What is minimum wage in Mexico?

As of January 1, 2026, Mexico's general minimum wage is $315.04 Mexican Pesos (MXN) per day, while in the Northern Border Free Zone, it's $440.87 MXN per day, following a 13% increase agreed upon by the National Minimum Wage Commission (CONASAMI). These rates, set at the end of 2025, reflect adjustments for inflation and recovery, aiming to improve living standards.


What is the Mexican minimum wage per hour?

Mexico lacks a minimum hourly wage, but averages to MX$31.12 and MX$46.86 for Mexico and the Northern Border, respectively.

What is the average wage in Mexico in dollars?

The average salary in Mexico varies significantly, but recent estimates place the average monthly earnings around $1,000 to $1,020 USD, with annual figures closer to $12,000 - $17,000 USD, while median salaries are lower, around $820-$880 USD monthly, highlighting a broad wage gap, with higher pay in tech/finance hubs like Mexico City and lower wages in rural areas. 


Can you live on $3,000 a month in Mexico?

In most cases, $1,800–$3,000 USD per month covers a comfortable lifestyle, with plenty of wiggle room for extras. To live here legally, you'll need to pass Mexico's financial solvency test. For 2025, that means showing proof of about $4,100 USD in monthly income or $70,000 USD in savings.

How much do hotel workers get paid in Mexico?

Average hotel staff salaries in Mexico vary, but generally fall around MXN 100,000 - MXN 130,000 annually, with entry-level roles starting lower (around MXN 98,000) and senior positions earning more (up to MXN 162,000), depending on the role (like housekeeper or waiter) and location, though some sources show lower monthly figures for specific roles like waiters (around MXN 5,000/month).
 


What Is Minimum Wage In Mexico? - CountyOffice.org



Is $1000 a month good in Mexico?

A single person can live on roughly $700 a month (excluding rent), while a family of four may spend $2,500+. But costs swing widely by city, lifestyle, and whether you hold Mexican citizenship. Your monthly budget could cover a modest apartment inland for under $400 or stretch into $1,000+ for a beachside condo.

Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico?

This will always guarantee you the best time with those that matter most to you and ensure you get the most out of your Cabo vacation. So, next time you wonder or ask yourself is $100 a lot of money in Mexico, then the answer is yes.

How much is rent in Mexico per month?

Rent in Mexico varies widely, from under $300-$500/month in smaller towns to $700-$1,200+ in popular beach areas like Tulum or $1,200-$1,800+ in trendy Mexico City neighborhoods (Roma/Condesa), depending heavily on location, size, and amenities, with major cities and tourist hotspots being pricier than inland areas. 


How long will $100,000 last in Mexico?

How Long $100,000 Would Last Without Income 1. 🇹🇭 Thailand – 6.7 years 2. 🇻🇳 Vietnam – 6.3 years 3. 🇲🇽 Mexico – 5.8 years 4.

Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Mexico?

For the best balance of cheap and safe in Mexico, consider cities like Merida (Yucatán) for top safety with reasonable costs, Guanajuato for charm and affordability (though check current cartel news), or coastal options like Mazatlán for beach life and decent safety scores, while smaller towns in states like Chiapas (San Cristóbal) or Puebla offer significant savings. Generally, larger colonial cities and certain coastal areas offer good infrastructure, while inland towns can be very budget-friendly, but safety varies.
 

What jobs pay the most in Mexico?

The highest paying jobs in Mexico are typically in specialized fields like Medicine (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists), Information Technology (Software Developers, Cybersecurity), Finance (Investment Banking, Financial Analysis), and executive roles like CEOs, with salaries varying greatly by experience and location, often higher in cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Demand is strong in healthcare, IT, and manufacturing (automotive, aerospace), often requiring specialized skills or bilingualism for top earnings.
 


What is the retirement age in Mexico?

In Mexico, the standard retirement age for the universal pension is generally 68, but it's 65 for indigenous populations or those with specific past benefits, and reforms are expanding a women's pension to age 60 by 2026. For the mandatory individual account system (AFOREs), workers can claim a pension at 60 (early) or 65 (standard), provided they meet contribution requirements (around 1,250 weeks). 

How much does Walmart pay in Mexico?

Walmart's pay in Mexico varies significantly by role and location, with entry-level jobs like Auxiliar General starting around MXN 6,000/month and higher roles like Jefe de Tienda (Store Manager) reaching MXN 20,000 or more monthly, while skilled tech roles can earn much more, influenced by Mexico's minimum wage which is around MXN 34.85/hour generally. 

How much does McDonald's pay in Mexico?

Average McDonald's weekly pay ranges from approximately $1,342 per week for Assistant to $4,550 per week for Ayudante general de mantenimiento. Salary estimated from 2,682 past and present job postings on Indeed.


How much do waiters get paid in Mexico?

The workforce of Waiters during first quarter of 2025 was 629k people, whose salary averaged $5.23k MX working around 40.8 hours per week. The average age of Waiters was 30.2 years. The workforce was distributed in 51.9% men with an average salary of $5.7k MX and, 48.1% women with average salary of $4.73k MX.

Can I retire in Mexico on $1500 a month?

Yes, you can likely retire in Mexico on $1,500 a month, especially if you choose affordable cities and a modest lifestyle, covering basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare, but it requires careful budgeting and location choice, as popular coastal spots are more expensive. Many expats report living comfortably on $1,500-$2,500, but you'll need to prioritize expenses in lower-cost areas like Puebla or Oaxaca rather than pricier ones like Puerto Vallarta. 

Is 100 pesos a lot to tip in Mexico?

Check to see if the resort you're going to stay at has a no-tipping policy. If not, you can follow the standard guidelines for tipping at all-inclusive resorts Mexico, which are: housekeepers 25-50 pesos per day, bellhops 25-50 pesos, the concierge 50-150 pesos, and in restaurants, 10-20% of the bill for servers.


What is a livable salary in Mexico?

A living wage in Mexico varies significantly by region, but recent estimates show it's much higher than the minimum wage, with figures around MXN 10,000 - MXN 19,000+ per month (approx. USD 550 - USD 1000+) for a basic but decent living for a family, depending on the location (e.g., Yucatán vs. Baja California) and family size. For 2026, Mexico's daily minimum wage increased to MXN 315.04 (around USD 17) for most areas and MXN 440.87 (around USD 24) for the border zone, but this still falls short of covering a full living wage, highlighting the gap between statutory minimums and actual living costs. 

Is it cheaper to live in the US or Mexico?

Yes, it's generally significantly cheaper to live in Mexico than the U.S., with overall costs often 40-50% lower, especially for rent, groceries, and healthcare, allowing many expats to live comfortably on $1,500-$2,500 USD monthly, though costs vary by location and lifestyle, with popular expat hubs being pricier than inland areas. 

Can foreigners own property in Mexico?

Yes, foreigners can own property in Mexico, but for areas within 100 km of the border or 50 km of the coast (the "restricted zone"), they must use a fideicomiso (bank trust) or form a Mexican corporation, while property outside this zone can be owned directly. A fideicomiso acts like a bank trust, giving the foreigner all rights of ownership (use, rent, sell) for 50-year renewable terms, with the bank holding the legal title. 


Can I live on $500 a month in Mexico?

Can you live on only USD $500 a month in Mexico? There are rural areas of Mexico where a person could live on USD $500 monthly. However, the average cost of living for an individual in Mexico in 2026 is USD $1,007. It is unlikely that you would live comfortably on only $500 monthly in Mexico.

Is $5 a lot to tip in Mexico?

A small tip of $5-10 pesos is appropriate.

How much is a coke in Mexico in pesos?

A Coke in Mexico costs roughly 10 to 30 pesos for smaller bottles/cans (around $0.50-$1.70 USD), with larger 2-liter bottles going for about 28-35 pesos ($1.40-$1.75 USD), but prices vary by location (stores vs. tourist spots) and recent inflation. You'll likely find 12oz (355ml) bottles around 15-20 pesos and 2-liters closer to 30 pesos in most places.