$1,500-2,500
Comfortable monthly budget
$700-1,500
1BR apartment rent
$10-30
Average meal out
50-70%
Savings vs US cities
🏠 Housing Costs
Housing is your biggest expense and varies dramatically by neighborhood. Centro Histórico commands premium prices, while outer neighborhoods offer significant savings.
Rental Prices (January 2026)
| Type | Centro | San Antonio | Outer Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR unfurnished | $700-1,000 | $550-800 | $400-600 |
| 1BR furnished | $900-1,500 | $700-1,100 | $500-800 |
| 2BR furnished | $1,200-2,000 | $900-1,500 | $700-1,100 |
| House with garden | $1,800-3,500 | $1,400-2,500 | $1,000-1,800 |
Note: Furnished rentals in Centro run about 40% higher than unfurnished units in outer neighborhoods. Prices increased ~6% from 2025 due to strong international demand.
What to Expect
- Most rentals require 1-2 months deposit
- Utilities usually not included
- Many colonial homes have rooftop terraces
- Parking is extra in Centro (if available at all)
- Long-term leases (6-12 months) get better rates
⚡ Utilities
San Miguel's mild climate means minimal heating/cooling costs. Here's what to budget:
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity (CFE) | $20-50 |
| Gas (cooking/water heater) | $15-30 |
| Water | $5-15 |
| Internet (fiber) | $25-45 |
| Cell phone | $10-25 |
| Total | $75-165 |
Tips: Telmex and Totalplay offer reliable fiber internet. Telcel has the best cell coverage. Many expats use US numbers via WiFi calling.
🍽️ Food & Dining
San Miguel offers everything from $2 street tacos to $100 fine dining. Your food budget depends entirely on lifestyle.
Groceries
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.50-3.50 |
| Milk (liter) | $1.20-1.50 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2-4 |
| Chicken breast (kg) | $4-6 |
| Avocados (3) | $1.50-2.50 |
| Local beer (6-pack) | $5-7 |
| Wine (decent bottle) | $8-15 |
Monthly grocery budget: $200-400 depending on imported vs local products. Shop at Mercado Ignacio Ramírez for produce, La Comer or Mega for packaged goods.
Dining Out
| Type | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Street tacos | $2-4 |
| Market lunch (comida corrida) | $4-6 |
| Casual restaurant | $10-20 |
| Nice dinner with wine | $30-50 |
| Fine dining | $60-100+ |
| Coffee & pastry | $4-7 |
🏥 Healthcare
Healthcare in San Miguel is excellent and affordable. Many doctors trained in the US or Europe.
Typical Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (GP) | $25-50 |
| Specialist visit | $50-100 |
| Dental cleaning | $30-50 |
| Blood work panel | $30-80 |
| Private insurance (monthly) | $50-200 |
| IMSS (public, monthly) | $50-80 |
Insurance Options
- IMSS: Mexican public healthcare. ~$600/year. Covers everything but can have wait times.
- Private Mexican: GNP, AXA, Seguros Monterrey. $600-2,400/year depending on age and coverage.
- International: Cigna Global, IMG. More expensive but covers treatment in US/Canada.
- Pay-as-you-go: Many expats skip insurance and pay out of pocket. Viable given low costs.
🚗 Transportation
San Miguel's centro is very walkable. Many expats don't own cars.
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Local bus | $0.50 |
| Taxi (in town) | $2-5 |
| Uber (limited availability) | $3-8 |
| Car rental (per day) | $25-50 |
| Gas (per liter) | $1.10-1.30 |
| Bus to Querétaro | $8-12 |
| Bus to Mexico City | $25-40 |
Tip: If you live in Centro or San Antonio, you likely won't need a car. For outer neighborhoods, a car or regular taxi use becomes necessary.
Sample Monthly Budgets
Three lifestyle scenarios for a single person
$1,200-1,500/month
- Rent: $500-700 (outer area)
- Utilities: $60
- Groceries: $200
- Dining: $150
- Transport: $50
- Healthcare: $50
- Entertainment: $100
Comfortable but modest. Cook at home, occasional dining out, local neighborhood.
$2,000-2,500/month
- Rent: $1,000-1,300 (Centro/San Antonio)
- Utilities: $100
- Groceries: $300
- Dining: $300
- Transport: $100
- Healthcare: $150
- Entertainment: $250
Most expats land here. Nice apartment, regular dining out, active social life.
$3,500+/month
- Rent: $2,000+ (premium Centro)
- Utilities: $150
- Groceries: $400
- Dining: $600
- Transport: $200
- Healthcare: $300
- Entertainment: $500+
Premium living. Best location, fine dining, full social calendar, travel.
Money-Saving Tips
🏠 Negotiate Rent
Long-term leases (6-12 months) often get 10-15% discounts. Ask about paying in pesos vs dollars.
🛒 Shop Local
Mercado Ignacio Ramírez has the best produce prices. Avoid imported goods at La Comer.
🍽️ Comida Corrida
Set lunch menus at local restaurants run $4-6 for soup, main, drink, and dessert.
💳 Use Wise/Revolut
Get the real exchange rate. Avoid ATM fees with Charles Schwab or Fidelity accounts.