Mexico
Cost of Living in Monterrey
Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates
COL+Rent: 25.9Rent: 15.3Groceries: 33.6Restaurant: 23.1
Monthly Budget Estimates
Minimal
$630/mo
Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit
Typical
$995/mo
City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out
Comfortable
$1,259/mo
Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment
Monthly Costs Breakdown
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $590 |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $385 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $202 |
| Restaurant Meal | $9 |
| Transit Pass (monthly) | $21 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $47 |
Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Can You Afford Monterrey?
Compare Monterrey with other cities at specific budget levels:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Monterrey?
A minimal monthly budget in Monterrey is approximately $630, a typical budget is $995, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $1,259 per month.
How much is rent in Monterrey?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Monterrey city center costs approximately $590/month. Outside the center, expect around $385/month.
Is Monterrey expensive compared to New York?
Monterrey's COL+Rent Index is 25.9 compared to New York's 100, meaning Monterrey is about 74% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Monterrey?
Monthly groceries in Monterrey cost approximately $202. The city's Groceries Index is 33.6 (NYC = 100).