Living in Mexico can be pleasant experience for someone who loves to party and enjoy the laid back vibe of a city. If you’re planning on moving to Cozumel, then you must know the average cost of living in Mexico is far cheaper than living in USA.
According to Nomad List, the average cost to live in Cozumel is $2,715 per month- this include the cost of rent, food, transportation, dinning out and activities.
As Cozumel as a laidback l;ifestyle with plenty of activities to do, many expat choose to move here after retirement to enjoy the sunny part of Mexico.
A couple can live a very luxurious retired life on Cozumel for around $3,000 to $4,000 a month. And if your budget in Cozumel for living expenses can stretch that far, then the thriving expat community of Cozumel’s may be everything you’re looking for!
In this guide we’ve broke down each and every cost of living in Cozumel, including recreational activities! So read on!
Cost of Living In Mexico: Cozumel Cost 2024
Housing Expenses: Buying & Renting Property in Cozumel
The cost of a house in Cozumel depends on the location and the size. On an average houses in Cozumel cost between $100,000 and $500,000 USD. This price doesn’t include the land because it is usually sold separately.
But, if the house is on the beach property or in a popular tourist spot, it tends to be more expensive.
When you buy a house in Mexico, you usually have to pay for it all at once when you close the deal. The closing costs (fees for paperwork and legal processes) are usually around 6% of the price.
In Cozumel, foreigners can choose to own a house through a Fideicomiso bank trust or a corporation.
The fees for owning the property can range from around $350 USD to over $1000 USD. There is also a yearly fee that needs to be paid to the bank. This fee depends on the size of the property but usually falls between $400 and $750 USD per year.
Because limited land, people on Cozumel prefer to live in condos. You can find good deals for one-bedroom condos that cost around $150,000 and a two-bedroom condo can cost over $180,000.
| Apartment | MXN | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Square Meter for Apartment in City Centre | 33,427.59 MXN | 1,922.59 USD |
| Price per Square Meter for Apartment Outside of Centre | 18,241.37 MXN | 1,049.45 USD |
Renting Property in Cozumel
| Neighborhood | Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| San Miguel de Cozumel | Studio Apartment | $300-$500 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $500-$800 | |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $800-$1,200 | |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | $1,200-$1,800 | |
| Shared Flat/House | $200-$400 per room | |
| Corpus Christi | Studio Apartment | $250-$400 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $400-$600 | |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $600-$1,000 | |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | $1,000-$1,500 | |
| Shared Flat/House | $150-$300 per room | |
| Country Club | Studio Apartment | $300-$500 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $500-$800 | |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $800-$1,200 | |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | $1,200-$1,800 | |
| Shared Flat/House | $200-$400 per room |
Tours & Things to do hand-picked by our insiders
Transportation Costs
The public transportation prices in Cozumel is quite cheap. One-way bus ride usually costs less than $1. Taxis are also an option and they charge a fair price.
There is no services like Uber available in Cozumel or anywhere else in the Riviera Maya. It was launched in other part of Mexico for a short time and it’s not making a come back anytime soon.
Public Transportation in Cozumel
| Mode of Transportation | Cost in USD (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Taxi (within town) | $5 – $15 per ride |
| Bus (within town) | $1 – $2 per ride |
| Bicycle (bicis) rental | $10 – $20 per day |
| Scooter (motos) rental | $25 per day |
| Car Rental | $45 – $50 per day |
| Colectivos (minivans that act like busses) | $10 – $12 per trip |
| Ferry to Playa del Carmen | $38- $154per person |
Food and Grocery Expenses
Grocery Shopping in Cozumel
Groceries are pretty cheap in Cozumel. You can find all the daily necessities in different grocery stores. You can get fresh veggies, fish and meat at a very reasonable price point.
Fresh fruit and produce are cheaper but berries are more pricy than USA. Tortillas, chicken, smoked/regular pork chops and baked goods are all much cheaper.
Prices in supermarkets in Cozumel
| Grocery Items | MXN | USD |
| 🥛Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 21 MXN | 1.20 USD |
| 🍞A loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | 60 MXN | 3.40 USD |
| 🍳Eggs (regular) (12) | 54 MXN | 3.00 USD |
| 🧀Local Cheese (1kg) | 84 MXN | 4.80 USD |
| 🫗Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 17 MXN | 0.97 USD |
| 🍷A bottle of wine (Mid-Range) | 113 MXN | 6.40 USD |
| 🍺Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 28 MXN | 1.60 USD |
| 🍻Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 55 MXN | 3.10 USD |
| 🚬Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | 51 MXN | 2.90 USD |
| 🍗Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) – (1kg) | 104 MXN | 5.90 USD |
| 🍎Apples (1kg) | 46 MXN | 2.60 USD |
| 🍊Oranges (1kg) | 26 MXN | 1.50 USD |
| 🍠Potatoes (1kg) | 34 MXN | 1.90 USD |
| 🥬Lettuce (1 head) | 19 MXN | 1.10 USD |
| 🍚Rice (white) (1kg) | 35 MXN | 2.00 USD |
| 🍅Tomato (1kg) | 23 MXN | 1.30 USD |
| 🍌Bananas (1kg) | 29 MXN | 1.70 USD |
| 🧅Onions (1kg) | 36 MXN | 2.00 USD |
| 🥩Beef Round (1kg) (Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 203 MXN | 12 USD |
| 🍐Pears (1kg) | 55 MXN | 3.10 USD |
| 🥒Cucumber (1kg) | 12 MXN | 0.71 USD |
| 🥂✨Perrier Water (small bottle 0,33l) | 12 MXN | 0.70 USD |
| 🌭Sausages (1kg) | 207 MXN | 12 USD |
| 🥃Whisky | 234 MXN | 13 USD |
| 🍹Rum | 125 MXN | 7.10 USD |
| 🍸Vodka | 124 MXN | 7.10 USD |
Dine Out in Cozumel
Cozumel restaurents have a vibrant local cuisine, seafood, Mexican and Caribbean food with vegetarian-friendly options. You will have the best Ceviche and Tacos in Cozumel. There are high end restaurants but most of the restaurants serve excellent Mexican food at a cheaper price.
Prices in restaurants in Cozumel
| Items | MXN | USD |
| 🍝Meal in a cheap restaurant | 110 MXN | 6.30 USD |
| 🍲Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 820 MXN | 47 USD |
| 🍔McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 117 MXN | 6.70 USD |
| 🍺Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 33 MXN | 1.90 USD |
| 🍻Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 48 MXN | 2.70 USD |
| 🥤Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 27 MXN | 1.60 USD |
| 🫗Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 20 MXN | 1.10 USD |
| ☕Cappuccino (regular) | 55 MXN | 3.10 USD |
Utilities and Bills
Cost of utilities are far more cheaper in Cozumel compared to USA. The price of air conditioning, cable, daily maid service, and WiFi is a big steal. But if you compare with other Mexican retirement hubs, island of Cozumel is more expensive.
| Utility Charges for an 85m2 apartment (electricity, heating, water, garbage) | 950 MXN | 54 USD |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile local tariff (No discounts or plans) | 2.20 MXN | 0.12 USD |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 440 MXN | 25 USD |
Healthcare Costs
Cozumel is becoming a popular among Expats cause of it’s quality health care service. If you’re an expat considering moving to Mexico, it’s important to know that the cost of medical procedures here is significantly less compared to the United States.
In fact, you can expect savings ranging from 36% to as much as 89%. As healthcare and insurance costs continue to rise all over the world, more and more people are coming to Cozumel for things like cosmetic surgery, weight loss services, dental treatments and other high-quality medical services.
No matter what kind of medical care you need, be it an MRI scan, routine dental cleanings or doctor consultation- there are plenty of great options on the island that can help you.
In addition to the Medical San Miguel hospital, there are also smaller clinics in town that you can go to for other medical needs.
Medical services cost in Cozumel comapred to United States:
| Medical Procedure | Average Cost in Mexico | Average Cost in U.S. |
| Dental Implant | $1,650 | $4,000 or more |
| Root Canal Surgery | $200 to $300 | $600 to $1,600 |
| Check-up | Often free | Around $150 |
| Cardiac Bypass Surgery | $27,000 | $144,000 |
| Gastric band surgery for weight loss | $9,500 | $24,000 |
| Facelift | $4,250 | $11,000 |
| Cataract surgery | $2,100 both eyes | $3,500 per eye |
Entertainment and Recreation Expenses
As Cozumel is in the Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and a very popular touristy destination, recreation activities are plenty here.
You can join in fitness clubs, go fo movies, do adventurous stuffs on the weekend at a cheaper price. There are so many fun activities to do in the area. Or you can simply enjoy the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life within a budget.
| Entertainment/Recreation Activity | MXN | USD |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 537.07 MXN | 30.86 USD |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 150.00 MXN | 8.62 USD |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 85.00 MXN | 4.88 USD |
| Scuba Diving Package | 2000 MXN | 100 USD |
| Snorkeling Tour | 500 MXN | 25 USD |
| Parasailing | 800 MXN | 40 USD |
| ATV Adventure | 700 MXN | 35 USD |
| Mayan Ruins Tour | 1200 MXN | 60 USD |
Cost of Nightlife and Entertainment in Cozumel
Cozumel has a relaxed nightlife scene. In the weekend you can hang with the tourist at bars and clubs. It typically costs around $5 to $10 each.
| Nightlife and Entertainment | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer at a Bar or Club | $5 – $7+ |
| Imported Beer at a Bar or Club | $6 – $8+ |
| Cocktails or Mixed Drinks (e.g., Margaritas) | $7 – $10+ |
| Glass of Wine at a Bar or Restaurant | $6 – $10+ |
| Soft Drinks or Non-Alcoholic Beverages | $2 – $5+ |
| Cover Charge at Nightclubs or Live Music Venues | $5 – $10+ |
| Live Music or Entertainment Shows (ticket prices) | $10 – $20+ |
| Karaoke Night (including drinks) | $5 – $10+ |
| Bar Snacks or Appetizers (per plate) | $5 – $10+ |
| Cigar or Shisha (Hookah) | $10 – $20+ |
| Taxi Fare (to and from nightlife spots) | $5 – $10+ |
| Late-Night Street Food (e.g., tacos or snacks) | $2 – $5+ |
| Transportation to/from Nightlife District (round trip) | $10 – $20+ |
| Comedy Show or Stand-Up Comedy (ticket prices) | $10 – $20+ |
| Billiards or Pool (per hour) | $5 – $10+ |
| Bowling (per game) | $5 – $10+ |
| Casino Gaming (e.g., slot machines, poker) | Varies |
| Dance Lessons (e.g., salsa, bachata) | $10 – $20+ |
| Beach Bonfire Party (organized events) | $20 – $30+ |
| Craft Beer Tasting (flight of samples) | $10 – $15+ |
| Outdoor Movie Screening (free or ticketed) | Varies |
Miscellaneous Expenses
Apart from rent, food, and utilities, you have to also budget for childcare services, education, personal services.
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 3,500 MXN | 200 USD |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | 48,000 MXN | 2,700 USD |
| Babysitting Services | 260 MXN | 15 USD |
Personal services like haircuts or massages usually cost between $10 to $20. For women, the price might be higher. To get your nails done it usually costs around $7-$10
Also taking a trip within Mexico or go to another country once or twice a month, will definitely add up in your monthly spending.
Traveling within Mexico is generally cheaper. Exploring other parts of Mexico from Cozumel often have special deals where you can book round-trip flights from Cozumel to Cancun for just $30 or one-way tickets from Cozumel to Mexico City for only $40. Direct round-trip flights between major cities like Guadalajara or Monterrey can also be purchased for less than $100.
Cost of Living In Cozumel: Monthly Budget 2024
| Expense | MXN | USD $ |
| Furnished two-bedroom accommodation | 1104 MXN | $800 |
| Utility | 1,023.84 MXN | $58.98 |
| Internet | 440 MXN | $25 |
| Cellphone | 419 MXN | $3.79 |
| Cable / Pay TV | 604 MXN | $35 |
| Healthcare (two people) | 184 MXN | $200 |
| Transportation (public for two) | 174 MXN | $80 |
| Groceries | 368 MXN | $400 |
| Entertainment (dining out and activities) | 1,736 MXN | $200 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,736 MXN | $200 |
| Monthly Total: | 34,806.36 MXN | $2,002.77 |
Salaries And Financing Prices in Cozumel
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 11,778.00 MXN | |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 10.83 |