What it costs to run a house here

Electricity

Electricity in nearly all of Mexico is controlled by the government-owned CFE, Comisión Federal de Electricidad. What you pay is based on usage and billed on a three-level tier — Basic, Intermediate and High. The lowest level is generally subsidised to provide cheap electricity to the poor. However, as soon as you get into the higher levels, electric usage can be expensive.

This is the single biggest variable in a Yucatán household budget, and it is why air conditioning habits matter so much here. There is ample motivation to use energy efficiently — and it is part of why a well-built colonial with high ceilings and a courtyard can be cheaper to run than a modern box.

Gas

Natural gas in Mexico is basically the same price as it is in Texas. Most residential users buy it by the tank — some homes have tanks on the roof, others use smaller mobile tanks. Several companies deliver in Yucatán, or you can refill at their facilities.

Water

Yucatán is truly blessed to have an abundant supply of sweet water. Water, and the cost associated with its household use, is very inexpensive.

Property tax

Property tax is based on the valor catastral set by the Office of the Catastro, which in Yucatán is frequently much lower than the actual sales price. Buyers also pay a 2% transfer tax at purchase — see costs and closing.

Last reviewed 9 August 2026. Utility tariffs change; treat these as orientation, not a quote.