⚖️ City comparison
Chicago vs Mexico City
Thinking of leaving Chicago for Mexico City? Here is how life in Mexico City, Mexico compares with Chicago on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Mexico City is 46% cheaper: $1,986 vs $3,676 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Mexico City: $1,169 vs $2,407 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Mexico City has more pleasant weather: 12 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Mexico City is warmer: highs average 17°F more across the year (coldest-month high 70°F vs 32°F in Chicago; hottest 83°F vs 81°F).
- Internet is faster in Chicago: 385 vs 184 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Chicago: PM2.5 of 9.7 vs 19.4 µg/m³ a year.
- Mexico has no nomad visa; you get 180 days visa-free as a tourist, and longer stays need another route (see the country guide).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇺🇸 Chicago | 🇲🇽 Mexico City |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 49 | 63 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $3,676 | $1,986 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $2,407 | $1,169 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,269 | $817 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 4 | 12 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 32–81°F | 70–83°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 35/100 (residents) | 34/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 385 Mbps | 184 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 9.7 µg/m³ | 19.4 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Official language | Very low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | High |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Very low |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | In the US | ~2h to Houston |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 7 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | You live here | 180 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Not needed | No nomad visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | US tax as now | 🔴 Heavy · Local income only, top 35% |
Best months to be there
🇺🇸 Chicago
3 best months
🇲🇽 Mexico City
8 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Chicago climate · Mexico City climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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