Cost of Living in Merida, Mexico: Affordable and Unlimited Adventures on $850 per month

01/04

MINUTE READING TIME

QUICk SUMMARY- COST OF LIVING IN Merida, mexico

  • Monthly budget in Merida = less than $850 <skip to budget details>
  • Food is inexpensive and delicious
  • Perfect central location for lots of day trips

I fell in love at first sight with Mexico City during a visit in April 2018. Fast forward 2.5 years, and I never left after my initial visit, and now live in Merida, in the Yucatan Peninsula. Instagrammable Merida is one of the most beautiful colonial cities and is also known as one of Mexico's safest cities.

Before deciding on Merida, I visited about half the states in the country. I lived, off and on, for about a year in Mexico City, truly my favorite place in Mexico. However, in reality, I prefer a slower pace of life, and Merida provided just that. I have been living here for 1.5 years now. 

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I am originally from Miami, so I seek comfortable accommodations and amenities, just not at Miami prices. Surprisingly enough, inexpensive luxury is available all over the country, but given my preference for warm weather, I chose Merida as my home base to explore the Yucatan.

This collaboration with Shelley describes her expat lifestyle and budget in the colonial city of Merida, Mexico.

Merida is a medium-sized city with a population of about 900,000 and the 13th largest city in Mexico. Centro Historico, with its historic colonial buildings, still has a small-town feel. When you walk around, you'll usually run into friends or at least one person you know.

The affordable quality of life here is attracting more expats, retirees, and digital nomads to the city. Justifying its reputation as Latin American's new expat hotspot, the amenities here include a reputable hospital system, fast internet, social expat communities, and low cost of living. I find that Merida is conducive to my digital nomad life, and there are so many amazing Merida day trips to take throughout the Yucatan.

While no place is perfect, Merida ticks a lot of boxes. Though not everyone has heard of it yet, this is a very up-and-coming travel destination, especially given its proximity to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum.

I truly love living here and shining some light on this colorful, tropical city. I'm so excited to share my personal experiences and tell you all about my average cost of living in Merida, Mexico, and the lifestyle here.

Getting To Know Merida

Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the Colonial Zone's many cafes

As mentioned, Merida ticks a lot of boxes — but if you don't like warm/hot weather, and don't want a relatively slow pace of life — it might not tick your boxes! To find out if it is, you'd first want to visit, maybe even in the hotter months of May-September.

Traveling to Merida

Merida is easy to visit, as Merida International Airport (code: MID) is only 20 minutes from downtown. Currently, there are only direct flights from Miami, Houston, and Oakland in the U.S., but the airport is currently undergoing an expansion, so more will be available in the future. If you can't get a direct flight, the Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana Airports have connections.

Airport Pick Up-  Avoid the stress and hassle of finding a taxi in a strange country. Get a safe airport pickup with no hidden costs.

Merida's tropical weather

May-September are the hottest months, with normal daytime temperatures of about 90°F (32°C). With the humidity factored in, temperatures often feel 10°F (5°C) warmer. Expect those temperatures to drop at night to around 80°F (27°C). Many residents simply stay indoors during the day.

Though it's quite hot, some homes don't have air conditioning, as Yucatan locals actually prefer to live without it. If this doesn't apply to you, make sure to find a place with AC and even a pool, though both are additional costs.

Tourists can escape North American and European winters here. The cool season from November to February still hits high temps above 87 degrees (30.6°C). January is the "coldest" month with an  average low-temperature of 65.5°F/18.6°C.

Colorful colonial buildings make for a candy-color backdrop

The historic buildings are a walk back in time

Merida short term rentals

With six months available on your FMM Visa, you can explore Mérida, and other Mexican cities, to find a good fit. Mérida is an affordable city with plenty of unique Airbnbs in Merida you can rent for a few months while getting a feel for the city.

After some time in Merida and being in a few foreigner and expat groups, the thing that seems to dissuade people most about Merida is the weather. This city is in the tropics, and the temperature range starts at HOT and rises to REALLY HOT hot during the summer months.

What Is The Average Cost of Living In Merida, Mexico?

$850- COST OF LIVING IN MERIDA Details [HIDE]

Total Monthly Expense$840
COST PER MONTH
Rent- Furnished Studio Historic Center450
Housekeeping Services 3-hours 2 times per month20
Water/Sewer/Garbage/Electric/High-Speed Internet/TVINCLUDED
Cell Phone- 3 GB Internet Per Month10
Total Housing Expense480
Home Cooked Meals 7 times per Week97
Street Food 6 times per Week35
Mid-Priced Restaurant once per Week53
Personal Chef ($200 per Month)-
Total Food Expense185
1st run movie once per Month6
Budget Night Out-Cantina Beers twice per Month18
Private Yoga Classes twice per Month10
Big Box Gym (Weights and Group Classes)10
Total Entertainment44
Public Transportation-
Uber/Taxi 2 times per Week17
Total Transportation Expense18
Travel Health Insurance50
Health Care Expense50
Woman's Haircut- Home Service 6 times per Year13
Personal Care Items- Shampoo, Soaps, Etc.20
Household Items- Laundry Soap, Tools, Dishes, Etc.20
Full Service Laundry 2 Loads Per Month10
Total Personal Care and Misc Expense63
Exchange Rate to $1 USD to MXN (Mexican Pesos)20.3

Merida's social scene

Pre-pandemic, I attended many Merida meetups, took Spanish classes, and explored other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula at least once a month. I personally enjoyed taking long walks, listening to my audiobooks, and photographing this beautiful city.

As the demographic skews in the 30s-50s range, Merida is not a party town. There are some cool cantinas and hidden speakeasies that only advertise by word of mouth, but this isn't an all-night town. Even in the hippest of places, I never spent more than $8USD on a drink in Merida.

 INSIDER TIP : To help acclimate to expat life, here are a few recommendations for Merida's best Facebook groups:

How do costs in Merida compare to the United States?

The Yucatan has historically the lowest wages in the country making Merida is  geoarbitrage heaven. Your cost of living in Merida will be staggeringly affordable.  An $840 per month budget here buys you a very comfortable life. That monthly budget is worth over 16,000 Mexican Pesos. Even if you wanted to live more lavishly, spending over $1200 per month would take effort.  

Let's add some context to the $840. The cost of living comparison below analyzes a medium-cost US city (Portland) vs. a city in Mexico (Merida).

The Top 4 essential costs in the US are housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. These 4 expenses make up 68% of the average costs in a major city.

Monthly Essential Costs

US-

Portland

MX-

Merida

HOUSING

$962

$480

FOOD

$313

$185

TRANSPORTATION

$862

$18

HEALTHCARE

$353

$50

Total Average Per Month

$2,490

$733

Save 70% on Major Monthly Expenses

Comparing the average prices for a single person moving to Merida from the US shows a potential savings of over $21,000 per year.

What Kind of Lifestyle Can I Afford On $840 Per Month?

When temps hit 100 degrees, lounging in the shade of hacienda courtyards is a way to beat the heat

How Much Is Rent In Merida?

Housing Costs

$480

My apartment in Centro Historico (historic downtown) Mérida is a large studio with a rooftop patio, and all bills included for $450USD per month. You can expect to pay roughly $600 to $750 for a one-bedroom (utilities included) in the same area.

For a two-bedroom/one-bathroom house on the outskirts of downtown with AC and a pool, your rent and bills would be closer to $1,000 USD per month.

affordable apartments keeps the average cost of living in Merida Mexico low

I found my apartment in Mérida housing Facebook group; in general, Facebook is the easiest way to network in Mexico. As with my apartment and an Airbnb, rental properties in the city center (Centro Historico) that cater to expats and foreigners will include all utilities (electricity, water, etc.).

Here are a few recommendations for Merida's best Facebook groups for housing:

  • Merida Casitas for Rent for renters
  • Merida Casitas for Sale and
  • Homes Merida, Mexico, for an affordable property to purchase.

For those who plan to rent a home, utilities here also run pretty low. If you watch the electricity and water consumption, you'll spend no more than $300 USD per month for both. For top-of-the-line internet and WiFi in Merida, figure about $50 USD, and a cell phone with calls and data will run $25-50 USD.

How Much Is Your Monthly Food Budget?

Panucho  ($1.30 / 27 Pesos)- a Yucatán specialty tortilla stuffed with refried beans, then layered with your choice toppings

Food Costs

$185

Food prices are inexpensive, both groceries and eating out in the mercados and on the street. I like to cook at home to eat healthier. My monthly costs are about $150USD for groceries.

 INSIDER TIP : If you stop at local outdoor mercados (markets) over indoor grocery stores, you can save even more.

street food helps a budget cost of living in Merida Mexico

To eat out on the cheap, head to the local mercados and pick up snacks from street vendors. Nothing beats the prices for $0.50 USD tacos and $1 USD tortas (sandwiches) on the streets in Mexico! When you want a nice dinner, Mérida has that as well, in its upscale Yucatecan restaurants.

You can find meal delivery services via Facebook groups to get prepared food delivered for the week. As dollars and euros go far in Mexico, paying for a catered chef's service will only run about $200USD per month.

Sopa de Lima $3- Hunks of chicken in a stock made with lima (less bitter cousin to lime) and pieces of fried tortilla.

Tacos $0.50 cents- The street food legend.  Grab and go at a street stand for .50 cents. Or sit down at a Mercado for 3 tacos and a juice for $5.

Marquesitas $1Crispy crepe filled with cheese and your choice of jams, caramel, fruits, and other sweets. Nutella and queso de bola for the win.

Mercado 60 is a new concept "gastronomic and cultural" concept market. Part food court and part art gallery, Mercado mixes live music, local handicrafts, an art exhibition area with 18 different gourmet restaurants serving everything from Thai, French, Lebanese, and Mexican fusion cuisine. Food prices starting at $2 / 50 pesos. Local beers are $1.50 / 30 pesos.

Photo Credit: Bruno Rijsman

How Much Should I Budget For Entertainment?

Exploring Merida's outdoors is the perfect cheap activity. You can swim in mineral-rich turquoise waters in subterranean pools for $3. 

Entertainment and Sports

$138

  • Cenotes $3-$5- The Yucatan is well known for its beautiful cenotes, or swimmable sinkholes. There are about 6,000 throughout the region, so there's no shortage of cenotes to explore. Cenotes are a fun budget-friendly way to spend the day
  • Fitness Club $20- There are some gyms and smaller fitness studios around town, with gym membership costing about $10USD per month.
  • Yoga Studio $25-  and private studios closer to $25USD for yoga and pilates classes. For yoga, I've found private teachers via Facebook groups for $5-10USD per class.
  • VIP Cinema Tickets $6- (Pre-pandemic)Mérida's luxury movie theaters are also a nice, economical thing to do. The VIP ticket prices are just $6, and the normal theater tickets cost closer to $2. These luxury theaters are part of larger shopping-dining-entertainment complexes, the perfect places for a complete night out in Mérida.
  • Museum Entrance Fee $10- Considered the Yucatan's cultural capital, Mérida also has some great museums to visit; most are free or under $10USD to visit. The Mayan World Museum and Palacio Canton Museum have Mayan artifacts on display, and Fernando García Ponce and Casa Montejo Museum feature classical and contemporary art.

 INSIDER TIP : Known for its old school cantinas, Merida cantina crawls are a fun and economical way to spend your nights, as a cantina beer is usually only about $3USD. Many have live music at night, and for the most part, people in Merida are social and friendly, so it's easy to meet others.

What Does Transportation Cost?

A first-class bus ticket from Merida to Chichen Itza only costs $7

Transportation

$57

Buying a car requires at least a Temporary Residency Visa, though you can always rent a car for the weekend with your passport and driver's license. A weekend car rental with full coverage insurance costs about $75USD.

For more eco-friendly and economical weekend travel, Mexico has an excellent bus system. The country's largest bus company, ADO, has luxury-class buses that service all of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. There's Uber in about half the states in the country and taxis everywhere.

In fact, many keep their cost of living low by not having a car in Mérida, as it is a very walkable city and Ubers are inexpensive. Personally, I don't have a car and don't want one. I walk, use Uber when necessary, and take buses for day trips.

Throughout the country, Ubers are very economical. Prices fluctuate but figure about $5USD for a 30-minute ride. Mérida doesn't have a great public transportation system, but since I both hangout and live downtown, I wouldn't need it anyway.

Weekend trips in the Yucatan

On weekends, you're no more than two hours away from Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the neighboring colonial cities of Valladolid and Izamal. There are plenty of Mayan ruins for culture lovers, including Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The closest beach is Puerto Progreso, about 30-minutes from Merida. Pre-pandemic, this beach town was a lively and popular spot for cruise ships, so for a quieter beach, there's Sisal, Telchac, San Crisanto, and Chicxulub. A little further down the coast, there's Bacalar Lagoon, known as "the Maldives of Mexico," and Holbox Island, an up-and-coming Caribbean Island destination

The Mayan Riviera's white sand beaches and azure-blue waters are only a of couple hours away

Yucatan life means enjoying the region's beach towns during the dry seasons

Other Miscellaneous Costs

  • Housekeeper $5- Many expats here have someone else who comes to clean the house since this is a very affordable luxury. Cleaning services usually cost about $10USD for three-hours of work. 
  • Laundry Service $5- I send my clothes out for laundry, and a full-service large load with a wash, dry, fold, pickup, and delivery is $5USD.
  • Women's Haircut $25- Haircuts and manicures are quite inexpensive. For hair services, many will come to your home and charge about $25USD; the prices go up if you're going to a salon. A mani/pedi in a salon will also cost about $25USD. 
  • 3 GB Cell Phone Plan $10-  Some cell providers have combo packages including data, unlimited calls and SMS in/to/from Mexico, USA and Canada.

 INSIDER TIP :  As with most things in Mérida, luxury comes at a reduced cost. Though there's no big spa scene, there are several beautiful, restored haciendas located just outside of town with excellent spas. These hacienda-hotels are about $100USD per night; a spa day pass is about $30USD.

How Much Is Health Care?

Healthcare

$50

Personally, I've only been to the doctor once and the dentist once for a cleaning. I was bit by a spider in Bacalar, Mexico, and had to see the doctor and get two prescriptions. I paid out of pocket, and the visit and both prescriptions cost less than $15USD. The cleaning at the dentist was about the same.

Beyond routine medical care, Merida has excellent Health care. There are several world-class hospitals and medical facilities in Mérida. In fact, the Secretary of Tourism in Yucatan state has initiatives to position Mérida as a top medical tourism destination in Mexico

 EDITOR'S NOTE : $50 per month is for Travel Health Insurance. Mexico has a highly regarded healthcare system and inexpensive local health insurance, but premiums vary significantly based on coverage area, benefits, age, and health.
Younger digital nomads with no pre-existing conditions can expect to pay roughly $30 per month for PRIVATE emergency medical insurance. Expats moving to Merida for retirement can pay as low as $40 per month for PUBLIC health insurance (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS) or up to $170 per month for PRIVATE medical insurance. 

Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?

Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. To get protection while living abroad, there are two options:

  • Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you to maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
  • Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than in the US. 

Will I Have To Pay Taxes Living In Mexico?

The Mexican government does not follow a strict 183 day rule for tax residency. The country considers you a resident for Mexican tax purposes when you establish a home in Mexico. If you have a home in another country, then Mexico uses a "center of vital interests" test. 

The law here states your center of vital interests is considered located in Mexico if either

  1. more than 50% of your income comes from Mexican sources in a calendar year or
  2. The country is the primary place of your professional activities.

Your tax liability in Mexico is calculated on your total worldwide income. In the case of foreign income, taxes paid abroad are generally credited against taxes payable in Mexico. 

The US has a double-taxation treaty with Mexico, but as a US Citizen still required to file a US tax return each year, regardless of where you live. Expat taxes are complicated, but the IRS has options to reduce the tax you need to pay, including the exclusion on foreign income, and the tax credit. Speak with a tax advisor for details

What Is Not Included In The Monthly Budget?

Expat Taxes

If you stay longer than 183 days, many countries will consider you a tax resident. Being an expat may help you save money on your taxes. Talk to a tax professional to see how tax residency applies to you. I partnered with a firm specializing in expat taxes to secure a special deal for Nomadic FIRE readers.


Use the promotion code "Nomadic25Consultation" for $25 off a tax consultation to get you started. 


Even better, use their experts to prepare your tax return, and the entire consultation is FREE.

Moving Costs

Save Up To 40% On Your Moving Costs. Between customs, freight, packing costs, and ground transportation, figuring out how to move your stuff overseas can get expensive. EmbarkEx is Nomadic FIRE's new service to save you money on packing, trucking, and shipping overseas moves for expats who want to live and retire abroad.

I have partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business. Compare and save by clicking the button below.

What Are The Visa Requirements For Mexico?

Step back in time and experience Merida's colonial past

The good news is that visitors from nearly all countries get a 180 day (six-month) FMM Tourist Visa for free upon entering the country. Passport holders from almost all North American and European countries will not need a visa to travel to Mexico, and you can check here to see if you'll need one. 

 EDITOR'S NOTE : What is an FMM? - Though most Americans casually refer to the FMM as a tourist card or tourist "visa," it is not officially a visa. Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) is a document allowing some nationalities (including Americans) to enter Mexico without a visa. Mexico's INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) stamps the form when you enter the country.

FMM prices depend on how you enter. As of January 2020, US citizens flying in pay $30 / 575.00 pesos. Land border crossings are ~$22. Save time getting stamped at immigration by completing the application form online.

FMMs cannot be extended or renewed. After six months, you will need to leave the country for a visa run.

Key Takeaway: Expat life in Merida, Mexico

When compared to Miami, I describe my daily life in Mérida as laid back and relaxed. There are great cafes to start the day at or use as a workspace for digital nomads. In Mexico, as long as you buy something, you can stay in a cafe all day because the culture is incredibly hospitable.

With so many expats, retirees, and digital nomads, there are regular meetups in various cafes all over Mérida. I've attended everything from social coffee club meetups just to hang out and meet others living in Mérida and digital nomads groups to socialize with other professionals.

There are often nighttime and weekend festivals in Plaza Grande (Main Plaza) in Centro Historico, like Merida en Domingo (Merida Sunday Market). Head to Plaza Grande in the center of the city on Saturday nights for a video mapping display on the Mérida Cathedral and to see a traditional Pa Ta Pok Mayan ball game.

Resources for Working and Living Abroad

Save Up To 40% On Your Moving Costs

EmbarkEx is Nomadic FIRE's new service to save you money on packing, trucking, and shipping overseas moves for expats who want to live and retire abroad.

I have partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business. Compare and save by clicking the button below.

Protect Your Health While Abroad

Your home health insurance is unlikely to provide coverage for you while overseas. Get premium health insurance designed for expats and digital nomads that protects you anywhere you are in the world, even during a pandemic.

Use A Virtual Mailbox To Keep A Permanent US Address And Receive Important Documents and Packages

Get a US street address you can use while you are overseas. Use a digital mailbox with a REAL physical location to receive mail from USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

A virtual mailbox can receive and forward all your important documents and packages, replace credit cards, maintain state residency, get checks deposited, or file business and tax applications.

Start Speaking A New Language In 30 days

Pimsleur is the best method I have found to get to "Survival-Level" quickly when learning a new language. With Pimsleur, I can ease the stress of arriving in a new country and start speaking with people in my neighborhood. Ordering food, getting directions, haggling prices, and making friends is 10X easier when you can communicate in the local language.

Achieve better results using Pimsleur's short classes and organic learning methodology vs. the mindless repetition, endless verb conjugations, and tedious memorization of other language courses. 

Transfer Money Internationally

For expats and nomads, Wise offers an International Bank account for your money transfers. It's an easier and cheaper alternative for paying your bills while overseas.

Looking to buy property abroad, Wise has a Large Transfer Rate for even bigger savings. 

Get Your US Expat Tax Questions Answered

US Expat taxes are the most complex in the world. However, living abroad comes with potential tax advantages, but mistakes are very easy to make. It is no wonder many expats are frustrated. 

Avoid complications, penalties, and fines, Taxes For Expats is here to help.

Travel Tools and Resources

Skyscanner- My favorite airline search tool to find all the cheapest flights in one place.
Airport Pick-Up Service- Arrive at your destination stress-free with a private car cheaper than most taxis. 

Loctote- My favorite day pack. Secure your belongings while walking around town.

Want more insights on Living Abroad? Sign up below.

Compare Cost Of Living In MERIDA MEXICO

Still researching the best cities for retirement? Check out our extensive Cost of Living collection for the best expat destinations. Get insider information and real examples of expat life from people who have spent years living abroad. I've compiled all the information you need: cost breakdowns, insider tips to save money, and detailed examples of the quality of lifestyle you can enjoy. 

EXPAT INSIGHTS

I have traveled to over 40 countries to give you the best ways to save, invest, and live overseas for less cost than in the US. After five years of traveling, my list of places to live keeps getting longer. To give you more information on the best places to live abroad, I partner with experts from the expat community.

You want insider information from people with feet in the street? I only work with expats with real-life experience living in countries you want to know about. Together you get updated info on the best neighborhoods, detailed Cost of Living examples, money-saving advice, and recommendations on the local places to eat, drink, and see.

Are you a travel blogger with information you can share on living in another country? Contact me and let's talk about collaborating on a guest post. 

EXPAT CONTRIBUTION BY: Shelley Marmor

Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After traveling solo to 14 states in Mexico, she decided to live in Merida, Mexico full time. Shelley now helps other women cross Solo travel and Mexico travel off their bucket list through her Travel Mexico Solo blog and Dream To Destination podcast. Head to her Instagram to see lots of amazing Merida, Mexico photos.


About the author

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison. I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last eight years to over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller, Abroad: Expats That Thrive . [view press...]

  • Hi marco inbound.love to talk to you about Merida when you have time to email me

  • Hi Marco would love to here from you about Merida and how to work down there.

    • Hi Mike, I’m currently in Buenos Aires, but I’m headed to Merida in two weeks. We can chat more when I touchdown. Cheers, Marco

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