The short answer
A single person can live comfortably in most of Mexico for $1,200–2,500 USD per month. A couple can live well for $2,000–3,500 USD per month.
Mexico City
The most expensive Mexican city for foreigners. A 1-bedroom in Roma or Condesa costs $900–1,400 USD/month. Total monthly budget for a single nomad: $1,800–2,800.
Mérida
Cheaper than CDMX. Colonial-center 1-bedrooms from $600–900 USD/month. Total monthly: $1,300–2,000.
Playa del Carmen
Pricier than Mérida, similar to CDMX. Tourist-driven inflation. Monthly: $1,800–3,000.
Oaxaca
Cheapest of the popular expat cities. 1-bedroom from $500–800 USD/month. Total monthly: $1,100–1,800.
Real expat budgets
| Item | Mexico City | Mérida | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR centro) | $1,100 | $750 | $650 |
| Groceries | $300 | $280 | $250 |
| Eating out | $300 | $220 | $200 |
| Transport | $80 | $70 | $60 |
| Internet + phone | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Coworking / gym | $200 | $150 | $120 |
| Total | $2,040 | $1,530 | $1,340 |