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The State of Unemployment and Economic Growth in Saltillo

@Mila Sanders2/13/2026blog
The State of Unemployment and Economic Growth in Saltillo

okay, so like, i was scrolling through some government stuff - y’know, the boring kind - and it made me wonder about Saltillo lately. it’s not exactly a booming metropolis, but it’s got its moments, right? and the economic stuff… well, it’s a mixed bag.


basically, the unemployment rate is hovering around the national average - give or take a few percent. it’s not a crisis, but it’s definitely not a golden age either. i saw a report saying it's at about percent, which is… okay. not great, but not the worst i’ve seen. it’s a little unsettling thinking about it, though, especially when you see all those little cafes struggling to stay open.

*La Plaza Mayor: A Place of Both Hope and Worry

the center of town, La Plaza Mayor, you know, the place where they have the markets and the bullfights… it feels… different. there's still a buzz, but it's quieter than it used to be. i overheard someone at a churrería saying the tourism scene has slowed down a bit. “people are still coming,” they said, “but they’re being… more cautious.” which is understandable, i guess. remember those crazy inflation numbers back in… well, you know.

and the cost of living? it's surprisingly manageable. i did some digging, and here's a little taste of what things cost, according to a recent Numbeo survey. i'm not saying it’s cheap, but it’s definitely more affordable than, say, Mexico City. the numbers are just… interesting.

brown mountain under blue sky during daytime


Rent & Real Estate: The Struggle is Real

rent is… a thing. especially if you’re looking for something a little… central. a basic one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood might be around pesos per month. but then you’ve got the outskirts, the residential areas… those can be really cheap. like, budget student cheap. but you lose out on the vibe, you know? and the commute. don’t even get me started on the commute. it’s a whole thing.

The Arts Scene: A Flicker of Life

thank god for the arts scene. it's a little scrappy, but it’s alive. you’ve got street artists popping up all over the place - just look at the murals around the old factory district. they’re amazing. and there are a bunch of small galleries tucked away in those side streets. it’s a real breath of fresh air. i saw a performance art piece done with old tortillas the other night - seriously impressive. and the music scene? a total vibe. local bands playing in tiny clubs, everyone’s got a guitar.

a black and white photo of a woman holding a camera


the other day, i was talking to this guy who runs a vintage shop downtown. he kept saying, “you gotta look past the slow growth. there’s still a lot of potential here.” and honestly? i think he’s right. it’s not going to be some sudden economic boom, but there’s a resilience here. a spirit. and that’s something.

Overheard Gossip:

“remember when they said the agave prices were going to skyrocket? guess what? they’re still insane.” (someone at the market, probably.)
“the new shopping mall… it’s all glass and steel. feels kinda… soulless, doesn’t it?” (a local vendor, definitely.)
“i heard there’s a new co-working space opening up near the university. good for the digital nomads, i guess.” (a barista, totally.)

for anyone planning a trip to Saltillo, i’d say, come for the history, come for the food (seriously, the mole is out of this world), and come to soak up the atmosphere. just… maybe don’t expect a complete economic transformation overnight. it's a city with a story to tell, and that's what really matters.

TripAdvisor for tourist info. and check out Yelp for restaurant recommendations.

and for a little local perspective? check out the Saltillo subreddit. you might get some more… unfiltered insights.

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About the author: Mila Sanders

Believes that every problem has a solution (or at least a workaround).

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