⚖️ City comparison
Portland vs Mexico City
Thinking of leaving Portland for Mexico City? Here is how life in Mexico City, Mexico compares with Portland on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Mexico City is 42% cheaper: $1,986 vs $3,416 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Mexico City: $1,169 vs $2,063 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 14°F more across the year (coldest-month high 70°F vs 45°F in Portland; hottest 83°F vs 85°F).
- Residents rate Portland safer: a safety index of 42 vs 34 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Portland: 392 vs 184 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Portland: PM2.5 of 4.9 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 | 🇺🇸 Portland |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 63 | 55 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,986 | $3,416 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,169 | $2,063 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $817 | $1,352 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 12 | 6 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 70–83°F | 45–85°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 34/100 (residents) | 42/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 184 Mbps | 392 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 19.4 µg/m³ | 4.9 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 | 6 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
🇺🇸 Portland
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Mexico City climate · Portland climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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