Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILMexico City, Mexico

You would need around 56.1% less money in Mexico City, Mexico to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

56.1%

Mexico City, Mexico is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,168 USD
Difference-51.5%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B94 USD
Difference-67.9%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B1,115 USD
Difference-78.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Mexico City, Mexico? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Mexico City, Mexico is 56.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Mexico City, Mexico's center costs around 1,168 USD, which is a staggering 51.5% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Mexico City, Mexico is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Mexico City, Mexico to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Mexico City, Mexico

2,255 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Mexico City, Mexico and investing the 56% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 8.4 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Mexico City, Mexico prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1168 USD
Groceries94 USD
Utilities & Internet47 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1238 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Mexico City, Mexico.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~207,984 USD in 10 years.