Cost of Living in Mexico Comparison Using Numbeo

Summary

In this video, the host compares the cost of living in Merida, Mexico, with Wichita Falls, Texas, using data from Numbeo. The comparison covers various expenses including dining, groceries, transportation, utilities, and housing. The host highlights that, generally, Mexico offers a more affordable lifestyle, with significant savings on groceries, public transport, and car prices. However, some items like milk and clothing are more expensive in Mexico. The video aims to help viewers make informed financial decisions about relocating, retiring, or visiting Mexico.

Takeaways

• 📊 The video uses data from Numbeo, a user-contributed database, to compare the cost of living in Merida, Mexico, and Wichita Falls, Texas.
• 🍔 For dining out, meals at inexpensive restaurants and fast food like McDonald's are generally cheaper in Merida compared to Wichita Falls.
• 🍺 Prices for domestic beer and Coca-Cola are notably lower in Merida, while imported beer is more expensive.
• 🥛 A significant difference is observed in the cost of milk, which is almost double in Merida compared to Wichita Falls.
• 🛒 Groceries for items like bread, rice, eggs, and various meats and fruits are generally more affordable in Merida.
• 🚌 Public transportation, including bus tickets and monthly passes, are less expensive in Merida.
• 🚖 Taxi services are more costly in Merida, with higher rates for both starting fare and per kilometer.
• 🏡 Housing, including rent for one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, is cheaper in Merida, both in city center and outside areas.
• 💰 The average monthly net salary after taxes is significantly lower in Merida compared to Wichita Falls.
• 👗 Clothing, particularly items like jeans and sundresses, are more expensive in Merida than in Wichita Falls.
• 🏫 Childcare and education costs, such as preschool and international primary school, are substantially lower in Merida.
• 🏠 Purchasing an apartment, both in city center and outside, is more affordable in Merida in terms of price per square meter.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed in the video is the comparison of the cost of living between Merida, Mexico, and the United States, specifically using data from Numbeo.

What is Numbeo and how is it used in the video?

Numbeo is a user-contributed database that provides information about the cost of living in cities and countries around the world. It is used in the video to compare various expenses such as housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment between Merida, Mexico, and the United States.

How does the cost of dining out in Merida compare to the United States?

The cost of dining out in Merida is generally lower than in the United States. For example, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Merida costs about $11.37 compared to $16 in the United States, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $59.84 in Merida versus $60 in the United States.

What is the cost difference for groceries in Merida compared to the United States?

Groceries in Merida are generally cheaper than in the United States. For instance, a liter of milk costs $0.95 in the United States and $1.62 in Merida, while a kilogram of chicken is $5.86 in Merida compared to $13.95 in the United States.

How does the transportation cost in Merida compare to the United States?

Transportation costs in Merida are lower than in the United States. A one-way ticket for local transport is about 72 cents in Merida versus $1.50 in the United States, and a monthly pass for the bus is $31.12 in Merida compared to $45 in the United States.

What is the average monthly net salary after taxes in Merida, Mexico?

The average monthly net salary after taxes in Merida, Mexico, is approximately $674.18.

How does the cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center compare between Merida and the United States?

The cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is lower in Merida, with an average of $688.15 compared to $787 in the United States.

What is the cost of a Volkswagen Golf in Merida compared to the United States?

A Volkswagen Golf costs about $28,500 in the United States and approximately $2,644 in Merida, indicating a significant cost difference.

How does the video suggest one can save money on groceries in Merida?

The video suggests that eating locally and shopping at places that sell traditional Yucatan cuisine can help save money on groceries in Merida.

What is the cost difference for clothing in Merida compared to the United States?

Clothing is more expensive in Merida than in the United States. For example, a pair of jeans costs about $45 in the United States and $75.35 in Merida.

What advice does the video give for those considering buying property in Merida?

The video advises those considering buying property in Merida to do thorough research, visit the area first, contact people, and ensure they have someone trustworthy to handle the paperwork.