Merida: Mexico’s hidden gem for affordable living

By: Armando Alamilla
Tik Tok: @armando.alamilla
What’sApp: 999 173 1991

Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, México, is an outstanding place to live. With its low housing and utility prices, modest cost of and status as one of the safest cities in Mexico, Merida has something to offer everyone

Affordable food and consumer products

One of the biggest advantages of living in Merida is the cost of food and consumer products. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs between 120 and 200 Mexican pesos (MXN), and it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15%. There are both traditional markets and air-conditioned supermarkets in the city, so you can choose where to shop based on your preferences. A liter of freshly squeezed orange juice, refreshing sweet coconut water, or an ice-cold beer costs approximately 30-40 MXN.

Housing and utilities

The cost of living is significantly lower than in many other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. For reference, the average cost square meter of construction in Mexico City is around 19,000 MXN. Merida has an average cost per square meter of 10,000 MXN which is 52% cheaper than Mexico’s capital city.

Moreover, the annual property tax in Merida is notably cheap. The exact amount varies based on factors such as location, lot size and construction area. For instance, if your property has an estimated value between 1,300,000 and 1,800,000, the annual property tax (called predial) will be $2,715 MXN

Additionally, utilities for a basic 85m² apartment covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage typically amount to around 1,560.71 MXN. Regarding labor costs, Merida offers competitive rates, starting at $400 MXN for hiring professionals like masons, plumbers, electricians, pool cleaners, and house cleaning services, depending on the specific job or project.

Transportation

Public transportation in Merida is very cheap. You can get on a bus for just 7.50 Mexican pesos and get to your destination. Taxis and Ubers are also very affordable, especially for short distances.

Healthcare

Healthcare insurance is significantly less expensive in Mexico than in the United States or Canada. Private health insurance can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 MXN per year, depending on your age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage you want.

Affordable gym memberships

Climate in Merida is very humid and can reach 43ºC during summer, so practicing sports under this conditions will definitely take a toll on your body. That’s why signing up to a gym is great idea. Gym memberships cost between 500-1,000 MXN per month

Safety

Last but not least, how safe is it to live in Merida? Referencing an article from May 2, 2017, on “internationalliving.com,” Merida stands out as one of the top 5 safest cities for US and Canadian expats, offering a secure, relaxed, and cost-effective lifestyle. Situated just thirty minutes away from pristine, crystal-clear beaches, and within a few hours’ drive of the renowned Caribbean beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Conclusion

In terms of cost of living, Mexico proves to be significantly more affordable, ranging from 44.7% to 66.2% cheaper than residing in the United States or Canada, as per the February 2018 index at numbeo.com, the world’s largest database. Join our extensive community of expats, currently exceeding 2,000 members. Undoubtedly, choosing to live in Merida is a decision you’ll never regret!