Merida, Mexico
Editor
March 12, 2023
Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and vibrant experience. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Merida offers something for everyone. The city is also home to a number of coworking spaces, making it easy for digital nomads to stay connected and productive. According to Numbeo, Merida has a cost of living index of just 33.7, making it one of the most affordable cities in Mexico. The city also boasts a high quality of life, with a safety index of 81.7 and a health care index of 81.2. Merida is also well-connected, with a number of international flights arriving daily. With its low cost of living, high quality of life, and excellent connectivity, Merida is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for an unforgettable experience.
Living in Merida, Mexico: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
71%
Quality of life -
27%
Cost of living -
60%
Connectivity -
66%
Weather
59
General
| Currency | MXN |
| Population (in millions) | 0.9 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 145 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 20% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Centro Historico, Merida |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Victoria |
| Most popular local dish | Pibil |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Hacienda Yaxcopoil |
| Discount airline | VivaAerobus |
| Major airline | Aeromar |
| Largest ride sharing company | Cabify |
| Primary train stations | Merida Central Station, San Benito Station, and Santa Lucia Station |
| Primary airports | Merida International Airport, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, and Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida-Re |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 200000 MXN |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Av. Colon Plaza Galerías Local B-1, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 10 Mbps |
| Power socket type | A,B |
| Supply voltage | 220V |
| Best electronics store | BestBuy |
| Best internet carrier | Telmex |
| Primary cellular carrier | Movistar |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 500 MXN |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Farmacias Similares |
| Best restaurant chain | La Parrilla |
| The best grocery store | Chedraui |
| The most popular fashion brand | Mango |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $9,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $18,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 0% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 90 days |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | It is not possible to provide an accurate answer without more information about the specific mortgage product and lender |
| Suggested ATM take out | 500 MXN |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Banorte |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 066 (general), 060 (police), 065 (ambulance), 068 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 545 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 28 |
| Main religion | Catholicism |
Quality of life
71%
-
73%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
77%
Property to income -
27%
Crime -
81%
Healthcare -
66%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | MX$11,135 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 11.9% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | MX$2,640 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | MX$69,050 |
Cost of living
27%
-
Purchasing Power
38%
-
Rent
14%
-
Food
41%
-
Restaurant
37%
-
Workspace
38%
-
Transport
35%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | MX$8,388.03 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | MX$6,349.45 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | MX$17,071.43 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | MX$13,298.74 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | MX$166.67 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | MX$25.60 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | MX$35.40 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | MX$30.53 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | MX$141.33 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | MX$16.88 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | MX$165.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | MX$26.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | MX$46.88 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | MX$70.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | MX$100.44 |
| Apples (1kg) | MX$47.80 |
| Oranges (1kg) | MX$27.14 |
| Potato (1kg) | MX$22.59 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | MX$19.12 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | MX$24.44 |
| Tomato (1kg) | MX$25.62 |
| Banana (1kg) | MX$19.38 |
| Onion (1kg) | MX$30.17 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | MX$280.79 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | MX$140.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | MX$700.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | MX$125.32 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | MX$55.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | MX$67.50 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | MX$17.45 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | MX$12.53 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | MX$62.17 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | MX$1,269.64 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | MX$1.33 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | MX$584.60 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | MX$466.67 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | MX$166.67 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | MX$100.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | MX$8.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | MX$500.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | MX$22.68 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | MX$240,160.48 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | MX$331,886.18 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | MX$35.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | MX$21.75 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | MX$150.00 |
