Monterrey, Mexico
Mexico's industrial powerhouse with a modern skyline, top universities, and the highest incomes in the country.
Below Average vs Mexico Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Monterrey vs Mexico Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.0%
- Sales Tax: 16.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Mex$264,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 5,341,171
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 44°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: Mex$3,200,000
- 1BR Rent: Mex$13000/mo
Cost of Living
Monterrey's cost of living index is 92.4 (Mexico average = 100).
| Category | Monterrey | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92.4 | 100 | -7.6% |
| Housing | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Data source: INEGI, BBVA Research, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Mex$3,200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Mex$13000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Mex$16,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Mex$2,133 |
Data source: Propiedades.com, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Monterrey:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Mex$800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Mex$11 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Mex$204 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Mex$300 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Mex$450 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Mex$1765 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CFE, CONAGUA, IFT 2025
Remote Work Score
Monterrey scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Monterrey has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F | 44°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 59°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 62°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Monterrey faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanic belt including Popocatépetl.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Significant hurricane risk.
Tropical storm floods and urban flooding.
Frequent wildfires in dry season.
Northern and central Mexico experience frequent droughts.
Mountainous terrain with rain-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat in northern and central regions.
Dust storms in northern desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8%
- Sales Tax: 16%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Monterrey per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in morning or afternoon shifts due to high demand.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Monterrey, Mexico?
The cost of living index in Monterrey is 92.4, which is Lower the Mexico national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Monterrey?
The median home price in Monterrey is Mex$3,200,000. The housing index is 105.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Monterrey is approximately Mex$13000/mo.
Does Monterrey, NLE have income tax?
Monterrey is in NLE, which has an income tax rate of 8%.
What is the climate like in Monterrey?
Monterrey enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 44°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INEGI, BBVA Research, 2026
- Housing Data: Propiedades.com, 2026
- Income & Employment: INEGI Encuesta Nacional de Ocupación y Empleo, 2025
- Utilities CFE, CONAGUA, IFT 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.