The United States has a significantly larger economy ($27.4 trillion vs $1.3 trillion GDP), higher per capita income ($76,398 vs $9,946), and ranks higher on human development metrics, while Mexico has a younger population (median age 28 vs 38 years) and lower cost of living with rich cultural heritage.
Mexico vs United States — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Latin American nation with 128.3 million people, rich Mesoamerican heritage, and emerging economy centered on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
World's largest economy with 339.1 million people, global superpower known for innovation, diversity, and high standard of living.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP Per Capita. Population. Median Age. Human Development Index (HDI). Literacy Rate. Cost of Living Index
The United States dominates in economic output, infrastructure, and per capita wealth, making it superior for career advancement and developed-nation amenities. Mexico excels as a destination for budget travel, retirement with lower costs, and experiencing vibrant cultural traditions. Choose the US if you prioritize economic opportunity and high living standards; choose Mexico if you value affordability, cultural immersion, and a younger demographic landscape.
Mexico: $1.3 trillion | United States: N/A
Mexico: $520.2 billion | United States: N/A
Mexico: -$98,243 million | United States: N/A
Mexico: 431 aircraft (4 combat jets) | United States: N/A
Mexico: 80% exports to USA | United States: N/A
Mexico: Developing (Rising) | United States: N/A
Mexico: Cost-competitive, Shelter Model adaptation 2026 | United States: N/A
Mexico: Developing infrastructure | United States: N/A
Mexico: Peso - Regional | United States: N/A
Mexico: $1.31 trillion | United States: $27.36 trillion
Mexico: 128.3 million | United States: 339.1 million
Mexico: 28 years | United States: 38 years
Mexico: N/A | United States: $25.5 Trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $877 Billion
Mexico: N/A | United States: 9.8 Million
Mexico: N/A | United States: $30+ trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: Global leader (Intel, NVIDIA, TSMC partners)
Mexico: N/A | United States: Lower exposure (potential beneficiary)
Mexico: N/A | United States: Potential +0.5% from policy
Mexico: N/A | United States: 0.5%+ (estimated)
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Mexico: N/A | United States: Minimal (<5%)
Mexico: N/A | United States: Minimal exposure
Mexico: N/A | United States: $27.4 trillion
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
Mexico: N/A | United States: $3,981 (2022)
Mexico: N/A | United States: $11,109.2 billion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $925.8 billion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $2,174.6 billion
Mexico: N/A | United States: 0.34 billion
Mexico: N/A | United States: 3,794,100 sq mi
Mexico: N/A | United States: Rank 1 (global superpower)
Mexico: N/A | United States: $28.9 trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: 2.0% (Q1 2026)
Mexico: N/A | United States: 1st largest
Mexico: N/A | United States: Reference (leader)
Years to Close GDP Gap (at current growth rates)
Mexico: N/A | United States: N/A (declining relative position)
Mexico: N/A | United States: Minimal direct impact
Mexico: N/A | United States: Global leader in chip design
Mexico: N/A | United States: $27.9 trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: 346 companies
Mexico: N/A | United States: 312 million
Mexico: N/A | United States: $28.7 trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $2.1 trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $36 trillion
Mexico: N/A | United States: $26.9 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
Mexico: N/A | United States: $285 billion
How to choose between Mexico and United States
Mexico vs United States — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mexico vs United States. Contains 82 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mexico vs United States — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mexico vs United States.
Which country has a better quality of life?
The United States ranks higher on quality of life metrics with an HDI of 0.921 versus Mexico's 0.779, reflecting better healthcare access, higher incomes ($76,398 vs $9,946 per capita), and superior infrastructure. However, Mexico offers superior quality of life for retirees and budget travelers due to 49% lower costs while maintaining good cultural amenities, especially in cities like Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.
Is it cheaper to live in Mexico than the United States?
Yes, Mexico's cost of living is approximately 49% lower than the US (index: 51.4 vs 100). Rent averages $400-600/month outside major cities versus $1,500+ in US cities; groceries cost 40-50% less; and dining out averages $4-8 per meal versus $12-20 in the US. This makes Mexico attractive for retirees, with many Americans earning US pensions living comfortably on $1,500-2,000/month.
The United States has a homicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000 people, while Mexico averages 15.7 per 100,000, though rates vary dramatically by region. Mexico's northern border states and certain areas have higher violence linked to drug trafficking, while most tourist destinations and southern regions are safe. US crime is more dispersed across urban areas. Both countries have safe and dangerous zones; personal safety depends more on specific location choice than nationality.
What are the career and income opportunities?
The US offers significantly higher salaries with median annual income of $56,116 versus Mexico's $6,148 (9x higher). US career opportunities span all sectors with advanced infrastructure and global companies headquartered there. Mexico's growing sectors include tech, tourism, and manufacturing, but salaries remain substantially lower. The US is superior for wealth accumulation; Mexico offers lower-stress lifestyles with modest earnings.
The US healthcare system is world-leading but expensive at $11,072 per capita spending; Mexico spends $634 per capita with good basic care in cities but limited rural access. US life expectancy is 76.1 years versus Mexico's 75.1 years. Many Americans access affordable dental and cosmetic procedures in Mexico at 60-70% lower costs. Choose US for cutting-edge treatments; choose Mexico for routine/preventive care at fraction of costs or dental tourism.
How to Choose Between Mexico and United States
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Mexico has $1.31 trillion, while United States has $27.36 trillion.
GDP Per Capita: Mexico has $9,946, while United States has $76,398.
Population: Mexico has 128.3 million, while United States has 339.1 million.
Median Age: Mexico has 28 years, while United States has 38 years.
Human Development Index (HDI): Mexico has 0.779 (Very High), while United States has 0.921 (Very High).
Literacy Rate: Mexico has 94.9%, while United States has 99.0%.
Cost of Living Index: Mexico has 51.4 (lower), while United States has 100 (baseline).