🇲🇽 Guadalajara vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇲🇽

Guadalajara

Mexico

$1,108–$1,754/mo

$19,103 – $30,241 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Los Angeles

United States

$2,831–$4,482/mo

$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)

Los Angeles is 156% more expensive

Guadalajara wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryGuadalajara (USD)Los Angeles (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$831–$1,292$2,123–$3,303🟢 Guadalajara
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$438–$692$1,121–$1,769🟢 Guadalajara
Utilities$35–$67$88–$171🟢 Guadalajara
Groceries$175–$263$448–$672🟢 Guadalajara
Eating out (mid-range meal)$23–$42$59–$106🟢 Guadalajara
Public transport (monthly)$44–$53$112–$136🟢 Guadalajara
Internet & Mobile$14–$23$35–$59🟢 Guadalajara
Gym membership$16–$30$41–$77🟢 Guadalajara
Cinema ticket$6–$8$17–$21🟢 Guadalajara
Monthly total (single)$1,108–$1,754$2,831–$4,482🟢 Guadalajara

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing7.5 / 10 · 3.1 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Safety8.7 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Guadalajara
Los Angeles▲ better
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Education8.3 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Environment9.1 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Economy7.4 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Culture8.0 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles
Internet8.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Guadalajara▲ better
Los Angeles

Who should choose which city?

Choose Guadalajara if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
  • Tech hub Mexico
  • Tequila region
  • Culture
  • Software

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Guadalajara
  • Weather
  • Creative industries
  • Diversity
  • Entertainment

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