Cost Comparison 2025

Mexico CityvsDenver

Mexico
United States

Overall

💰

+77.8%

Mexico City is 77.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+71.4%

Housing is 71.4% higher

Dining

🍽️

+95.0%

Restaurants 95.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+105.0%

Food shopping 105.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mexico City, Mexico and Denver, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mexico City is more expensive than Denver by approximately 77.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Mexico City are lower than in Denver by 42%. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City's city center costs around MX$15,000, while the same in Denver is approximately $1,900.

Dining out in Mexico City offers significant savings compared to Denver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs MX$100 in Mexico City versus $17 in Denver.

Public transportation in Mexico City is more expensive, with monthly passes at MX$500 compared to $114 in Denver.

Purchasing power in Denver is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Mexico City.

Grocery shopping in Mexico City is more affordable by approximately 51%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Mexico City can expect to spend approximately MX$5,050 per month (excluding rent), while in Denver, the same lifestyle would cost around $616. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about MX$17,675 monthly in Mexico City versus $2,155 in Denver. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Mexico City, Mexico
Denver, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
MX$15,000
$1,900
1BR Outside Center
MX$8,000
$1,500
3BR City Center
MX$30,000
$3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
MX$100
$17
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
MX$700
$80
Cappuccino
MX$60
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
MX$40
$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
MX$25
$1
Bread (500g)
MX$35
$3
Eggs (12)
MX$35
$4
Cheese (1kg)
MX$120
$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
MX$5
$3
Monthly Pass
MX$500
$114
Taxi Start
MX$40
$4
Gasoline (1L)
MX$23
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
MX$1,000
$130
Internet (60 Mbps)
MX$500
$65
Mobile Minute
MX$2
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mexico City to Denver, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Denver to Mexico City requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Mexico City

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index45

Denver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City more expensive than Denver?

Yes, Mexico City is approximately 77.8% more expensive than Denver overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Mexico City compared to Denver?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your Denver salary when living in Mexico City. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Denver, you'd need about $88,889 in Mexico City for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mexico City and Denver?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 51%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Denver offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Denver provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Mexico City if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Denver for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Mexico City vs Denver?

In Mexico City, a single person needs approximately MX$13,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about MX$35,675. In Denver, these figures are $2,116 for singles and $4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Mexico City and Denver in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Denver to maintain your lifestyle from Mexico City

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers