🇲🇽 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
| Category | Monterrey (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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Full Monterrey guide
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Full Nashville guide
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Explore Nashville →