🇲🇽 Guadalajara vs 🇺🇸 Houston
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇲🇽
Guadalajara
Mexico
$1,108–$1,754/mo
$19,103 – $30,241 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Houston
United States
$2,154–$3,410/mo
$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)
Houston is 94% more expensive
Guadalajara wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Guadalajara (USD) | Houston (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $1,615–$2,513 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $853–$1,346 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $67–$130 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $341–$512 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $45–$81 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $85–$103 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $27–$45 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $31–$58 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $13–$16 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $2,154–$3,410 | 🟢 Guadalajara |
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
Housing7.5 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Safety8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Education8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Environment9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Economy7.4 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Culture8.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Internet8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Houston
Who should choose which city?
Choose Guadalajara if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Houston
- ✓Tech hub Mexico
- ✓Tequila region
- ✓Culture
- ✓Software
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Houston offers vs Guadalajara
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Energy jobs
- ✓Energy sector
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Full Guadalajara guide
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Full Houston guide
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Explore Houston →