Havana vs Mexico City: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Havana vs Mexico City: Havana runs about $1,010/mo all-in vs $1,450/mo in Mexico City — Havana is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and…
Havana is the cheaper base — roughly $440/mo less all-in, Havana scores higher for safety, and Mexico City has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Havana is about $440/mo cheaper — $1,010/mo all-in vs $1,450/mo in Mexico City (one person).
- Rent: lower in Havana ($500/mo vs $800/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Havana rates higher (80/100 for Havana vs 58/100 for Mexico City).
- Internet: Mexico City scores better for remote work (50/100 vs 70/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (80/100 vs 82/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Havana — Havana's process is rated Easy, Mexico City's Moderate.
- Retirement/long-stay: Mexico City offers the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa; Havana has no comparable retirement visa.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Mexico City (60/100 vs 82/100).
- Families: Havana rates safer for family life (78/100 vs 50/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Mexico City (~$1,300/mo vs ~$100/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Havana (84/100 vs 72/100).
Frequently asked questions
Is Havana or Mexico City cheaper to live in?
Havana costs about $1,010/month all-in for one person; Mexico City costs about $1,450/month. That makes Havana roughly $440/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Havana than Mexico City?
About $440/month for a single person — $1,010/mo in Havana vs $1,450/mo in Mexico City, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Havana or Mexico City?
Havana scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (80/100 for Havana vs 58/100 for Mexico City). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Havana or Mexico City?
For connectivity, Mexico City rates higher (50/100 vs 70/100). On climate, they're comparable (80/100 vs 82/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Havana or Mexico City?
Havana's visa process is rated Easy (about 1 weeks); Mexico City's is rated Moderate (about 6 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Havana and Mexico City for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.