Mexico City presents a more affordable urban living option with rich cultural experiences and extensive public transportation, while Austin provides a lively entertainment scene and outdoor recreation, but with concerns about safety and potential natural disasters. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding cost, safety, career opportunities, and lifestyle preferences.
| Attribute | Mexico City | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Estimated monthly costs: Family of four - $2,816.7 (excluding rent), Single person - $763.4 (excluding rent). Single person's monthly expenses around $1,273. Family's monthly expenses total approximately $3,055. Mexico City is 56.2% less expensive than New York City (excluding rent). | Approximately 3% lower than the national average (but other sources state it is higher). Housing expenses are about 3% higher than the national average. An individual needs around $70,000 annually to live comfortably. The average monthly cost of living is $4,744. |
| Job Market | Competitive job market for software engineers. | Information not available. |
| Safety and Crime Rate | Information not available. | Crime rate is above the average for cities in Texas. Overall crime rate: 4130 crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime rate: 5.03 per 1,000 people (46% higher than the national average). Property crime: 4.72 per 1,000 citizens (84% higher than the national average). West part of the city is generally considered the safest. |
| Public Transportation | Extensive system including Metro, Metrobús, trolleybuses, buses, and colectivos. The Metro is the largest in Latin America, with 12 lines and 195 stations, transporting 4.4 million people daily. A rechargeable card is valid for the subway, Metrobús, and trolleybus. | Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) provides public transportation, including bus and rail services. CapMetro operates 82 standard bus routes and 15 high-frequency routes. The MetroRail has a 32-mile line connecting Leander to downtown Austin. |
| Cultural Attractions | Rich in historical sites, museums, and cultural events. Must-see historical sites include the Templo Mayor, Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo), and Chapultepec Castle. Notable museums include the Museo Nacional de Antropología and the Museo Frida Kahlo. | Offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Blanton Museum of Art, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Mexic-Arte Museum. Known for its live music scene and hosts events like South by Southwest (SXSW). |
| Climate and Weather | Subtropical highland climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average annual temperature: 64°F (18°C). Warmest month (May) average: 64°F (18°C). Coldest month (December) average: 55°F (13°C). Rainy season: May to September (July is the wettest month). | Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average high in August: 96°F (35.6°C). Average low in January: 43°F (6.1°C). Averages 37 inches (920 mm) of precipitation annually. Prone to flooding and tornadoes. |
| Healthcare Quality | Information not available. | Information not available. |
| Education System | Information not available. | Information not available. |
| Housing Market | Property prices have increased substantially. Residential real estate prices increased by approximately 5% annually as of 2023, with higher increases in prime areas. The average monthly rent in 2024 was around MX$13,000 (US$720), but can reach upwards of MX$40,000 (US$2,250) in areas like Polanco and Santa Fe. As of December 2024, the average asking price for residential properties reached MXN 50,116 (USD 2,473) per square meter, reflecting an 8.1% year-on-year increase. | Somewhat competitive. In May 2025, the median sale price of a home was $558,000 (5% decrease compared to the previous year). Homes sell after approximately 48 days on the market. Median listing home price in June 2025 was $599,000. |
| Nightlife and Entertainment | Includes rooftop terraces, intimate cocktail bars, and fine dining. Popular nightlife areas include Roma Norte, Zona Rosa, and Condesa. Many bars and clubs stay open late, some until the early morning. | Known for its vibrant nightlife, with popular bars, restaurants, and live music venues. |
| Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities | Numerous parks and green spaces, including Bosque de Chapultepec, Parque México, and Parque de los Viveros de Coyoacán. Bosque de Chapultepec is one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering picnic spots, lakes, a zoo, and a castle. | Numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas, including Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. |
| Traffic Congestion | Known for heavy traffic congestion. In 2023, residents spent an average of 152 hours in rush hour traffic. The average commute time for a 10km trip in 2023 was 26 minutes and 30 seconds. | Information not available. |