Cost Comparison 2025

Mexico CityvsMoscow

Mexico
Russia

Overall

💰

+11.1%

Mexico City is 11.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+37.5%

Restaurants 37.5% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+12.5%

Food shopping 12.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mexico City, Mexico and Moscow, Russia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mexico City is more expensive than Moscow by approximately 11.1%. 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 similar than in Moscow. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City's city center costs around MX$15,000, while the same in Moscow is approximately RUB 80,000.

Dining out in Mexico City offers significant savings compared to Moscow. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs MX$100 in Mexico City versus RUB 600 in Moscow.

Public transportation in Mexico City is more affordable, with monthly passes at MX$500 compared to RUB 2,700 in Moscow.

Grocery shopping in Mexico City is more affordable by approximately 11%. 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 Moscow, the same lifestyle would cost around RUB 23,560. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about MX$17,675 monthly in Mexico City versus RUB 82,460 in Moscow. 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
Moscow, Russia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
MX$15,000
RUB 80,000
1BR Outside Center
MX$8,000
RUB 45,000
3BR City Center
MX$30,000
RUB 150,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
MX$100
RUB 600
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
MX$700
RUB 3,000
Cappuccino
MX$60
RUB 200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
MX$40
RUB 200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
MX$25
RUB 90
Bread (500g)
MX$35
RUB 45
Eggs (12)
MX$35
RUB 120
Cheese (1kg)
MX$120
RUB 700

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
MX$5
RUB 60
Monthly Pass
MX$500
RUB 2,700
Taxi Start
MX$40
RUB 150
Gasoline (1L)
MX$23
RUB 55

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
MX$1,000
RUB 8,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
MX$500
RUB 600
Mobile Minute
MX$2
RUB 3

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mexico City to Moscow, 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 Moscow 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

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City more expensive than Moscow?

Yes, Mexico City is approximately 11.1% more expensive than Moscow overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Moscow salary when living in Mexico City. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Moscow, you'd need about $55,556 in Mexico City for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 27%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Moscow, these figures are RUB 68,560 for singles and RUB 167,460 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Mexico City and Moscow in 2025 shows notable 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 Moscow to maintain your lifestyle from Mexico City

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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