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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

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

Cost of Living in Queretaro - Cost of Living in Queretaro

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Queretaro is around $400 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $700 USD per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $250 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $450 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Queretaro is around $1,500 USD per square meter. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $90,000 USD. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $150,000 USD. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $60,000 USD. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $100,000 USD.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Queretaro is around $0.50 USD per ride. Taxi fares start at around $2.50 USD and increase depending on the distance traveled. Gasoline is around $3.50 USD per gallon.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Queretaro is relatively low. A loaf of bread is around $0.50 USD, a liter of milk is around $1.00 USD, a dozen eggs is around $1.50 USD, and a kilogram of chicken is around $3.00 USD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Queretaro is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around $4.00 USD, a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $10.00 USD, and a meal at a high-end restaurant is around $20.00 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Queretaro is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $0.15 USD per kilowatt-hour, the average cost of water is around $0.50 USD per cubic meter, and the average cost of internet is around $30.00 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Queretaro is relatively low. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $50.00 USD per month, the average cost of elementary school tuition is around $100.00 USD per month, the average cost of middle school tuition is around $150.00 USD per month, and the average cost of high school tuition is around $200.00 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Queretaro

"The cost of living in Queretaro is fairly low compared to other cities in the country. The most expensive part of living in Queretaro is usually the rental market, with rental costs usually averaging around $250USD per month. Food prices in Queretaro are also very cheap, with a typical dinner at a restaurant or bar costing between $5-$10 USD. Public transportation is also inexpensive, with a single ride costing around $0.50 USD. Other everyday expenses such as groceries, entertainment, and basic utilities are also quite reasonable. All in all, the cost of living in Queretaro is very affordable, making it a great choice for anyone looking to move to Mexico," said one expat living in Queretaro.

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

"I've been living in Queretaro 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. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. However, you can still enjoy a good quality of life with modern amenities.When it comes to housing, you'll want to look for affordable neighborhoods like El Pueblito, Cerrito Colorado, or Los Olvera. These areas offer decent housing options at lower prices compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Juriquilla, El Campanario, or Milenio III. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in these affordable neighborhoods can range from $300 to $500 a month, while in the more expensive areas, you might be looking at $600 to $1,000 a month.As for transportation, you can save money by using public transportation like buses or taxis, which are quite affordable. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, and taxis are usually around $3 to $5 for short trips within the city. If you prefer to have your own car, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance, which can add up.Groceries and eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local markets and smaller restaurants. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out at local taquerias or small restaurants can cost you around $3 to $5 per meal, while dining at more upscale places will set you back around $15 to $30 per person.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of affordable options like going to the movies, visiting local parks, or attending cultural events. A movie ticket costs around $4, and many parks and museums have free or low-cost admission.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Queretaro is possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your grocery and entertainment expenses, you can enjoy a good quality of life with modern amenities," commented an expat living in Queretaro.

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

"I've been living in Queretaro for a while 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. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Juriquilla, El Campanario, and Milenio III might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain standard of living. These areas are known for their upscale homes, shopping centers, and restaurants, but they can be quite pricey.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Los Cerritos, Cimatario, and Alamos where you can find decent housing options without breaking the bank. These areas might not have all the high-end amenities you're used to, but they're still safe and have a good quality of life.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house than you're used to, and you might not have access to all the same amenities like a gym or pool within your housing complex. Additionally, you might have to rely more on public transportation or walking, as owning a car can be expensive in Mexico due to the cost of gas and maintenance.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Queretaro. You might have to skip the fancier restaurants and opt for more local eateries, but the food is still delicious and the atmosphere is often lively and fun.Overall, living in Queretaro on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can still enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Queretaro.

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

"I've been living in Queretaro for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many other places.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where you want to live. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Queretaro, but some of the more popular ones for expats include Juriquilla, El Refugio, and Milenio III. These areas have a good mix of modern housing options, shopping centers, and restaurants, so you'll have everything you need close by.On the other hand, if you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Campanario or Balvanera Polo & Country Club. These areas are known for their luxury homes and amenities, but they can also be quite a bit more expensive. If you're trying to stick to a budget, you might want to avoid these neighborhoods.As for sacrifices, you might find that some things are a bit different than what you're used to. For example, you might not have access to the same variety of products and brands that you're used to back home. However, you'll also find that many things are much more affordable here, so you'll be able to enjoy a higher quality of life overall.In terms of transportation, you might find that you need to rely on public transportation or taxis more often than you would in other places. However, the cost of living in Queretaro is generally quite low, so you should be able to afford these expenses without too much trouble.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Queretaro on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. You'll be able to experience a new culture, enjoy a lower cost of living, and still have access to many of the modern amenities that you're used to," commented an expat living in Queretaro.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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