Mexico City vs Lima

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lima is roughly 16% more affordable than Mexico City (index 20 vs 24, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lima
More affordable overall
16% cheaper than Mexico City · Cost index: 20 vs 24

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 Index20
2,000Median Income /mo621
58Safety Index45
18Income Tax %19
107Internet (Mbps)120
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Mexico CityCategoryLima
$950/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% ← cheaper
$702/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
11% cheaper →
$0.95/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$8/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
29% ← cheaper
$25/month
$110/month
Utilities (Monthly)
39% ← cheaper
$67/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
8% ← cheaper
$55/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Mexico City

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

Lima

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City cheaper than Lima?

Lima is cheaper than Mexico City. Lima has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 24/100 for Mexico City (New York = 100), making it roughly 16% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lima than Mexico City?

Lima is approximately 16% cheaper than Mexico City based on cost index scores (20 vs 24, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Mexico City could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,512/month in Lima.

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 $702/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 120 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Lima has a cost advantage of 16%.

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 $621 USD in Lima.

Compare Mexico City with…

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