Looking for a Mexican city that blends historic charm, modern living, safety, and affordability?
Welcome to Querétaro — a fast-growing favorite among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and young families.
From its UNESCO-listed historic center to its tech-driven future, Querétaro offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a warm local culture that makes it one of Mexico’s best places to live in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
The real cost of living in Querétaro
Best neighborhoods for expats
Weather, safety, and transportation
Healthcare, internet, and daily expenses
Why more people are choosing Querétaro over CDMX or Guadalajara
Let’s dive in.
📍 Where Is Querétaro?
Santiago de Querétaro, often shortened to Querétaro, is located in the central highlands of Mexico, about 2.5 hours north of Mexico City.
It’s the capital of the state of Querétaro and sits at over 1,800 meters (6,000 ft) elevation, giving it a pleasant year-round climate.
☀️ Querétaro Weather: Blue Skies & Green Hills
Querétaro has a semi-arid climate with dry winters and a refreshing rainy season from June to October.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Sunny, mild, no heating needed
Summer (Apr–June): Dry heat, cooler in evenings
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Afternoon showers, lush scenery
🌍 Fun fact: Earthquakes are extremely rare here due to the region’s stable geology.
💰 Cost of Living in Querétaro, Mexico (2025)
Querétaro is affordable, especially compared to major cities like CDMX or Monterrey. Below are average monthly costs:
🏡 Housing
| Type | Monthly Rent (MXN/USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-BR Studio (Centro) | ₱4,000–7,000 / $230–$400 |
| 2-BR Apartment (Centro) | ₱9,000–11,000 / $520–$640 |
| 3-BR House (Centro) | ₱13,000–16,000 / $750–$950 |
| 2-BR Suburb Apartment | ₱10,000–13,000 / $600–$800 |
| 3-BR Suburb House | ₱15,000–18,000 / $900–$1,100 |
💡 Property taxes: Often under $100 USD/year!
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Querétaro for Expats
🔹 Centro Histórico
Walkable, charming, culturally rich
Near museums, markets, nightlife
Expect noise, older homes, but unbeatable vibe
🔹 El Refugio / Zibatá / Juriquilla
Gated suburban communities with modern homes
Pools, gyms, coworking spaces, and family-friendly
Quiet, green, safe — but a car is often needed
🛒 Grocery & Daily Expenses
Querétaro offers everything from local mercados to Costco and Walmart.
Grocery Budget
| Item | Price (MXN/USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 kg Avocados | ₱30–40 / $1.70–$2.30 |
| Whole Chicken | ₱100–120 / $6–$7 |
| Monthly (Single) | ₱3,500–5,000 / $200–$300 |
| Monthly (Couple) | ₱6,500–8,500 / $380–$500 |
💡 Tip: Shop at street markets and save 30–40% on fresh produce.
📶 Utilities & Internet
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost (MXN/USD) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | ₱200–500 / $12–$30 |
| Gas & Water | ₱200–300 / $12–$18 |
| High-Speed Internet | ₱350–600 / $20–$35 |
Most people spend under $85 USD/month on all utilities combined.
🚗 Transportation in Querétaro
Walkable zones: Centro and surrounding colonias
Uber/Didi: Safe, fast, cheap
Short trip: ₱40–80 ($2–$4.50)
Car ownership: Recommended for suburbs
Public transit: Available, but inconsistent
🏥 Healthcare in Querétaro
Querétaro is known for its modern private hospitals and affordable care.
| Service | Avg. Cost (MXN/USD) |
|---|---|
| Doctor Visit | ₱500–1,200 / $30–$70 |
| Dentist Cleaning | ₱600–1,000 / $35–$60 |
| Prescription Drugs | 30–70% cheaper than in the U.S. |
| IMSS (Public Insurance) | ₱10,000/year / ~$580 USD |
Private insurance options are also available and cost-effective.
🏫 Schools, Coworking, and Digital Nomad Life
Querétaro is great for:
Remote workers: 100–200 Mbps internet is common
Families: International schools available in suburbs
Entrepreneurs: Coworking spaces like Nest, La Fábrica, and more
❤️ The Local Culture & Community
Querétaro is known for its friendly, inclusive culture.
Locals are polite, community-oriented, and helpful
Expats blend in easily — not isolated in a bubble
Plenty of language exchanges, expat meetups, and cultural events
Expect to be invited to neighborhood fiestas and connect quickly with both locals and other foreigners.
🧭 Should You Move to Querétaro?
Here’s a recap of what Querétaro offers:
✅ Mild climate
✅ Affordable rent and food
✅ Modern infrastructure
✅ Low crime & clean streets
✅ UNESCO heritage charm
✅ Digital nomad–ready
✅ Friendly locals
✅ Booming economy
✅ Balanced lifestyle
Whether you’re a retiree looking for safety, a remote worker seeking community, or a young family craving space and schools — Querétaro checks every box.
✈️ What to Do Next?
📌 Rent first. Explore neighborhoods. Feel the rhythm of life.
Once you’re settled, you’ll know if Querétaro is the long-term home you’ve been looking for.
And chances are… it will be.