Cost of Living in Mexico vs. Canada: Which Country is Better For Your Budget?
Although it’s often said that the cost of living in Mexico is much cheaper than in Canada, this difference can feel insignificant until the numbers are actually presented. To put this theory to the test, let’s examine some statistics!
To keep things as fair as possible, we’re going to be using data that compares Vancouver, a very expensive Canadian city, to Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the top reasons why Canadian expats make their way to Mexico. When it comes to the country’s cost of living, housing is one of its main appeals. Let’s break down the difference between housing costs in Canada and Mexico.
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Mexico: $843.89 CAD Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canada: $1,868.72 CAD
As you can tell, even living in one of the nation’s largest cities is still significantly cheaper (by roughly $1,000) than living in Vancouver. This goes to show you that people raving about the cost of living in Mexico are onto something!
Groceries and Dining
Next up is another massive expense for many: Food. You can’t live without it, but you also can’t seem to leave the grocery store without an empty bank account. Let’s compare pricing for both groceries and restaurant bills in Canada and Mexico.
A gallon of milk in Mexico: $7.16 CAD A gallon of milk in Canada: $11.47 CAD
An inexpensive restaurant meal in Mexico: $12.40 CAD An inexpensive restaurant meal in Canada: $25.00 CAD
Whether you’re dining out or grocery shopping, it’s clear that Mexico’s cost of living is substantially cheaper.
Transportation Costs
Now, it’s time to cover getting around. Neither of these two nations is particularly walkable (though some cities are), so we’ll be covering the cost of public transit in both Mexico and Canada.
A one-way ticket on local transport in Mexico: $0.80 CAD A one-way ticket on local transport in Canada: $3.50 CAD
A monthly transit pass in Mexico: $34.63 CAD A monthly transit pass in Canada: $102.00 CAD
These are some of the most staggering numbers on this list! Canadian expats should be happy to know that a month’s worth of public transit in Mexico is a whopping 202% cheaper!
Healthcare Costs
While Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, many Canadians still face out-of-pocket costs for services like dental, vision, and prescriptions. In Mexico, healthcare costs are much lower and allow for greater flexibility in coverage options.
A same-day CT scan in Mexico: $300 CAD (without insurance)
A similar scan in Canada (out of pocket or for those on private insurance): Over $1,000 CAD
A comprehensive lab panel in Mexico: Less than $100 CAD
A comparable lab test in Canada: Often $200+ CAD without coverage
The affordability extends to doctor visits as well. In Mexico, a visit might set you back around
$40 CAD, while in Canada, seeing a specialist without a referral or private insurance could mean long wait times or a high bill.
Why Mexico Makes Sense for Canadian Expats
To put it simply: Numbers don’t lie. The cost of living in Mexico is undoubtedly far below what Canadian expats are used to, and this is reflected in nearly every aspect of life.
Still, it’s important to do your due diligence and look into the specific differences between your city and the city you’d like to move to in Mexico. If you’re looking for guidance on the perfect Mexican city to call your new home, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
