🇲🇽 Monterrey vs 🇺🇸 New York
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇲🇽
Monterrey
Mexico
$1,231–$1,949/mo
$21,224 – $33,603 / month (local)
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
New York is 150% more expensive
Monterrey wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Monterrey (USD) | New York (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $923–$1,436 | $2,308–$3,590 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $487–$769 | $1,218–$1,923 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Utilities | $38–$74 | $96–$186 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Groceries | $195–$292 | $487–$731 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $26–$46 | $64–$115 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Public transport (monthly) | $49–$59 | $122–$147 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Internet & Mobile | $15–$26 | $38–$64 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Gym membership | $18–$33 | $45–$83 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Cinema ticket | $7–$9 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Monterrey |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,231–$1,949 | $3,077–$4,872 | 🟢 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 · 2.7 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Economy7.5 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Internet8.5 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Monterrey▲ better
New York
Who should choose which city?
Choose Monterrey if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓Industrial capital
- ✓US trade
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Monterrey
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
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Full Monterrey guide
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Full New York guide
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Explore New York →