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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Cancun 2024
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Cost of Living in Cancun

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Cancun helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Cancun is around $500 USD per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost up to $800 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Cancun is around $100,000 USD. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost up to $200,000 USD.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Cancun is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $1 USD, while a taxi ride costs around $5 USD. Additionally, there are many car rental companies in Cancun, with prices starting at around $30 USD per day.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Cancun is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD, while a liter of milk costs around $2 USD. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are generally very affordable, with prices starting at around $1 USD per kilogram.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Cancun is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $5 USD, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15 USD. Additionally, there are many high-end restaurants in Cancun, with prices starting at around $30 USD per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Cancun is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around $50 USD per month, while the average cost of water is around $20 USD per month. Additionally, the cost of internet and cable TV is around $50 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Cancun varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $200 USD per month, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is around $400 USD per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $600 USD per month, while the average cost of high school tuition is around $800 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cancun

"The cost of living in Cancun is generally lower than in many parts of the United States and Europe. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. Groceries in Cancun are inexpensive, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at affordable prices. Eating out in Cancun can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Cancun is very cheap, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing very little. Taxis are also reasonably priced, although fares can vary depending on the distance traveled. Healthcare in Cancun is also affordable, with a visit to a private doctor costing less than what you would expect to pay in the United States. Fitness club memberships and leisure activities such as cinema tickets are also reasonably priced. Overall, the cost of living in Cancun is quite low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits," said one expat living in Cancun.

Can I live in Cancun on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Cancun for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Cancun include Downtown Cancun, El Centro, and Villas del Mar. These areas offer more budget-friendly housing options, but they might not have all the modern amenities you're used to. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the Hotel Zone, Puerto Cancun, and Isla Dorada, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting your expectations when it comes to housing. You might not be able to find a place with all the modern amenities you're used to, like a dishwasher, central air conditioning, or a pool. However, you can still find comfortable and clean apartments or houses within your budget.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Cancun can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle. The public transportation system in Cancun is quite reliable and affordable, with buses running frequently throughout the city.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll need to be more selective about where you go and how often you go out. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food options in Cancun, but you might have to cut back on dining at more upscale restaurants or going out for drinks every night. Instead, try cooking at home more often and exploring the local markets for fresh produce and ingredients.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your overall spending habits. It's easy to get caught up in the touristy areas of Cancun and spend more than you intended, so try to stick to a budget and track your expenses. By being conscious of your spending and making some adjustments to your lifestyle, you can definitely live comfortably on $1,500 a month in Cancun," commented an expat living in Cancun.

Can I live in Cancun on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Cancun for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Cancun include Downtown Cancun, El Centro, and Villas del Mar. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the Hotel Zone, Puerto Cancun, and Isla Dorada, as these areas cater more to tourists and can be quite pricey.In terms of transportation, you might have to rely more on public transportation like buses and taxis, as owning a car can be quite expensive in Cancun. The good news is that public transportation is quite affordable and efficient, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around.When it comes to dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food options in Cancun. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that, as these can be quite expensive. Instead, try exploring the local food scene and cooking at home more often to save money.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some of the more expensive activities and attractions in Cancun. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do, like visiting the beach or exploring local markets, some of the more popular tourist attractions like visiting the Mayan ruins or going on guided tours can be quite pricey. To make your budget work, you'll need to prioritize which activities are most important to you and plan accordingly.Overall, living in Cancun on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being selective with your dining and entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Cancun.

Can I live in Cancun on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Cancun for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget. For example, you might have to choose a smaller apartment or house, or live in a more affordable neighborhood. In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into areas like Downtown Cancun, El Centro, or even some parts of the Hotel Zone if you're willing to live in a smaller space. These areas are generally more affordable and still offer a good quality of life with access to modern amenities. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Puerto Cancun or the more exclusive parts of the Hotel Zone, as these areas tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out or entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of affordable restaurants and activities in Cancun, it's easy to overspend if you're not careful. I would recommend setting a monthly budget for these expenses and sticking to it as much as possible.Additionally, you might have to be more conscious of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in Cancun. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible.Overall, living in Cancun on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your spending, and conserving utilities, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that Cancun has to offer," commented an expat living in Cancun.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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