⚖️ City comparison
New York vs Mexico City
Thinking of leaving New York for Mexico City? Here is how life in Mexico City, Mexico compares with New York on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Mexico City is 67% cheaper: $1,986 vs $5,970 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Mexico City: $1,169 vs $4,285 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Mexico City has more pleasant weather: 12 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Mexico City is warmer: highs average 13°F more across the year (coldest-month high 70°F vs 41°F in New York; hottest 83°F vs 88°F).
- Residents rate New York safer: a safety index of 49 vs 34 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in New York: 390 vs 184 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in New York: PM2.5 of 7.9 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 | 🇲🇽 Mexico City | 🇺🇸 New York |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 63 | 53 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,986 | $5,970 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,169 | $4,285 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $817 | $1,685 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 12 | 6 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 70–83°F | 41–88°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 34/100 (residents) | 49/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 184 Mbps | 390 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 19.4 µg/m³ | 7.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Very low (EF) | Official language |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | High | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Very low | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~2h to Houston | In the US |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 7 h | 7 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 180 days | You live here |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | No nomad visa | Not needed |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Local income only, top 35% | US tax as now |
Best months to be there
🇲🇽 Mexico City
8 best months
🇺🇸 New York
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Mexico City climate · New York climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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