Cost Planner

Living Costs in Mexico for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Mexico. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Mexico.

Example Semester Costs at Tec de Monterrey

Per semester

Residence hall (campus housing)USD 2,950 to USD 3,950

MealsUSD 900 to USD 1,600

Personal costsUSD 750 to USD 1,100

Health insuranceUSD 330 to USD 390

Tec de Monterrey costs for exchange students, per semester, in US dollars (USD). You pay in Mexican pesos (MXN).

Semester Costs by Type (Tec de Monterrey)

Costs for exchange students, per semester, in US dollars (USD).

Housing, per semester

Residence hallUSD 2,950 to USD 3,950

Student housing run by the campus.

Host familyUSD 2,260 to USD 2,500

Includes 3 meals a day.

Independent housingUSD 1,500 to USD 5,500

A room or flat you find yourself.

Housing Tip

With a host family, the 3 meals a day are already in the price.

Other costs, per semester

MealsUSD 900 to USD 1,600

Food for the semester.

Personal costsUSD 750 to USD 1,100

Daily needs and outings.

Health insuranceUSD 330 to USD 390

Cover for the semester.

Ways to Spend Less

Simple ways to spend less.

Plan ahead

Compare residence halls, host families and your own flat. Their prices differ a lot.
The Mexican government scholarship (from AMEXCID, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation) is for students from listed countries. India was on the 2026 list of countries. Check the notice (convocatoria) to see if your country is on the list.

Costs People Forget

Fees you pay once or only sometimes. MXN means Mexican pesos.

Visa and card

Student visa fee for students applying in India

Indian rupees (INR) 5,508 in New Delhi or INR 5,479 in Mumbai

October 2026 fees. The fee changes each month. Students in Pakistan: ask a Mexican embassy which office takes your student visa application.

Work permit

MXN 4,341

Only if you want paid work in Mexico and the National Migration Institute (INM, Mexico's immigration office) allows it.

Replacement of a lost or damaged residence card

MXN 1,780

The student residence card comes from the INM. You pay this if your card is lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers about money for daily life in Mexico.

How much does a semester cost to live at Tec de Monterrey?

At Tec de Monterrey (a private university), exchange students pay this a semester, in US dollars (USD). Residence hall: 2,950 to 3,950. Host family: 2,260 to 2,500. Own room: 1,500 to 5,500. Meals: 900 to 1,600. Personal costs: 750 to 1,100.

What does the Mexican government scholarship pay for living?

The Mexican government scholarship pays master's students 14,264.88 Mexican pesos (MXN) a month for living costs. PhD research students get MXN 17,831.10 a month.