Data last updated: August 2026

Houston, TXMonterrey, Mexico

You would need around 46.4% less money in Monterrey, Mexico to maintain the same standard of living you have in Houston, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

46.4%

Monterrey, Mexico is cheaper than Houston, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,664 USD
City B1,033 USD
Difference-37.9%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A250 USD
City B89 USD
Difference-64.4%

Average Net Salary

City A4,689 USD
City B1,115 USD
Difference-76.2%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Houston, TX to Monterrey, Mexico? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Monterrey, Mexico is 46.4% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Monterrey, Mexico's center costs around 1,033 USD, which is a staggering 37.9% less than in Houston, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Houston, TX and Monterrey, Mexico is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Monterrey, Mexico to maintain your current lifestyle in Houston, TX.

USD

You need in Monterrey, Mexico

2,513 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Houston, TX to Monterrey, Mexico and investing the 46% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 7.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Houston, TX budget to local Monterrey, Mexico prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1033 USD
Groceries89 USD
Utilities & Internet39 USD

Investment Planner

You save 631 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Monterrey, Mexico.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~106,008 USD in 10 years.