Living as a digital nomad in Mexico offers adventures, flexibility, and affordability. Mexico’s vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, affordable living, and timezone, which is the same as the US, make it a prime spot for digital nomads.

With lively cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, the country offers great coworking spaces, reliable internet, and plenty of inspiration. But regardless of how affordable Mexico is, expenses can quickly add up if you’re not careful. So, in this article, we’ll explore simple budgeting tips to help nomads make the most of their time and money in Mexico.

Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Mexico

How much does living in Mexico cost?

Rent

• Budget locations: $400–$700 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Trendy/Mexico City neighbourhoods: $700–$1,200; higher-end options in locations like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco reach up to $1,500/month.

Beach towns: A decent 2–2-bedroom costs $800– $1,200, with prices higher in hotspots like Tulum or Sayulita.

• Utilities/internet: Add $50–$100/month; fibre internet usually costs $15–$40/month.

This is the most significant expense for digital nomads, and like most places, prices vary based on the type of stay and location. Popular areas like Mexico City, Umalas, and Sanur tend to be more expensive, while places like Kuta and Amed are generally more budget-friendly.

Also read: Best digital nomad rentals: affordable living options in Mexico

Food

• Groceries: $150–$400/month, depending on habits and whether you buy from mercados or supermarkets.
• Dining out: $1–$3 for street food; $10–$20 per restaurant meal; $30+ for upscale dining.

Transportation

• Public transit (metro, bus): Less than $1 per ride in cities.
• Rideshare (Uber, InDriver): Typical trips are $2–$7; more for airport runs or longer distances.
• Inter-city buses: $25–$50 for long journeys.

Many digital nomads in Mexico rent scooters to get around. A scooter typically costs around $20–$40 per day, excluding fuel. It’s the most convenient and flexible option, especially in areas where public transport is limited. If you’d rather not drive, you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Indrive.

Coworking and Workspaces

• Monthly coworking: $70–$200 depending on city and amenities. Many apartment complexes now include good internet and communal spaces for remote work.

Also read: Everything you need to know about a Mexico holiday visa

Real money strategies from Mexican digital nomads.

Book long-term accommodation:

If you’ll be staying a while, avoid short-term stays to save more money. Monthly rentals typically cost less, and you can get better deals by staying outside tourist hotspots like Guadalajara.

Also a digital nomad, location arbitrage is one of the best decisions you can make for your finances. This is a strategy where someone takes advantage of the price differences between different locations to maximize their standard of living or profit. As a digital nomad you can achieve this by avoiding Mexico’s big cities.

Diversify your income:

The most successful digital nomads in Mexico don rely on one source of income. If you want to live a comfortable life in Mexico, you should have multiple ways to earn extra income. These can include freelancing, local consulting, and content creation.

Also read: The best digital nomad jobs to earn from anywhere in Mexico

Track your spending:

It’s easy to lose track of where your money is going, especially when paying in cash or foreign currencies. To stay on top of things, use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app like Splitwise or Spendee to track your daily and monthly expenses. You can also use Grey’s spending insights to monitor your transactions and see exactly where your money goes.

Also many digital nomads in Mexico have adopted a three tier budgeting system. This system allows you to plan your finances according to income stability and desired lifestyles as It helps prioritize spending and maintain flexibility as income or living circumstances change.

Also read: Top travel destinations in Mexico for summer vacation

Use a local SIM card and Wi-fi.

As a digital nomad, staying connected is everything as you need to be able to perform your tasks regardless of your location.  Many digital nomads often work from co-working spaces, restaurants and cafes that offer free Wi-Fi to help reduce internet costs but this puts them at risk of cyberattacks.  However, Grey and Airalo has an easy fix for this.

With an Airalo eSIM, you don’t have to juggle multiple local SIMs and can connect to the internet immediately you arrive at your destination with no excessive roaming charges. And the best part is, as a Grey user, you get 20% off your first data plan purchase.

Live like a local in Mexico with Grey

You can have an enjoyable stay in Mexico without breaking the bank. And with Grey, you can manage your money seamlessly with zero hassles and focus on what matters: making the most of your trip.

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