🇺🇸 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
| Category | Houston (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
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Houston →📊
Full Mexico City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Mexico City →