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

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: If you're moving to Puebla, understanding the the cost of living in Puebla helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) Approximately $200 - $400 per month
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) Approximately $150 - $300 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) Approximately $800 - $1,200 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) Approximately $20 - $30
Taxi (Normal Tariff, 1km) Approximately $0.50 - $1.00
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Cheese, Chicken, Beef, Apples, Bananas, Oranges, Tomato, Potato, Onion, Lettuce, Water, Wine) Approximately $30 - $50 per week
Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) Approximately $20 - $30
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) Approximately $30 - $50 per month
Private School Tuition (Preschool) Approximately $150 - $300 per month
Private School Tuition (Elementary School) Approximately $200 - $400 per month
Private School Tuition (Middle School) Approximately $300 - $500 per month
Private School Tuition (High School) Approximately $400 - $600 per month
Please note that these are average costs and can vary based on specific locations, quality, and personal consumption habits. The cost of living in Puebla is generally lower than in many other parts of Mexico, especially when compared to major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara. However, it's always a good idea to research and plan your budget based on your personal needs and lifestyle.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Puebla

"The cost of living in Puebla is generally considered to be lower than in many other parts of the world. 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, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Puebla are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at very reasonable prices. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than what you would pay in many other countries. Transportation costs are also low in Puebla. Public transportation is widely available and affordable, and the cost of gasoline is reasonable. Healthcare in Puebla is also less expensive than in many other countries. Both public and private healthcare services are available, with private healthcare being more expensive but still affordable compared to many other countries. Overall, the cost of living in Puebla is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live abroad," said one expat living in Puebla.

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

"I've been living in Puebla for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Puebla is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods where you can find a nice apartment or house. I live in La Paz, which is a middle-class neighborhood with a good mix of local shops, restaurants, and parks. The rent here is quite reasonable, I pay around $400 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. Another good option is El Carmen, it's a bit more upscale but still affordable. You can find a nice one-bedroom apartment for around $500 a month. It's a lively neighborhood with lots of cafes, bars, and art galleries. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Angelopolis and Lomas de Angelopolis are quite expensive. They're known for their luxury apartments, high-end shopping malls, and gourmet restaurants. Unless you're willing to spend a large portion of your budget on rent, I wouldn't recommend living in these areas. Groceries are quite cheap in Puebla, especially if you shop at local markets. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Utilities are also affordable, I pay around $50 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Public transportation is very cheap, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the U.S. I use public transportation and spend around $30 a month. Healthcare is also affordable. I have a private health insurance plan that costs me around $100 a month. So, if you add it all up, you can live comfortably in Puebla on $1,500 a month. You'll have to make some sacrifices, but you'll also have the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and enjoy the beauty of this historic city," commented an expat living in Puebla.

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

"I've been living in Puebla for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the US or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend areas like La Paz, La Noria, or San Pedro Cholula. These are safe, pleasant neighborhoods with plenty of amenities and they're not too far from the city center. On the other hand, if you're looking to live in the most upscale neighborhoods like Angelopolis or Lomas de Angelopolis, you might find the rents a bit higher, but still affordable compared to what you'd pay in a major US city. As for other expenses, groceries are quite cheap, especially if you buy local produce. Eating out is also very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, will probably run you around $100 a month. One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare can be a bit more expensive if you're used to public healthcare systems. However, it's still quite affordable compared to the US. A visit to a private doctor might cost around $30, and a comprehensive health insurance plan can be had for around $200 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some things you're used to aren't as readily available here. For instance, certain imported goods can be more expensive. Also, while Puebla is a large city with plenty to do, it doesn't have the same level of cultural offerings as a place like Mexico City. But overall, I've found that the lower cost of living more than makes up for these minor inconveniences. In terms of transportation, owning a car is not a necessity as public transportation is quite good and taxis are cheap. However, if you do decide to buy a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US. Overall, I'd say that living in Puebla on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You just need to be mindful of your spending and make smart choices about where to live and what to spend your money on," said one expat living in Puebla.

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

"I've been living in Puebla for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Puebla is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it's also quite affordable compared to many other cities in Mexico. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $800 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods that I would recommend are La Paz, La Noria, and San Pedro Cholula. These areas are safe, have good amenities, and are close to the city center. On the other hand, there are also more expensive neighborhoods like Angelopolis and Lomas de Angelopolis. These are upscale areas with luxury apartments and houses, and the cost of living is significantly higher. If you're on a budget, I would suggest avoiding these areas. As for other expenses, groceries will cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can get around the city by bus for less than a dollar, and taxis are also quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to. For example, imported goods are quite expensive in Mexico, so you might have to switch to local brands. Also, while healthcare in Mexico is generally good and affordable, it might not be up to the standards you're used to. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Puebla is quite comfortable and affordable. The city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and cuisine, and the cost of living is quite low compared to many other places," commented an expat living in Puebla.

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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