🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇲🇽 Monterrey
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇲🇽
Monterrey
Mexico
$1,231–$1,949/mo
$21,224 – $33,603 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 130% more expensive
Monterrey wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | Monterrey (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $923–$1,436 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $487–$769 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $38–$74 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $195–$292 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $26–$46 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $49–$59 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $15–$26 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $18–$33 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $7–$9 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $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
Housing3.1 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
Monterrey
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Los Angeles
Monterrey▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Monterrey
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose Monterrey if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Industrial capital
- ✓US trade
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Manufacturing
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📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full Monterrey guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Monterrey →