Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

United States is 79% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 12.2% to 8.0%. Quality of life improves by 16 points.

The United States presents a moderately higher quality of life at 63/100 compared to Mexico's 47/100, with key differentiators in safety, healthcare, and digital connectivity. The US outscores Mexico by 40 points in safety (62 vs. 22) and a significant 21 points in healthcare (59 vs. 38), while its internet infrastructure is also superior (76 vs. 53). However, the US carries a considerably higher price level, indexed at 100 against Mexico's 48. Climate scores are relatively close (US: 64, Mexico: 67), with average temperatures of 14°C and 17°C respectively. Taxation in the US also proves more favorable at 63, compared to Mexico's 49.

The United States is the stronger choice for overall quality of life due to enhanced safety, healthcare, and infrastructure, but Mexico offers a significantly lower cost of living.

Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.

Austin23 Los Angeles23 New York21 San Francisco21

Tax Comparison

At $8,900 USD equivalent gross salary

🇲🇽 Mexico

GrossMX$181,633

Income Tax-MX$18,926

Social-MX$3,179

NetMX$159,528

Effective Rate12.2%

🇺🇸 United States

Gross$8,900

Income Tax-$34

Social-$681

Net$8,186

Effective Rate8.0%

Net difference: +$369/year in United States.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Mexico = 56, United States = 100 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$3.80→$5.69

+50%

☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$3.80→$5.50

+45%

🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$3.00→$7.00

+133%

📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$980.00→$799.00

-18%

🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$7.50→$15.49

+107%

⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.10→$0.95

-14%

🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$0.30→$2.75

+817%

🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$45.00→$120.00

+167%

See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn MX$181,633 gross in Mexico ($8,900USD), here's what you need in United States depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

$8,538

You keep the same $7,817/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 4.2% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

$15,246

Accounts for the fact that United States is 79% more expensive than Mexico. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $9K

🇲🇽 Mexico

-5

🇺🇸 United States

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Mexico: 47/100 vs United States: 63/100

Cost of Living

Climate

-3

Safety

+40

Healthcare

+21

Internet

+23

Taxation

+14

Moving to United States: Practicalities

Visa Openness

45/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

15.3%

Digital Nomad Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Mexico to United States?▾

The effective tax rate changes from 12.2% in Mexico to 8.0% in United States. You keep about $368.66 more per year in United States.

Is United States cheaper to live in than Mexico?▾

No. United States is about 79% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.

What salary do I need in United States to match my lifestyle in Mexico?▾

Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Mexico and United States. As a rule of thumb: you need a higher gross salary because United States is more expensive.

Is it worth moving from Mexico to United States?▾

It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.

Also Consider

🇲🇽 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇲🇽 → 🇫🇷 France 🇲🇽 → 🇩🇪 Germany 🇲🇽 → 🇪🇸 Spain 🇲🇽 → 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇲🇽 → 🇮🇹 Italy

Moving from 🇲🇽 Mexico to 🇺🇸 United States