Mexico City vs Lima

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Mexico City is roughly 4% more affordable than Lima (index 24 vs 25, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Mexico City
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Lima · Cost index: 24 vs 25

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

24Cost Index25
2,000Median Income /mo730
58Safety Index30
18Income Tax %15
107Internet (Mbps)75
200Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

Mexico CityCategoryLima
$950/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% ← cheaper
$850/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
11% cheaper →
$0.95/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% ← cheaper
$5/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
23% ← cheaper
$27/month
$110/month
Utilities (Monthly)
59% ← cheaper
$45/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
25% ← cheaper
$45/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Mexico City

Internet107 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Lima

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City cheaper than Lima?

Mexico City is cheaper than Lima. Mexico City has a cost of living index of 24/100 compared to 25/100 for Lima (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Mexico City than Lima?

Mexico City is approximately 4% cheaper than Lima based on cost index scores (24 vs 25, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lima could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,867/month in Mexico City.

What is the rent comparison between Mexico City and Lima?

In Mexico City, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $950/month. In Lima, the equivalent is around $850/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Mexico City or Lima?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Mexico City offers 107 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Lima offers 75 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Mexico City has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Mexico City vs Lima?

The median net monthly salary in Mexico City is approximately $2,000 USD, compared to $730 USD in Lima.

Compare Mexico City with…

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