Townleap

Cost of Living: Ajijic vs Las Vegas (2026)

Mexico vs United States — relocation comparison

TL;DRAjijic is 45% cheaper on rent ($879/mo vs $1587/mo). Las Vegas is safer — homicide rate 8.7 vs 24.9 per 100k. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
52
Livability Score
🇲🇽 Ajijic
Mexico
Full profile
56
Livability Score
🇺🇸 Las Vegas
United States
Full profile
Too close to call — 56 vs 52. Las Vegas has a slight edge, but Ajijic might suit you better depending on your priorities.
💰
Cost of Living
Ajijic
$708/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Las Vegas
8.7 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Las Vegas
7.8/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
26°C vs 39°C summers
🗣️
English
Las Vegas
higher proficiency score
Ajijic
Metric
Las Vegas
$879/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1587/mo
$247/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$747/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$6,076
24.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
8.7 / 100k
26°C
☀️
Summer high
39°C
12°C
❄️
Winter low
5°C
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.6 μg/m³
5.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.8 / 10
20/100
🗣️
Street English
100/100
$26k
💼
GDP per capita
$86k
4.7% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.9% · Boringly steady
52 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
56 / 100

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 45% cheaper in Ajijic ($879/mo vs $1587/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Las Vegas (39°C vs 26°C).
  • Las Vegas is safer by homicide rate (8.7 vs 24.9 per 100k).
  • Las Vegas scores higher on democracy (7.8 vs 5.3 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Las Vegas (100/100 vs 20/100).

Ajijic vs Las Vegas — Common Questions

Is Ajijic cheaper than Las Vegas?

Ajijic is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $879/month in Ajijic vs $1587/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Ajijic or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Ajijic has a rate of 24.86 per 100,000 and Las Vegas has 8.70 per 100,000.

Should I move to Ajijic or Las Vegas?

Too close to call — 56 vs 52. Las Vegas has a slight edge, but Ajijic might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Ajijic or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is warmer in summer (39°C vs 26°C). Ajijic has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Ajijic or Las Vegas without speaking the local language?

Las Vegas is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Ajijic (20/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.