Free tool
Cost of Living Calculator
Last reviewed November 2026
Work out what your life costs in Mexico. Pick a city, set your household and lifestyle, and see the budget build category by category. The full breakdown unlocks when you tell us where to email it.
Your situation
Adjust the inputs. Every figure below updates instantly.
Monthly budget breakdown
Compare all 10 cities
Same lifestyle, household, and add-ons applied to every city, ranked cheapest to priciest.
Ranges reflect 2026 expat-neighborhood pricing. Beach and lowland cities run higher utilities (A/C).
Temporary Residency qualification check
2026 consulate thresholds. Enter your monthly income or savings above for a personalized check.
| Route | 2026 threshold |
|---|---|
| Monthly income | ~$4,300 – $4,800 / month |
| Savings / investments | ~$72,000 – $78,000 |
One-time landing costs
Budget on top of your monthly plan, one person, mid-priced city. Paul's rule: keep 6 months of living expenses in accessible cash as a cushion.
2026 estimates, ~17.2 MXN/USD exchange rate. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, season, and spending habits. City ranges come from Paul's Cost of Living in Mexico 2026 research. Add-on defaults ($300 car, $150 language) are adjustable estimates, not quoted prices. Residency thresholds vary by consulate, always confirm with the consulate where you'll apply.
From estimate to evidence
The Cost of Living Calculator runs on the same figures as Cost of Living Mexico, and that guide lives inside My Mexico Move, with the full breakdown, the Landing Budget Builder and your plan in one place.