A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
47%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Mexico Missouri National
Cost of living8288100
Goods & Services9592100
Groceries9695100
Health care9390100
Housing5378100
Transportation9091100
Utilities9399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mexico, MO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Mexico is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Mexico is 82, which is 18% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Mexico distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 46.5% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Mexico can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Mexico Affordable?

Is Mexico an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Mexico is 53% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Mexico has a median household income of $40,741, which is 26.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mexico?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Mexico, healthcare costs are 7.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Mexico, the utilities index is 7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Mexico displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mexico is 8% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Mexico is 18% lower than the national average
  • Mexico housing is 47% lower than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Mexico

See all the best places to live around Mexico

Compare Mexico, MO Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$49,525$4,127$1,156$1,486
      Renters$28,512$2,376$665$855
      The affordability of the housing market in Mexico, MO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Mexico homeowners, the median income is $49,525. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,156 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $28,512. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $665 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Missouri Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Missouri 4.225% 10.85%

      Missouri Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Missouri 2% 4.95%

      Goods & Services

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.14$24.260.5%
      Beauty Salon $44.94$45.561.4%
      Toothpaste $3.76$3.701.6%
      Shampoo $1.05$1.2817.7%
      Movie $11.64$12.134.0%
      Bowling $16.11$18.0010.5%

      Groceries

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.28$5.847.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.40$1.5711.0%
      Milk $4.66$4.670.3%
      Potatoes $4.70$4.934.7%
      Pizza $10.74$12.0911.1%
      Beer $9.14$10.4112.2%

      Health Care

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $135.25$125.687.6%
      Doctor $141.87$135.784.5%
      Dentist $99.33$113.2912.3%
      Ibuprofen $10.20$10.654.2%
      Lipitor $369.77$468.6021.1%

      Housing

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      Home Price $86,900.00$184,700.0053.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,216.67$2,346.695.5%
      Apartment Rent $650.00$949.0031.5%

      Transportation

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.24$3.466.3%
      Tire Balancing $47.66$59.9220.5%

      Utilities

      Item Mexico National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $168.45$193.9913.2%
      Phone $197.21$192.252.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rush Hill, MO1837228.2%
      Benton City, MO1397326.9%
      Laddonia, MO5797821.6%
      Martinsburg, MO5777821.5%
      Auxvasse, MO1,2298217.9%
      Mexico, MO11,5358218.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Magnolia, AR11,5378514.8%
      Branson, MO11,5269010.3%
      Hamilton Square, NJ11,52612322.7%
      Elk City, OK11,544919.2%
      Muscoy, CA11,54612020.5%
      Mexico, MO11,5358218.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.