Quito vs Mexico City

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Quito is roughly 12% more affordable than Mexico City (index 21 vs 24, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Quito
More affordable overall
12% cheaper than Mexico City · Cost index: 21 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

21✓Cost Index24
550Median Income /mo1,695✓
52Safety Index55✓
12✓Income Tax %17
55Internet (Mbps)67✓
135✓Coworking /mo170

Price Breakdown

QuitoCategoryMexico City
$560/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% cheaper →
$1,149/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
8% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$12/meal
$27/month
Monthly Transit Pass
4% cheaper →
$28/month
$65/month
Utilities (Monthly)
6% cheaper →
$69/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Quito

Internet55 Mbps
Coworking$135/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability65/100

Mexico City

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$170/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quito cheaper than Mexico City?

Quito is cheaper than Mexico City. Quito has a cost of living index of 21/100 compared to 24/100 for Mexico City (New York = 100), making it roughly 12% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Quito than Mexico City?

Quito is approximately 12% cheaper than Mexico City based on cost index scores (21 vs 24, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Mexico City could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,651/month in Quito.

What is the rent comparison between Quito and Mexico City?

In Quito, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $560/month. In Mexico City, the equivalent is around $1,149/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Quito offers 55 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$135/month. Mexico City offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$170/month. Quito has a cost advantage of 12%.

What is the average income in Quito vs Mexico City?

The median net monthly salary in Quito is approximately $550 USD, compared to $1,695 USD in Mexico City.

Compare Quito with…

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