🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇲🇽 Mexico City
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇲🇽
Mexico City
Mexico
$1,292–$2,046/mo
$22,276 – $35,276 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 119% more expensive
Mexico City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | Mexico City (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $969–$1,508 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $512–$808 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $40–$78 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $205–$307 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $27–$48 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $51–$62 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $16–$27 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $19–$35 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $8–$10 | 🟢 Mexico City |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $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
Housing3.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
Mexico City
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Los Angeles
Mexico City▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Mexico City
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose Mexico City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Food
- ✓Culture
- ✓Value
- ✓Remote workers
You might also like…
📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full Mexico City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Mexico City →