City Profile
Villahermosa, Tabasco
Mexico · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco state in southeastern Mexico, is a vibrant city known as "The Emerald of the Southeast." Its history dates back to the early 1500s, evolving from a colonial settlement into a modern industrial and commercial hub. Strategically located on the banks of the Grijalva River, the city has historically leveraged its natural resources, including cacao, sugarcane, and hardwoods, to foster economic growth. The discovery of significant oil fields in the 20th century transformed Villahermosa into the "Energy Capital of Mexico," attracting substantial investment and driving rapid development.
Beyond its economic significance, Villahermosa is a cultural center, boasting rich indigenous heritage, particularly from the Olmec and Maya civilizations, evident in attractions like the La Venta Park-Museum. The city offers a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, with numerous parks, lagoons, and ecological reserves. This combination of historical depth, economic opportunity, and natural attractions makes Villahermosa a compelling destination for both residents and visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the diverse landscape of southeastern Mexico.
Tabasco, a southeastern Mexican state, is characterized by its lush, tropical lowland landscapes and significant natural resources. Its economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry, which forms the backbone of its exports, alongside agricultural products like bananas, cocoa, and other tropical fruits. The climate is generally hot and humid with substantial rainfall, contributing to its verdant environment. Living costs in Tabasco, particularly in its capital Villahermosa, are considered moderate compared to larger Mexican cities, with a comfortable monthly budget for a single person estimated between $1,050 to $1,620 USD, including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. The lifestyle offers a blend of urban amenities with easy access to nature, including rivers, parks, and nearby archaeological sites.
How this 74/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 49 / 100 | 49.0 | 30% | 14.7 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 35.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: no usable reading Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 2.67% | 91.6 | 20% | 18.3 |
| Growth | No usable reading — dataset average used | 56.4 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 73.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
3 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Villahermosa is generally considered moderate, falling close to the world's average and significantly lower than in many North American cities. While specific figures vary, estimates suggest a single person might spend around $1045 USD per month without rent, and a family of four could incur costs of approximately $2510 USD monthly, excluding housing [20]. Key drivers of expenses include housing, food, and utilities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is estimated at around $588 USD per month, with larger apartments or homes in more central areas costing upwards of $994 USD [9, 30]. Groceries for a single person are estimated at $242 USD monthly, while dining out at mid-range restaurants for two can cost around $38 USD [20, 26].
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Villahermosa's economy is heavily influenced by its role as the "Energy Capital of Mexico," driven by extensive oil and gas operations in the surrounding state of Tabasco [3, 11]. Beyond the energy sector, the city's economy is diversified by agriculture, processing tropical crops like cacao, sugarcane, and bananas, as well as forestry and manufacturing [4]. Tourism also plays a role, attracting visitors interested in nearby Olmec and Maya ruins, river excursions, and the city's own cultural sites like the La Venta Park-Museum [4, 14]. The city's commercial development is robust, with major retailers and financial institutions serving its population and contributing to its economic vitality.
The average salary in Villahermosa is $7,059 per year.
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Getting around Villahermosa involves a mix of public and private transport. The average commute time to work is approximately 30.3 minutes, with most residents traveling within an hour [2]. Public transport primarily consists of buses and 'combis' (minivans), which are affordable and widely used, though payment is typically in cash, and small change is recommended [2, 24]. Taxis are also readily available. For longer distances, Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (VSA) provides air connectivity to Mexico City and other hubs [14, 24]. While walkability scores are not explicitly available, the city's layout and reliance on public transport suggest a medium level of car dependency.
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