The question of whether it’s more expensive to live in Monterrey or Mexico City (CDMX) now has a clear answer for 2025.
According to recent cost-of-living rankings, Monterrey is currently the most expensive city in Mexico, surpassing even the nation’s capital, which historically topped this list.
Studies indicate that Monterrey ranks first nationally, followed by Querétaro, and then Mexico City in third place.
How much does it cost to live in Monterrey?
The estimated average monthly cost of living in the capital of Nuevo León exceeds USD 1,485, or approximately 26,000 Mexican pesos, depending on the exchange rate. This figure includes expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment.
One of the determining factors is the high price of housing in Monterrey, where the average sale price is around 53,864 pesos per square meter, with an upward trend driven by industrial growth and high demand for services.
In contrast, although Mexico City maintains high prices, especially in central areas where properties can range from 5 to 8 million pesos, the average rent is around 21,000 pesos per month, offering a greater diversity of options depending on the area.
Regarding services and food, Monterrey also registers high costs that directly impact the monthly budget. Mexico City, for its part, has spending on services and entertainment that exceeds the national average by 30 percent, although it remains slightly more affordable than Monterrey.
In summary, both cities have a high cost of living compared to the national average, but 2025 data indicates that money goes a little further in Mexico City than in Monterrey for a similar lifestyle, mainly due to the availability of housing and services.
Source: mvsnoticias
