Currency
MXN
$
Healthcare
IMSS (Public) + Private
$0/mo
Work Visa
2-6 weeks
processing time
Deposit
2 mo
of rent
Visa & Work Permits
Which city in Mexico?
| City | Median Salary | 1BR Rent Range | English | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | $21,000 | $10,000 - $35,000 | 3/5 | 8 |
| Guadalajara | $18,000 | $8,000 - $22,000 | 2/5 | 6 |
| Monterrey | $20,000 | $8,000 - $26,000 | 3/5 | 6 |
| Mérida | $18,000 | $11,000 - $30,000 | 3/5 | 5 |
| Cancún | $20,000 | $8,500 - $48,000 | 4/5 | 5 |
What daily life costs in Mexico
The up-front bill, moving to Mexico
Rental Deposit
2 month(s) of rent
Agency Fee
1 month(s) of rent
Registration & Admin
$0
Usually 1-2 months deposit. Broker fee ~1 month. Furnished apartments common in expat areas.
See what your salary looks like in Mexico
Type in your gross pay. We'll show what lands after tax, which neighborhoods you can actually afford, and how much is left over each month.
Questions people actually ask
How does Mexico compare to Colombia on cost of living?
It depends on the city. In Mexico City, a one-bed runs $10,000 to $35,000 and groceries land around $5,000 a month. In Guadalajara, a one-bed runs $8,000 to $22,000 and groceries land around $4,500 a month. In Monterrey, a one-bed runs $8,000 to $26,000 and groceries land around $5,250 a month.
Do I need a visa to work in Mexico from Colombia?
Temporary Resident visa with work permit. Must be sponsored by employer. If you hold an EU passport: Same as non-EU. 180-day tourist stay (no work). Work permit required for employment.. Expect processing to take 2-6 weeks. Double-check the current rules with the Mexico immigration authority before you book anything.
How does healthcare work in Mexico once you arrive?
Mexico runs a IMSS (Public) + Private system. IMSS covers employees. Private insurance common (~$50-150 USD/month). High-quality private hospitals. Public coverage is roughly $0 a month. Private sits around $100.
How much tax will I pay in Mexico?
On $30,000 gross a month, you're looking at roughly 510.0% effective. That leaves about $27,731 in your account. The real number moves with your income, your city, and your situation.
What up-front money do I need to move from Colombia to Mexico?
Budget 2 month(s) of rent for the deposit, plus another 1 month(s) for the agency fee. Registration and paperwork usually come in around $0. Usually 1-2 months deposit. Broker fee ~1 month. Furnished apartments common in expat areas.