Cost of Living: Mexico City vs Tokyo (2026)

Mexico City is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1173/month in Mexico City vs $1359/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Tokyo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Mexico City has a rate of 26.11 per 100,000 and Tokyo has 0.23 per 100,000.

Tokyo scores 71 to Mexico City's 44 on livability — the gap is real. Mexico City has its charms, but the numbers favor Tokyo. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Mexico City: Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (moderate requirements, 1–4 years). Tokyo: Japan Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 6 months (no renewal)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Tokyo is warmer in summer (28°C vs 24°C). Mexico City has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1173/month in Mexico City, $1359/month in Tokyo (Numbeo). That's 14% cheaper rent in Mexico City.

Tokyo scores 8.5/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 5.3/10 for Mexico City. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.

Tokyo scores higher on our composite healthcare index (85/100 vs 63/100 for Mexico City). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.