🇺🇸 Dallas vs 🇲🇽 Monterrey

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Dallas

United States

$2,215–$3,508/mo

$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)

🇲🇽

Monterrey

Mexico

$1,231–$1,949/mo

$21,224 – $33,603 / month (local)

Dallas is 80% more expensive

Monterrey wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDallas (USD)Monterrey (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$923–$1,436🟢 Monterrey
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$487–$769🟢 Monterrey
Utilities$69–$134$38–$74🟢 Monterrey
Groceries$351–$526$195–$292🟢 Monterrey
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$26–$46🟢 Monterrey
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$49–$59🟢 Monterrey
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$15–$26🟢 Monterrey
Gym membership$32–$60$18–$33🟢 Monterrey
Cinema ticket$13–$17$7–$9🟢 Monterrey
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$1,231–$1,949🟢 Monterrey

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing6.0 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Dallas
Monterrey▲ better
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Monterrey
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Dallas
Monterrey▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Dallas
Monterrey▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Dallas
Monterrey▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Monterrey
Culture8.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Monterrey
Internet7.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dallas
Monterrey▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Dallas if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dallas offers vs Monterrey
  • ✓No state income tax
  • ✓Jobs
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Corporate relocations

Choose Monterrey if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dallas
  • ✓Industrial capital
  • ✓US trade
  • ✓Mountains
  • ✓Manufacturing

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