🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇲🇽 Monterrey
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Houston
United States
$2,154–$3,410/mo
$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)
🇲🇽
Monterrey
Mexico
$1,231–$1,949/mo
$21,224 – $33,603 / month (local)
Houston is 75% more expensive
Monterrey wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Houston (USD) | Monterrey (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $923–$1,436 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $487–$769 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $38–$74 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $195–$292 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $26–$46 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $49–$59 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $15–$26 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $18–$33 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $7–$9 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $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
Housing5.1 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Houston
Monterrey▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Houston offers vs Monterrey
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Energy jobs
- ✓Energy sector
Choose Monterrey if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Houston
- ✓Industrial capital
- ✓US trade
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Manufacturing
You might also like…
📊
Full Houston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Houston →📊
Full Monterrey guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Monterrey →