- Its population is just over a quarter of the former Federal District, according to CONAPO.
- Incomes, according to IMCO, are almost double the average in Mexico City.
Every year, thousands of people decide to move to another state in search of better opportunities. According to the latest study by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), between 2015 and 2020, more than 300,000 people moved from the interior of the country to the capital. However, overcrowding and high prices sparked interest in other cities. Evidence of this is that during the same period, more than 500,000 inhabitants left Mexico City to settle in Hidalgo, Querétaro, Puebla, and other cities.
Among the options, one of the best places to live is Querétaro, as it offers job and entertainment opportunities. Additionally, it has a strategic location for tourism, and its growth is not as rapid compared to other metropolises. This state has just over two and a half million inhabitants, while the capital’s population exceeds nine million, according to the National Population Council (CONAPO).
Despite being a colonial area with one of the best quality of life levels in the country, the costs are not as high compared to other regions. According to Expatisan, a data comparison software, it is even 26% cheaper than Mexico City. Below, we analyze the main aspects you should consider before deciding to move.
- You’ll find a variety of rental prices: One-third of the properties occupied in the country are rented, according to the National Housing Survey and the National Workers’ Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit). This is reason enough to consider the rental price of the area, which averages 14,000 pesos. However, there are offers starting from 3,000 pesos in some municipalities. Although this may seem a bit high, it is in the middle of a list where the highest average rent is 17,000 pesos per month.
- Don’t worry about your food expenses: Mexicans spend between 30% and 50% of their income on food and beverages each month, so the costs are often a concern. However, in this case, the average monthly investment per person is 1,500 pesos, while in Mexico City, it exceeds 13,000 pesos per household. If we consider that, according to INEGI, there are 3.6 people per household, the first figure is less than half of the individual expenditure.
- Your commutes will be shorter: Public transport in the state is quite average compared to other cities. The fare per trip ranges between 10 and 12 pesos, while the waiting time is longer. However, it has some advantages, such as shorter commutes, which rarely exceed two hours, and fewer transfers to reach a destination, as 42% of users make only one transfer, according to the latest Moovit Insights report.
- You’ll have fun without breaking the bank: In addition to Peña de Bernal, the state offers a wide range of cultural and educational activities. It has various parks, theaters, and museums that you can visit, either for free or by paying an entrance fee of between 50 and 100 pesos, with discounts for students, teachers, and senior citizens. Musical events have varied prices starting at 200 pesos. However, keep in mind that dining out will cost more.
- Your income could be higher: Lastly, but very importantly, is the income level you could earn. While some expenses may seem high, salaries are also above average. While people in Mexico City earn an average of 6,000 pesos per month, the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) reported this year that residents of Querétaro earn around 10,000 pesos on average.
In summary, and broadly speaking, we could say that living in Querétaro is more affordable than living in Mexico City, when comparing the quality of life in both states. However, if you are planning to move there, we recommend considering all possible factors, as some items, such as services, may be more expensive. Determine your needs and reasons for moving, as this will help you find the most suitable area for you without neglecting your finances or well-being.
Guía rápida para Comprar Inmuebles en CDMX
Coldwell Banker México: coldwellbanker.com.mx
https://crmexico.mx/costos-de-vida-en-queretaro-comparados-con-otras-ciudades-mexicanas/
https://cuentame.inegi.org.mx/monografias/informacion/df/poblacion/m_migratorios.aspx?tema=me
https://crmexico.mx/calidad-de-vida-en-queretaro-2023-guia-completa-y-actualizada/
https://moovitapp.com/insights/es/Moovit_Insights_%C3%8Dndice_de_Transporte_P%C3%BAblico-countries