Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mexico Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mexico Property Pack
Mérida has become one of Mexico's most talked-about rental markets, with two very different worlds coexisting in the same city: affordable long-term family rentals and premium lifestyle apartments for professionals and expats.
In this guide, we break down current housing rents in Mérida, neighborhood by neighborhood, so you know exactly what to expect in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and trends.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
Insights
- Mérida rents grew around 6% year-over-year in January 2026, outpacing Mexico's general inflation because of sustained migration and lifestyle renter demand in the city.
- Apartments in Mérida rent at roughly MXN 120 per square meter per month, while houses average only MXN 76 per square meter because they come with more land and space.
- The gap between Centro Mérida's affordable rentals and premium North Mérida zones like Cabo Norte can easily be 50% or more for similar-sized units.
- Furnished rentals in Mérida command a noticeable premium, especially in Centro and northern lifestyle neighborhoods where expats and remote workers cluster.
- Peak rental demand in Mérida hits in January through February and again in July through August, driven by job changes and the school calendar.
- Typical rentals in Mérida stay listed for about 32 days, but well-priced apartments in Centro or North Mérida can rent in under three weeks.
- Landlords in Mérida can expect vacancy rates around 7%, which reflects a balanced market with steady tenant interest across most neighborhoods.
- Air conditioning is the single most important amenity for Mérida renters, and units with multiple mini-splits consistently command higher rents.
What are typical rents in Mérida as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Mérida is approximately MXN 7,800, which works out to around $460 USD or €420 EUR at current exchange rates.
Most studios in Mérida fall within a realistic range of MXN 6,500 to MXN 10,000 per month, or roughly $380 to $590 USD and €350 to €540 EUR, depending on the specific location and whether the unit comes furnished.
The main factors that push studio rents higher or lower in Mérida are neighborhood (Centro versus North Mérida), whether the unit includes furniture and appliances, and the quality of air conditioning, which matters a lot in this climate.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mérida is approximately MXN 9,300, which translates to around $545 USD or €500 EUR.
The realistic range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Mérida spans from MXN 8,000 to MXN 12,500 per month, or about $470 to $735 USD and €430 to €675 EUR.
In Mérida, 1-bedroom rents tend to be cheapest in areas like Centro and Las Américas, while neighborhoods such as Vía Montejo, Altabrisa, and Cabo Norte command the highest prices for this apartment size.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Mérida is approximately MXN 12,000, which equals around $705 USD or €650 EUR.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Mérida rent within a range of MXN 10,500 to MXN 16,000 per month, or roughly $620 to $940 USD and €570 to €865 EUR.
For 2-bedroom rentals in Mérida, the most affordable options tend to be in colonias like Las Américas and Gran Santa Fe, while premium pricing appears in Yucatán Country Club, Cabo Norte, and Santa Gertrudis Copó.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
What's the average rent per square meter in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter for apartments in Mérida is approximately MXN 120, which works out to around $7 USD or €6.50 EUR per square meter per month.
Across different Mérida neighborhoods, the rent per square meter typically ranges from MXN 80 in more affordable areas to MXN 180 in premium zones, or roughly $4.70 to $10.60 USD and €4.30 to €9.70 EUR.
Compared to Mexico City, where prime areas can exceed MXN 250 per square meter, Mérida remains considerably more affordable, though it has been catching up as the city attracts more domestic and international renters.
Properties that push rent per square meter above average in Mérida typically feature newer construction, multiple air conditioning units, secure parking, pool access, and location in master-planned developments in North Mérida.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Mérida in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical rents in Mérida have increased by approximately 6% compared to January 2025, which is noticeably higher than Mexico's general inflation rate.
The main factors driving this rent growth in Mérida include continued migration from other Mexican states, growing demand from remote workers and expats, and limited supply of newer, well-located apartments in high-demand northern neighborhoods.
This year's rent increase in Mérida is consistent with the trend from 2025, when the city also saw above-inflation rent growth due to strong demand momentum that shows no signs of slowing down.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Mérida in 2026?
As of early 2026, projected rent growth for Mérida through the year is expected to land between 5% and 7% for most neighborhoods, with premium areas potentially seeing 7% to 10% increases.
The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Mérida this year include continued domestic migration, sustained interest from foreign remote workers, and whether new housing supply in North Mérida can keep pace with demand.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Mérida include Cabo Norte, Temozón Norte, and Vía Montejo, where furnished units and amenity-rich buildings attract lifestyle renters willing to pay premium prices.
The main risks that could cause rent growth in Mérida to differ from projections include faster-than-expected new construction delivery, a broader economic slowdown that tightens household budgets, or shifts in remote work trends that reduce expat demand.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Mexico. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Mérida as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Mérida are Yucatán Country Club, Cabo Norte, and Vía Montejo, where typical apartments rent for MXN 15,000 to MXN 25,000 per month, or $880 to $1,470 USD and €810 to €1,350 EUR.
These Mérida neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer newer construction, resort-style amenities like pools and gyms, 24/7 security, proximity to upscale shopping and dining, and a modern lifestyle feel that appeals to higher-income renters.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Mérida neighborhoods includes executives, business owners, expats, and professionals who prioritize comfort, security, and access to modern amenities over budget considerations.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Mérida.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Mérida right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Mérida are Montebello, Altabrisa, and Vía Montejo, all of which offer a good balance of modern apartments, convenient location, and vibrant social scenes.
Young professionals in these Mérida neighborhoods typically pay between MXN 9,000 and MXN 14,000 per month, which translates to $530 to $820 USD or €485 to €755 EUR, for 1 to 2-bedroom apartments.
What attracts young professionals to these Mérida neighborhoods is the combination of walkable access to cafés and restaurants, proximity to business districts, newer apartment stock with air conditioning, and a social atmosphere with people in similar life stages.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
Where do families prefer to rent in Mérida right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Mérida are Cholul, Dzityá, and Altabrisa, all of which offer spacious houses, quiet residential environments, and good access to schools.
Families renting 2 to 3-bedroom homes in these Mérida neighborhoods typically pay between MXN 12,000 and MXN 20,000 per month, which works out to $705 to $1,175 USD or €650 to €1,080 EUR.
What makes these Mérida neighborhoods attractive to families is the abundance of houses rather than apartments, secure fraccionamientos with controlled access, green spaces, and a quieter pace of life compared to the city center.
Families in these Mérida areas have access to well-regarded schools including Colegio Montessori, Instituto Cumbres, and several bilingual private schools that serve the northern residential corridors where these neighborhoods are located.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Mérida in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas in Mérida that rent fastest due to location advantages are Centro, García Ginerés, and Montebello, all of which offer excellent connectivity to major avenues and employment clusters.
Properties in these high-demand Mérida areas typically stay listed for only 15 to 25 days, compared to the citywide average of around 32 days, because tenants value the convenience and accessibility.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of major avenues or employment hubs in Mérida is around MXN 1,500 to MXN 2,500 per month, or $88 to $147 USD and €81 to €135 EUR, compared to similar units in less connected locations.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Mérida right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Mérida are Centro (including Santa Ana and Santiago), Temozón Norte, and Montes de Amé, offering a mix of cultural charm and modern lifestyle options.
Expats in these Mérida neighborhoods typically pay between MXN 10,000 and MXN 18,000 per month, which translates to $590 to $1,060 USD or €540 to €970 EUR, often for furnished units with all amenities included.
What attracts expats to these Mérida neighborhoods is the combination of walkability, access to English-speaking services, vibrant restaurant and café scenes, established expat communities, and a mix of colonial charm or modern amenities depending on the area.
The most represented expat communities in these Mérida neighborhoods are Americans and Canadians, followed by Europeans, many of whom are retirees, remote workers, or entrepreneurs drawn by the lower cost of living and quality of life.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Mérida.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Mérida right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Mérida?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the Mérida rental market are local families renting houses, young professionals and couples renting apartments, and lifestyle renters including expats and remote workers seeking furnished units.
In Mérida, local families represent roughly 45% of the rental market, young professionals account for about 35%, and lifestyle renters make up the remaining 20%, though this last segment is growing faster than the others.
Local families in Mérida typically seek 3-bedroom houses in fraccionamientos, young professionals look for 1 to 2-bedroom apartments near work and social hubs, and lifestyle renters prioritize furnished 1 to 2-bedroom units in Centro or North Mérida with modern amenities.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Mérida.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Mérida?
In Mérida, approximately 70% of tenants prefer unfurnished rentals, while 30% seek furnished units, though the furnished segment is concentrated in specific neighborhoods like Centro and the northern lifestyle zones.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments in Mérida ranges from MXN 2,000 to MXN 4,000 per month, or about $120 to $235 USD and €108 to €215 EUR, compared to equivalent unfurnished units.
Tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Mérida include expats, remote workers on medium-term stays, professionals on temporary assignments, and anyone relocating from outside Yucatán who wants to move in without buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Mérida?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Mérida are air conditioning with multiple mini-splits, secure parking, swimming pool access, 24/7 security or controlled access, and backup water systems like cisterns.
In Mérida, air conditioning can add MXN 1,500 to MXN 2,500 per month ($88 to $147 USD), secure parking adds around MXN 1,000 to MXN 1,500 ($59 to $88 USD), pool access adds MXN 800 to MXN 1,500 ($47 to $88 USD), security features add MXN 500 to MXN 1,000 ($29 to $59 USD), and water backup systems add MXN 300 to MXN 600 ($18 to $35 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Mérida?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Mérida are upgrading or adding air conditioning units, improving kitchen fixtures and ventilation, modernizing bathrooms, adding outdoor living features like covered terraces, and improving shading or insulation to reduce electricity costs.
In Mérida, adding a quality mini-split AC unit costs around MXN 15,000 to MXN 25,000 ($880 to $1,470 USD) and can increase monthly rent by MXN 1,500 to MXN 2,500, kitchen upgrades cost MXN 30,000 to MXN 60,000 ($1,765 to $3,530 USD) and add MXN 800 to MXN 1,500 in monthly rent, and bathroom modernization costs MXN 20,000 to MXN 40,000 ($1,175 to $2,355 USD) and adds MXN 500 to MXN 1,000 monthly.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Mérida and should be avoided include overly luxurious finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, converting garages to extra rooms which reduces parking value, and elaborate landscaping that requires constant maintenance in the tropical climate.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mexico versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Mérida as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Mérida is approximately 7%, which indicates a balanced market with healthy tenant demand across most neighborhoods.
Across different Mérida neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from as low as 4% in high-demand areas like Centro and Montebello to as high as 12% in newer peripheral developments where supply has outpaced demand.
The current 7% vacancy rate in Mérida is slightly below the historical average for the city, reflecting the sustained demand growth from migration and lifestyle renters that has characterized the market over the past several years.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Mérida is approximately 32 days, which reflects steady tenant demand across the city.
In Mérida, days on market varies significantly by property type and neighborhood, ranging from just 15 to 25 days for well-priced apartments in Centro and North Mérida to 45 to 70 days for overpriced houses in peripheral areas.
The current days-on-market figure in Mérida is roughly the same as one year ago, suggesting that the market has stabilized after the rapid absorption seen during the post-pandemic demand surge.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Mérida?
The peak months for tenant demand in Mérida are January through February and July through August, when the rental market sees the highest volume of new lease signings and inquiries.
The factors driving these seasonal patterns in Mérida include the new year job change cycle in January, the school calendar driving family moves in July and August, and the general preference to relocate during these transition periods rather than mid-year.
The months with lowest tenant demand in Mérida are typically October through November and April through May, when fewer people are actively looking to move and landlords may need to be more flexible on pricing to attract tenants.
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What will my monthly costs be in Mérida as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Mérida can expect to pay annual property taxes (predial) typically ranging from MXN 2,000 to MXN 8,000 for most residential properties, which works out to $120 to $470 USD or €110 to €430 EUR per year.
The realistic range of annual predial in Mérida spans from under MXN 1,500 for modest homes to over MXN 15,000 ($880 USD / €810 EUR) for high-value properties in premium neighborhoods like Yucatán Country Club or Cabo Norte.
Property taxes in Mérida are calculated based on the cadastral value of the property, and in some cases the municipality may reference rental or usage value with a specific tariff, which landlords can verify using the official Mérida calculator.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Mérida right now?
In Mérida, landlords most commonly pay utilities when offering furnished or all-inclusive rentals, with the utilities typically covered being water and sometimes internet, while electricity almost always remains the tenant's responsibility.
When landlords do cover water in Mérida, the typical monthly cost is MXN 150 to MXN 400 ($9 to $24 USD / €8 to €22 EUR) based on JAPAY tariffs, and internet runs MXN 400 to MXN 700 ($24 to $41 USD / €22 to €38 EUR) based on common Telmex packages.
The common practice in Mérida is for tenants to pay their own electricity, water, and internet in standard long-term unfurnished rentals, while furnished and short-term rentals often bundle some or all utilities into the monthly rent.
How is rental income taxed in Mérida as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Mérida is taxed under Mexico's federal Régimen de Arrendamiento, with rates varying based on total income but typically ranging from 10% to 35% on net rental income after deductions, and residential leasing is generally VAT-exempt.
The main deductions landlords in Mérida can claim against rental income include a standard "blind deduction" of 35% of gross rental income without receipts, or alternatively actual documented expenses including property taxes, maintenance, mortgage interest, and depreciation.
A common tax mistake specific to Mérida landlords is failing to properly document furnished rental income or confusing the VAT exemption rules, since the residential (casa-habitación) exemption only applies when the property is used exclusively as a primary residence by the tenant.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Mérida.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mexico compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mérida, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| INEGI INPC | INEGI is Mexico's official national statistics agency, and INPC is the authoritative inflation index used across the country. | We used it to anchor rent growth estimates to official inflation data and ensure our projections align with Mexico-wide price trends. We also referenced it as the baseline for how rents are commonly indexed in Mexico. |
| Banxico SIE | Banxico is Mexico's central bank, and SIE is the official portal for economic data including inflation expectations. | We used it to ground our 2026 rent growth outlook in official macroeconomic projections. We kept rent projections consistent with expected inflation rather than guessing. |
| Propiedades.com Apartments | Propiedades.com is a major Mexican property portal with transparent median and average listing statistics by city. | We used it as the backbone for apartment rent levels and price per square meter in Mérida. We also used its top colonias list to identify real neighborhood names rather than vague labels. |
| Propiedades.com Houses | The same major portal provides parallel data for house rentals, which is important in a city where many families rent houses. | We used it to cross-check apartment figures against the house rental market and identify family-friendly neighborhoods. We used its neighborhood averages to spot high-rent and budget-friendly areas. |
| Vivanuncios | Vivanuncios is a long-running classifieds platform that publishes structured price guides for Mexican cities. | We used it to triangulate bedroom-based rent levels for studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. We used it as an independent cross-check so we weren't relying on a single data source. |
| Inmuebles24 Index | Inmuebles24 is a major property portal, and their Index posts link to periodic market reports. | We used it as a second private-sector benchmark for rent levels and as qualitative support for which colonias stand out. We avoided building our neighborhood story from just one dataset. |
| Centro Urbano | Centro Urbano is a recognized housing and urbanism outlet that clearly attributes its underlying data sources. | We used it to quantify demand momentum and support estimates for days on market and rent growth direction. We only used claims where they explicitly cited underlying data. |
| SHF Housing Price Index | SHF is a federal housing-finance institution with published, auditable price series for Mexican housing markets. | We used it as a sanity check on housing market heat since prices often lead rents. We used it to explain why Mérida rents can stay firm even if inflation cools. |
| Mérida Municipal Finance | This is the official municipal government site for Mérida's finance department and tax information. | We used it to explain how predial property tax is calculated based on cadastral value or rental value. We used it to give realistic landlord cost guidance specific to Mérida. |
| Mérida Predial Calculator | This is an official municipal service tool that allows property owners to calculate their predial directly. | We used it to show landlords and owners how to verify their property tax rather than trusting estimates. We included it as a verification path in our methodology. |
| SAT Arrendamiento | SAT is Mexico's official tax authority, and this is their guidance page for rental income taxation. | We used it to describe how rental income is handled in Mexico at a high level without getting overly technical. We used it to keep the tax section accurate and verifiable. |
| SAT VAT Exemption | This is direct SAT normative guidance about VAT exemptions for specific activities including residential leasing. | We used it to state the core rule that residential casa-habitación leasing is VAT-exempt. We highlighted when VAT might apply without hand-waving the details. |
| CFE Tarifa 1B | CFE is Mexico's national electricity utility, and this is the official domestic tariff page for the region. | We used it to explain why electricity can be a meaningful tenant cost in Mérida's hot climate. We used it to build a realistic utilities budget instead of guessing random numbers. |
| JAPAY Water Tariffs | JAPAY is the official water utility for Yucatán state, including the Mérida service area. | We used it to ground water costs in an official schedule rather than typical blog estimates. We used it to explain what landlords sometimes include in managed or furnished setups. |
| Telmex Infinitum | Telmex is a major national internet provider, and this is their official residential package page. | We used it to anchor internet costs in something checkable and current. We used it to explain what's typically paid by tenants versus included in furnished rentals. |
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