Mexico, located south of the United States, is a popular destination for Americans to move to. Mexico’s celebrations and holidays are deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Warm weather and great food also captivate many people seeking to relocate. If you are seeking to move to Mexico, find out how much it costs to live in Mexico versus the United States. Learn about the cost of living in Mexico for necessities like housing, transportation, food, and healthcare costs.
If your family or friends live in Mexico, send them money with Western Union. You can make transfers from your phone on the Western Union App. Transfers are fast, convenient, and are sent directly to an account or picked up in person by the recipient.
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How do housing costs in Mexico compare to the United States?
The housing in Mexico has plenty of options for renting that are comparably less expensive than the United States. The tourist and metropolitan areas of Mexico are the most expensive residential parts of the country. Cities like Tijuana, Mexico City, and Cancun tend to be more on the expensive end. In areas like this, you can expect to pay around $680-$830 per month. However, you can also find cheaper options in other cities like Puebla, where you can find a one-bedroom apartment around $600-$730.1 The rent In the United States is astronomically higher. As of June 2022, the average median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in a metropolitan area in the United States is $1,876.2
How do food costs in Mexico compare to the United States?
Mexican cuisine is well known across the world and attracts tourists and expatriates seeking to move. You can dine out and buy fresh produce for cheaper prices in Mexico than in the United States. You can buy two pounds of chicken breast for under $7, two pounds of beef for approximately $8-10, and two pounds of potatoes for less than 80 cents.1 In the United States, two pounds of chicken breast costs approximately $8. Two pounds of beef cost approximately $14. Two pounds of potatoes cost about $2.3
How do transportation costs in Mexico compare to the United States?
Most Mexican cities are walkable, but if you need to travel further distances, public transportation is accessible and inexpensive. Each city has a local bus system, microbuses can get you from point A to B, and there are also additional metro systems in major cities. A single bus ticket can range from 45-55 cents.1 In the United States, the average bus ticket costs $1.52.4
How do healthcare costs in Mexico compare to the United States?
Healthcare coverage in Mexico, like the United States, stems from employment status. Mexicans primarily receive their healthcare through a handful of avenues.
The Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSTE), PEMEX (the state-owned Petroleum company), Ministry of National Defense, and other governmental institutions offer health insurance based on employment. Additionally, the Seguro Popular program provides healthcare coverage to Mexicans regardless of their employment status.5
Healthcare costs in Mexico are cheaper than the United States. Medicine and healthcare services cost about 50% less in Mexico than in the United States.1
If you’re planning on sending money abroad to Mexico, calculate the exchange rate to see how much money you are sending. You can go to our website or download the Western Union app to complete your money transfer. If you prefer to send money in person, you visit an agent location.
