Notes to a Gringa, Part 1: Expenses
Recently a friend who is thinking about resettling in Mexico sent me a list of questions about what life is like here. I thought the questions and answers could be interesting for anyone who is interested in living here or just wants a little more information about what life is like in Mexico City. These questions cover more practical matters — because the person who wrote them and I are already in love with many of the intangible aspects of living here: the color, the culture, the unpredictability. P.S. I really hope this person takes the plunge!
The first section is about the cost of living in Mexico City.
The first section is about the cost of living in Mexico City.
FYI, the peso is currently at nearly 13 pesos to the dollar.
What is an average monthly bill for:
Utilities?
Imagine around 200 pesos monthly for water and we pay 500-1000 for "mantenimiento" which in our building includes gas. This is based on our situation which is a small two-bedroom apartment in a small building without any amenities like a pool, gym, elevator, common area, etc. Those things usually imply a higher monthly "mantenimiento" which is like a condo fee or equivalent.
Imagine around 200 pesos monthly for water and we pay 500-1000 for "mantenimiento" which in our building includes gas. This is based on our situation which is a small two-bedroom apartment in a small building without any amenities like a pool, gym, elevator, common area, etc. Those things usually imply a higher monthly "mantenimiento" which is like a condo fee or equivalent.
Landline? Cable? Internet?
We pay 700 for phone, cable and internet (bundled).
We pay 700 for phone, cable and internet (bundled).
Cell phone/Blackberry?
My plan is like 800 pesos for BB, unlimited data and I don't know how many minutes but I never use them all cause I don't make too many calls.
My plan is like 800 pesos for BB, unlimited data and I don't know how many minutes but I never use them all cause I don't make too many calls.
Gym membership?
No clue... it runs the gamut. There are some really really really nice places and there are some crappy places and there is also a YMCA in the middle. On the rare occasion that I work out, I do it at the school where I work, where I don't have to pay anything.
No clue... it runs the gamut. There are some really really really nice places and there are some crappy places and there is also a YMCA in the middle. On the rare occasion that I work out, I do it at the school where I work, where I don't have to pay anything.
Stuff I'm forgetting about or expenses that I would have there and am not mentioning here??
Mmmm... I don't know!
Mmmm... I don't know!
You mentioned in your blog that you have a housekeeper. Is it pretty affordable to have someone come once or twice a week?
Yes, we pay her 250 pesos for a day, but there are some people who charge slightly less than that. At Christmas it's customary to give them a bonus of 2 weeks or a month's pay.
Yes, we pay her 250 pesos for a day, but there are some people who charge slightly less than that. At Christmas it's customary to give them a bonus of 2 weeks or a month's pay.
What about having a dog-walker? I really would like to have a dog there, and God willing I would not be working like I do now, but if I needed a dogwalker, is that something only the magnates can afford? 
I have no idea, but the maid walks our dog the days she comes. I have seen a dogwalker in Condesa. I am sure it's not that pricey.
I have no idea, but the maid walks our dog the days she comes. I have seen a dogwalker in Condesa. I am sure it's not that pricey.
Is dry-cleaning as expensive as in the States?
I think so. It's pretty expensive.
I think so. It's pretty expensive.
You forgot to mention all the wonderful naked people! Lol. I must know - who is considering moving there?
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That, my friend, is top secret information! Though it may reveal itself in due time. P.S. you don't know her.
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Contrary to what some foreigners may think, you can find in Mexico City almost everything you can find in any 1st world city and that includes every transport, service, product, clothes, hotel, restaurant, etc., the main difference might be that some of them might be a little more expensive than abroad because of the commercial relations of Mexico with other countries. Mexico City is so diverse that you can go from one extreme of this megalopolis to another for 3 pesos or get a nice Bentley in the local dealership or, you can buy a complete, and delicious three-course meal for 30 pesos or go for a nice dinner at the internationally known Au Pied de Cochon for around 800 pesos per person.
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