🇲🇽 Monterrey vs 🇺🇸 Nashville

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇲🇽

Monterrey

Mexico

$1,231–$1,949/mo

$21,224 – $33,603 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Nashville

United States

$2,338–$3,703/mo

$2,338 – $3,703 / month (local)

Nashville is 90% more expensive

Monterrey wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMonterrey (USD)Nashville (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$923–$1,436$1,754–$2,728🟢 Monterrey
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$487–$769$926–$1,462🟢 Monterrey
Utilities$38–$74$73–$141🟢 Monterrey
Groceries$195–$292$370–$555🟢 Monterrey
Eating out (mid-range meal)$26–$46$49–$88🟢 Monterrey
Public transport (monthly)$49–$59$93–$112🟢 Monterrey
Internet & Mobile$15–$26$29–$49🟢 Monterrey
Gym membership$18–$33$34–$63🟢 Monterrey
Cinema ticket$7–$9$14–$18🟢 Monterrey
Monthly total (single)$1,231–$1,949$2,338–$3,703🟢 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

Housing7.3 / 10 · 4.8 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Education8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Environment9.2 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Economy7.5 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Culture8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville
Internet8.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
Nashville

Who should choose which city?

Choose Monterrey if…

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

Choose Nashville if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Nashville offers vs Monterrey
  • No state income tax
  • Music
  • Growth
  • Healthcare

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