Mexico City, September 28, 2026 – The average cost of renting an apartment in Mexico City has reached approximately $936 USD per month, positioning it above several European cities such as Athens, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania. This finding comes from the Working Abroad Index 2026, a study conducted by the neobank bunq, which compares the cost of living across more than 70 global cities.
CDMX Rents Outpace European Counterparts
The Working Abroad Index 2026 reveals that Mexico City’s average monthly rent of $936 USD (approximately 16,707 Mexican pesos as of September 28) surpasses that of many European cities. For instance, Bucharest, Romania, has an average rent of $587 USD, while Athens, Greece, averages $684 USD. Other cities where rent is comparatively lower include Vilnius, Lithuania ($762 USD), Budapest, Hungary ($799 USD), and Nicosia, Cyprus ($799 USD).
This data contrasts with Mexico City’s generally affordable public transportation, which at $12.70 USD per month, is among the lowest globally. This makes mobility one of the city’s most accessible aspects.
Rising Rental Costs in the First Half of 2026
According to an analysis by Inmuebles 24, the median price for apartment rentals in Mexico City increased during the first half of 2026, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging 21,921 Mexican pesos. This surge in rental prices is a significant factor contributing to the city’s overall cost of living.
Mexico City’s Cost of Living Approaches Global Megacities
Despite affordable transportation, the high rental costs are pushing Mexico City’s overall cost of living closer to that of established global megacities. The total monthly cost of living in CDMX, excluding co-working spaces, stands at $1,339 USD. This figure is notably similar to Seoul, South Korea, a major technological and financial hub in Asia, which has a total monthly cost of living of $1,410 USD – only $11 USD higher than Mexico City.
This places cities with vastly different economic profiles in a similar price range, challenging the perception of Mexico City as an entirely economical destination. The report suggests that while some aspects of life in CDMX remain affordable, the rental market is a significant driver of increased expenses.
Other Mexican Cities Also See High Rents
The trend of high rental costs extends beyond the capital to other popular Mexican cities. San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato, records an average rent of $900 USD (approximately 16,065 Mexican pesos). Mérida also features on the list with an average rent of $599 USD, and Oaxaca City with $629 USD. Despite these rental figures, Oaxaca City is still ranked among the five cities with the lowest overall cost of living among the more than 70 cities analyzed in the study.
The findings of the Working Abroad Index 2026 indicate a shifting economic landscape for Mexico City, where the increasing cost of housing is a critical factor influencing its global standing in terms of affordability.
Source: https://www.sopitas.com/noticias/cdmx-rentas-mas-caras-atenas-bucarest/
