Big appliances: ship or buy there?
Appliances are heavy, bulky and — in our October 2026 checks — often cheaper in Mexico than in the U.S. Add voltage and gas-type differences, and many households are better off selling the big ones before they leave.
Updated
- Fridges and ranges were cheaper in Mexico: a Samsung 22 cu ft French-door fridge listed at MXN 18,499 (≈$1,024) vs $1,499–1,799 in the U.S.; a 30" Whirlpool LP range at MXN 6,799 (≈$376).
- Washers and dryers are closer: Samsung front-load washer ≈$692 in Mexico vs $809.99; gas dryer ≈$664 vs $829.99 — shipping can win if your rate is low.
- Gas and voltage matter: about 79% of Mexican households cook with LP gas, and U.S. gas appliances usually ship set up for natural gas. 240 V U.S. appliances need a 220 V circuit.
Five appliances through the calculator
Shipping at our $10/cu ft placeholder. The break-even column shows how high your mover's rate can go before replacing wins.
| Item | U.S. new | Est. resale | Mexico price | Cost to bring | Verdict | Ship if under |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung 22 cu ft French-door fridge | $1,650 | $825 | $1,024 | $520 | Replace | $6.05/cu ft |
Samsung front-load washer | $810 | $405 | $692 | $214 | Ship | $16.7/cu ft |
Samsung gas dryer A U.S. gas dryer will likely need LP conversion. | $830 | $415 | $664 | $213 | Ship | $14.9/cu ft |
30" gas range The Mexican model ships set up for LP gas. | $900 | $450 | $376 | $259 | Replace | — |
LG 1.5 cu ft microwave | $250 | $125 | $160 | $33 | Ship | $16.85/cu ft |
Prices checked 2026-10-01 at Home Depot México, Best Buy and Samsung US; MXN converted at 18.071 (Banxico FIX 2026-09-29). Resale assumed at 50% of new (Consumer Reports: used appliances sell ~50% below new). Volumes approximate.
Mexico vs U.S. appliance prices
| Appliance | Mexico (MXN) | ≈ USD | U.S. (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 22 cu ft French-door fridge | 18,499 | 1,024 | 1,499–1,799 |
| Samsung front-load washer (20 kg MX / 4.5 cu ft US) | 12,499 | 692 | 809.99 |
| Samsung gas dryer | 11,999 | 664 | 829.99 |
| Whirlpool 30" gas range (6-burner LP in MX, 4-burner in US) | 6,799 | 376 | 798.97–1,019.99 |
| LG 1.5 cu ft microwave | 2,899 | 160 | ≈240–260 |
| LG 1-ton inverter mini-split | 8,699 | 481 | — (buy locally) |
Models are the same or closest available on each side; Home Depot México sale prices change often.
Voltage: what works and what doesn't
- Mexico's standard is 127 V / 60 Hz with the same type A/B plugs as the U.S., so 120 V appliances — fridges, washers, microwaves, most kitchen gadgets — generally work without adapters.
- 240 V U.S. appliances (electric dryers, electric ranges) need a 220 V circuit. Mexican homes can get 220 V service from CFE on request, and Home Depot México sells 220 V dryers and mini-splits — but have an electrician confirm compatibility before you ship one.
Gas: LP vs natural gas
INEGI's household energy survey found 79% of Mexican households cook with LP gas and 7% with natural gas. U.S. gas ranges and dryers are commonly set up for natural gas and need an LP conversion kit installed by a qualified technician (GE and Whirlpool both sell them). Mexican models are listed as “LP convertible to natural” or the reverse. Factor the conversion — or the hassle — into your decision.
Check your appliance
Enter your appliance's value and the Mexican price you found.
Bringing it costs less than selling and buying again.
35 cu ft · Send it with your mover or freight.
Bring it = shipping (volume × rate, + fragile premium) + insurance + duties. Sell & replace = Mexico replacement price − U.S. resale after fees. The cheaper net cost wins.
Duties default to 0%. Some movers may qualify for a household-goods (menaje de casa) exemption; eligibility and rules vary. Confirm with a Mexican consulate or licensed customs broker — MenajeFlow is not legal or customs advice.
Add your items in minutes and get a take / ship / sell / replace plan with every assumption visible. Free, no account.
Questions people ask
Are appliances cheaper in Mexico than in the U.S.?
Several were in our October 2026 checks: a Samsung 22 cu ft French-door fridge listed at about $1,024 at Home Depot México versus $1,499–1,799 in the U.S., and a 30" LP gas range at about $376. Washers and dryers were closer to U.S. prices.
Will my U.S. washer and fridge work in Mexico?
Generally yes: Mexico uses 127 V / 60 Hz with the same plug types as the U.S. 240 V appliances need a 220 V circuit, and gas appliances usually need conversion to LP gas.
Should I ship my gas stove to Mexico?
Often not. In our example the U.S. range resold for more than a new LP range costs in Mexico, and a U.S. range would usually need an LP conversion. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Sources
Every price and rule on this page comes from these sources, checked on the date shown. Prices change; tell us if you find a better one.
- 01Home Depot México — Samsung RF22A4110S9 22 cu ft (MXN 18,499) — checked 2026-10-01
- 02Samsung US — RF22A4111SR 22 cu ft ($1,799; $1,498.97 at P.C. Richard) — checked 2026-10-01
- 03Home Depot México — Samsung WF20T6000AW 20 kg (MXN 12,499) — checked 2026-10-01
- 04Best Buy — Samsung WF45T6000AW ($809.99) — checked 2026-10-01
- 05Home Depot México — Samsung DVG24T6000W gas dryer (MXN 11,999) — checked 2026-10-01
- 06Best Buy — Samsung DVG45T6000W gas dryer ($829.99) — checked 2026-10-01
- 07Home Depot México — Whirlpool WFR3200B 30" LP range (MXN 6,799) — checked 2026-10-01
- 08Best Buy — Whirlpool WFG320M0MS 30" gas range ($1,019.99; $798.97 at P.C. Richard) — checked 2026-10-01
- 09Home Depot México — LG MS1536GIS 1.5 cu ft (MXN 2,899) — checked 2026-10-01
- 10Home Depot México — LG 1-ton inverter mini-split (MXN 8,699) — checked 2026-10-01
- 11Banco de México — tipo de cambio FIX — checked 2026-10-01
- 12Consumer Reports — Used appliances (2025-04-15) — checked 2026-10-01
- 13WorldStandards — Mexico plugs and voltage — checked 2026-10-01
- 14El Informador — Changing to 220 V service with CFE (2025-04-24) — checked 2026-10-01
- 15INEGI — ENCEVI 2018 (household energy use) — checked 2026-10-01
- 16GE Appliances — LP conversion for gas appliances — checked 2026-10-01
- 17Whirlpool — Gas range LP conversion kit W10825584 — checked 2026-10-01
MenajeFlow gives planning estimates. It is not a moving company, customs broker or legal adviser — confirm customs requirements with your Mexican consulate and a licensed customs broker.