🇺🇸 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

CategoryLos 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

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📊

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