🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇲🇽 Mexico City

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Houston

United States

$2,154–$3,410/mo

$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)

🇲🇽

Mexico City

Mexico

$1,292–$2,046/mo

$22,276 – $35,276 / month (local)

Houston is 67% more expensive

Mexico City wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryHouston (USD)Mexico City (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,615–$2,513$969–$1,508🟢 Mexico City
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$853–$1,346$512–$808🟢 Mexico City
Utilities$67–$130$40–$78🟢 Mexico City
Groceries$341–$512$205–$307🟢 Mexico City
Eating out (mid-range meal)$45–$81$27–$48🟢 Mexico City
Public transport (monthly)$85–$103$51–$62🟢 Mexico City
Internet & Mobile$27–$45$16–$27🟢 Mexico City
Gym membership$31–$58$19–$35🟢 Mexico City
Cinema ticket$13–$16$8–$10🟢 Mexico City
Monthly total (single)$2,154–$3,410$1,292–$2,046🟢 Mexico City

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

Housing5.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Houston
Mexico City▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Houston if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Houston offers vs Mexico City
  • Affordable housing
  • Diversity
  • Energy jobs
  • Energy sector

Choose Mexico City if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Houston
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Value
  • Remote workers

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Full Houston guide

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Explore Houston

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Full Mexico City guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Mexico City