Monterrey and Querétaro positioned themselves among the top emerging markets for data center development worldwide, with construction costs of $12.41 and $11.49 per watt, respectively, according to the 2026 Data Center Construction Index (DCCI) , prepared by the British multinational Turner & Townsend .
The study, which analyzes more than 500 projects underway or recently completed in 62 markets, placed Monterrey in 23rd position in the global ranking, while Querétaro came in 32nd. Both cities have lower costs than markets like Silicon Valley, USA, where the construction of this infrastructure reaches $15.01 per watt.
The measurement considers the average construction cost per watt of installed electrical capacity, which allows for comparison of the development costs of this infrastructure between different locations, regardless of the size of the facilities.
Energy and talent, challenges for expansion
The report identified the availability of electricity as one of the main obstacles to data center development. 56% of the experts consulted cited this factor as critical, while 52% indicated that the process of connecting to the electrical grid takes between one and two years, and 32% reported timeframes exceeding 24 months.
Adding to these difficulties is the availability of specialized personnel , since 81% reported moderate or severe limitations in finding workers with the required skills.
The growth of artificial intelligence is also changing the characteristics of projects. According to the study, 52% of experts predict that by 2027 most of their developments will be aimed at supporting workloads related to this technology , driving larger-scale installations and liquid cooling systems.
Supply chains, a factor in executing projects
André Rizzo , Director of Data Centers for Mexico and leader of Industrial, Science and Technology for Latin America at Turner & Townsend, highlighted that the location of Monterrey and Querétaro reflects the country’s geographic advantages and its access to cross-border markets. However, he also noted that developing megaprojects within established timeframes and budgets requires strengthening governance models, optimizing supply chains , and proactively managing energy connections.
In the regional context, Rio de Janeiro recorded a construction cost of $12.59 per watt, followed by São Paulo at $11.66. Below the Mexican markets were Montevideo, Santiago de Chile, and Bogotá , with costs of $9.89, $9.75, and $9.13 per watt, respectively.
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