Toluca Mexico House Rentals on US $400 a Month (Contact before buying)

Where Is Toluca?

Toluca is the capital of the State of Mexico (Estado de México). It sits in a valley about 8,700 feet above sea level, just 39 miles southwest of Mexico City (CDMX). This places it in the heart of central Mexico, offering a mild climate and excellent road and rail connections.

The metro area has over 2.3 million people, with nearly a million living in the city itself. This is not a small town but a full-fledged city with real infrastructure, yet without the sky-high costs.

Many people work in CDMX but live in Toluca due to lower rents and a more relaxed lifestyle, leading to regular daily commuting between the two cities.

Toluca has good infrastructure for comfortable living in Mexico.

What Is the Weather Like in Toluca?

If you’re tired of hot and humid beach towns, Toluca might feel like a dream. It has a subtropical highland climate, which means mild, sweater weather year-round without getting too cold.

- Summer: Some rain, highs around 68°F

- Warmest Month (May): Highs around 72°F, lows in the mid-40s

- Nights & Early Mornings: Can get chilly, especially in winter (bring a good jacket and maybe a space heater)

The altitude makes the sun feel stronger, so sunscreen and moisturizer for dry air are recommended.

Neighborhoods in Toluca: Where Should You Live?

Toluca offers a variety of neighborhoods suited for newcomers, highlighted below:

Toluca Centro and Barrio de la Merced

- The city’s heart with 18th and 19th-century buildings, arched walkways, traditional markets, and landmarks like the Cosmovitral.

- Housing ranges from colonial homes to modern lofts.

- Ideal for those who love walkable areas, restaurants, museums, and shopping.

- Can be noisy due to events and street vendors, so not ideal if you want complete quiet.

Rental prices (exchange rate approx. 18.80 MXN = 1 USD):

- Furnished studios/1-bedrooms: 6,500–8,500 pesos ($350–$460 USD)

- Modern lofts with gym/security: 11,000–14,000 pesos ($595–$750 USD)

- Large, older 3-bed apartments: around 6,000 pesos ($325 USD)

- Renovated 4+ bedroom historic homes: around 20,000 pesos ($1,050 USD)

Colonia Cypres and Colonia Morelos

- Southwest of Centro, these are quieter, family-oriented neighborhoods.

- More space, less traffic, but still close to schools, shops, and restaurants.

- Feel more local, less touristy, and have lower rent and service prices.

- Housing includes apartments and single-family homes, often with yards or patios.

Metepec

- Adjacent to Toluca, Metepec is a “Pueblo Mágico” known for its culture, history, and charm.

- Features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, artisan vibe, and famous clay artwork like “Tree of Life” sculptures.

- Offers boutique hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and shopping centers.

- Walkable, trendy, and maintains a small-town feel—great for a mix of traditional Mexico and modern convenience.

Cost of Living in Toluca

Toluca is more affordable than places like San Miguel de Allende or Puerto Vallarta. Typical monthly costs:

- Rent (1-bedroom in a good area): $350–$750 USD

- Utilities (electricity, water, gas): $50–$75 USD

- Cell phone and internet: $25–$35 USD

- Groceries for two: $200–$300 USD

- Eating out: $5–$10 casual meal; $20–$40 for a nice dinner for two

- Public transport or Uber: Usually under $5 per ride

Tip: Rent on the lower end of your budget to allow for exchange rate fluctuations and monthly spending cushion.

A couple can easily live comfortably on less than $1,500 USD per month all-in.

Transportation and the New CDMX-Toluca Train

Getting around Toluca is easy. Many areas like Centro and Metepec are walkable, but other options include:

- Public buses and colectivos (shared vans)

- Uber and Didi, cheap and convenient

- Taxis (less common but available)

New high-speed train: El Insurgente

- Route: Toluca to CDMX (Santa Fe Station; more stations coming)

- Travel time: About 39 minutes

- Cost: 60 pesos (~$3 USD) per ride

- Modern, clean, and efficient — makes commuting to Mexico City easier than ever.

Healthcare in Toluca

As a state capital, Toluca has excellent healthcare options, including public hospitals, private clinics, and specialists. Facilities like Hospital Mac offer modern equipment and professional care, a solid choice for expats.

- Many doctors speak some English.

- Care is accessible without private insurance, but many expats opt for private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

- For specialists unavailable in Toluca, world-class hospitals in CDMX are just about an hour away.

What To Do in Toluca

Toluca offers plenty of activities:

- Visit the Cosmovitral botanical garden with incredible stained glass.

- Explore traditional markets like Mercado 16 de Septiembre.

- Discover museums, plazas, and art galleries.

- Hike the Nevado de Toluca volcano (snow in winter!).

- Take day trips to nearby mountain towns and natural parks.

- Close to Puebla, San Miguel de Allende, and CDMX for weekend getaways.

Pros and Cons of Living in Toluca

Pros

- Affordable rent and living expenses

- Cool, pleasant weather year-round

- Walkable city with good public transport

- Close to Mexico City without high prices

- Authentic Mexican lifestyle with fewer tourists

- Access to quality healthcare and modern services

Cons

- Fewer English speakers—basic Spanish needed

- High altitude may affect those with heart conditions

- Air quality can be an issue on some days

- Nights can get cold; not all homes have heating