Cost of Living - Expenses that you must consider
Propane Gas – The price of propane gas in Yucatán for the week of July 20-26, 2025, was MXN $19.30 per kilogram. A 20 kg cylinder costs MXN $386.00, and a 30 kg cylinder costs MXN $579.00.
The federal government regulates the prices for propane gas. Prices may vary every week and by region.
Home or Office Internet – Internet prices in Yucatán, Mexico, vary depending on the provider and the speed you need. You can find Telmex plans starting at approximately $349 per month for 80 Mbps, or satellite services like Starlink charge for equipment and monthly service. To know the exact cost, you'll need to check the coverage of providers like Telmex, Telcel, and Starlink at your specific address in Yucatán.
Sample of Internet Prices
(may vary by provider and promotions)
Telmex Infinitum
(fiber optic):
Starting at MXN 349 per month for an 80 Mbps plan.
Faster plans, such as 150 Mbps or 350 Mbps, cost more.
Telcel Internet Libre
(prepaid):
Options starting at MXN 249 per month, including home data, depending on your plan.
Starlink
(satellite internet):
The hardware kit costs a lot (approximately MXN 6,079 or MXN 7,599), and the monthly service costs approximately MXN 1,000.
To get the exact price:
1. Check coverage in your area:
Visit the websites of providers like Telmex, Telcel, or Starlink and use their tools to locate your home in Yucatán that has access to their services.
2. Compare plans and speeds:
Once you know which providers offer service in your area, compare the prices of plans that fit your internet usage.
3. Consider satellite services:
If you're in an area with little or no fiber optic coverage, services like Starlink are an alternative, although the initial equipment cost is high.
Cellular phone – In Yucatan, the most common and cost-effective option for cellular service is a prepaid SIM card from a local carrier like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, or Movistar. For tourists, this is significantly cheaper than using a roaming plan from a home country provider.
Cost of a local SIM card and monthly plan
A standard prepaid plan from a Mexican carrier, lasting 30 days, typically costs around USD 10 (MXN 200). This price generally includes a starter SIM card and a bundle of services.
Here is a breakdown of typical 30-day prepaid plans:
Telcel: A popular choice for its wide coverage, especially in rural areas. An MXN 200 plan provides 3.5 GB of data, unlimited calls, texts, and social media within Mexico, the US, and Canada.
AT&T Mexico: An MXN 200 plan offers 3 GB of data, plus 1.5 GB for video streaming, and unlimited calls, texts, and social media.
Movistar: Often more competitive on price, an MXN 150 plan can get you 3.5 GB of data, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls and texts.
Bait: Offered through stores like Walmart, Bait plans can be very affordable. A 15-day plan with 20 GB of data costs MXN100.
Where to buy a SIM card
Convenience stores: The easiest place to buy a SIM card is at an Oxxo or 7-Eleven. They are located throughout Yucatan, and staff can often assist with activation.
Carrier stores: Official retail stores for Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are available in larger cities like Mérida and offer the full range of options.
How to use a local SIM card
Unlock your phone: Your phone must be unlocked by your home carrier to accept a Mexican SIM card.
Purchase and activate: Buy a SIM card and a plan from a carrier store or convenience store. The staff will help to activate it.
Top up: You can add more money (credit) to your account as needed, which can be done at Oxxo stores and grocery stores.
Gas Stations in Yucatán, México
Gas – As of August 25, 2025, the average price of Octane-95 gasoline in Mexico stands at MXN 25.57 per liter, equivalent to approximately USD 1.37 per liter. Recent price trends show a slight increase of 0.1% compared to the previous month and a 0.6% rise over the past year. These modest fluctuations suggest relative price stability in the fuel market, an important consideration for retirees budgeting for transportation and daily living expenses in Mexico.
