s also where your budget can stretch or shrink depending on your habits.
Groceries
Supermarket prices vary by chain:
- Milk: $1.20–$1.70 USD
- Eggs (dozen): $1.50–$2.50 USD
- Chicken breast (kg): $4.50–$7 USD
- Fresh produce: very affordable, especially at local markets
- Imported foods: expensive—sometimes double U.S. prices
Eating out
- Tacos / local food: $1–$15 USD
- Cafés / brunch spots: $8–$18 USD
- Nice dinner for two: $40–$300 USD
- Cocktail: $5–$12 USD
- Beer: $1–$4 USD
If you stick to local food, Mexico is incredibly cheap. If you live in Polanco and love flat whites, it’s similar to Toronto or Austin.
Utilities & Internet
Utilities are typically cheaper than in the U.S., but electricity can spike if you use AC frequently—especially in beach cities.
Average monthly costs (single person):
- Electricity: $25–$100 USD depending on AC use
- Water: $5–$10 USD
- Gas: $10–$20 USD
- Internet (Telmex / Izzi / Totalplay): $25–$40 USD
Safety & “Hidden Costs” Expats Don’t Expect
Safety varies by city and neighborhood. In CDMX, areas like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Del Valle are generally safe, while others are more mixed. Beach towns are usually calm but tourist areas attract petty theft.
“Hidden costs” to consider:
- “Expat pricing” in tourist towns
- Gym memberships: $20–$200 USD
- Coworking spaces: $80–$300 USD/month
- Imported products (US brands)
- Taxis/Ubers during late hours
- Water delivery (garrafones)
- Occasional bribes solicitations (it happens 🤷🏻♂️)
So… How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Mexico in 2025?
Here’s a practical breakdown based on lifestyle:
Basic Lifestyle (Local-style living)
$900–$1,400 USD/month
- Local markets & food
- Non-touristic areas
- Public transit
- No private insurance or a low-cost plan
⚠️ Not recommended for expats
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. This budget level often means living far from essential services, limited access to quality healthcare, reduced safety in some areas, and a lifestyle that doesn’t match what most foreigners expect when relocating to Mexico. If you’re moving from abroad, especially long-term, it’s generally better to budget for a “comfortable” or higher living standard to ensure stability, safety, and proper access to private medical care.
Comfortable Expat Lifestyle
$2,200–$4,800 USD/month
- Central neighborhood in a major city
- Eating out a few times a week
- Ride-hailing apps
- Standard private health insurance
✨ Most expats land here
Because the cost of living in Mexico is lower than in many countries, a budget that felt “tight” back home can translate into a genuinely comfortable, middle-class lifestyle here — with better food, better weather, and access to private healthcare. Many expats are pleasantly surprised by how far their income goes without sacrificing quality of life.
Premium Lifestyle
$7,000–$10,000 USD+/month
- Top neighborhoods or beachfront
- Frequent dining out
- Regular travel
- International health insurance with global coverage
🥂 If you want a truly elevated experience
At this level, you’re operating in the same bracket as high-income Mexicans who enjoy premium neighborhoods, top-tier restaurants, private hospitals, boutique gyms, and the kind of services and conveniences you’d expect in major global cities. It’s the lifestyle where everything “just works,” and where comfort, safety, and efficiency are the norm rather than the exception.
Final Thoughts
Mexico in 2025 continues to be one of the best-value countries for expats, offering a high quality of life at a fraction of what you’d pay back home. Housing and healthcare are the biggest variables in your budget—and both offer a wide range of options depending on your expectations.
If you’re planning your move, having reliable private healthcare gives you peace of mind, faster service, and access to the best hospitals in the country. If you want help choosing a plan that fits your needs and budget, feel free to reach out on WhatsApp or fill out this form—at Donna, we’ll gladly guide you through the options.
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