Mexico is an incredibly diverse and interesting country, with a lot to offer its citizens. With 31 states and 2 federal entities, Mexico is home to over 200 cities—many of which boast impressive wealth. The average salary in Mexico is around $20,00 per year, but it's the largest cities that are responsible for generating much of the country's wealth. The higher salaries per year can reach up to $90,000, which also contributes wealth to the economy.
Here, we'll take a look at the 20 rich cities in Mexico and their respective economies, and what makes them so affluent, using average salary as a metric. We'll find out which city is the richest city in Mexico. From coastal resort towns to inland industrial hubs, these Mexican cities are truly unique.
How Is The Average Salary Calculated In Mexico?
The average salary in Mexico is calculated by taking the total wages earned in a given year in a certain area(e.g., Mexico City) and dividing it by the number of people employed within this area. This figure provides an approximation of the mean earnings for individuals, providing an overall indication of economic health.
The average salary in Mexico is also affected by the cost of living in different regions. For example, while salaries may be higher in larger cities like Mexico City and Monterrey, the cost of living expenses are likely to be significantly higher as well. On the other hand, salaries may be lower in less populated areas, but the cost of living may also be lower.
In addition to the cost of living, other factors such as taxation and wage disparities between employers can also affect the average salary in Mexico. It's important to take these factors into account when considering the overall economic health of a city or region.
What State In Mexico Is The Richest?
The state of Campeche is widely considered to be the wealthiest state in Mexico. According to recent studies, Campeche has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of over $31,000, which is significantly higher than the national average. Furthermore, Campeche is home to many well-off citizens who have built successful businesses and invested heavily in real estate. As a result, Campeche is often seen as one of the most prosperous states in Mexico.
Campeche is a state located on the Mexican Gulf Coast and is home to over 1 million people. It is known for its rich, vibrant culture as well as its stunning beaches and lush jungles. Campeche is also an important hub for oil production, which provides the state with a steady source of income that contributes significantly to its wealth.
Additionally, Campeche has seen a surge in tourism in recent years due to its beautiful natural landscapes and unique cultural offerings. As a result of all these factors, Campeche is one of the most prosperous states in Mexico.
20 Richest Cities In Mexico
20. Merida, MX
Average Salary: $26,562 USD
Merida is the largest city in the Mexican state of Yucatan. It is located on the northwest coast of the Yucatan peninsula, close to many popular tourist attractions such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with some stunning colonial architecture, which is reflected in its nickname, “The White City”.
The city has a booming economy that is largely reliant on tourism and agriculture. It also boasts a number of prestigious universities and colleges which attract students from all over the region and contribute to Merida's economic growth.
19. Culiacán, MX
Average Salary: $27,181 USD
Culiacán is the capital city of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, located in the northwest corner of Mexico. It has a population of approximately 900,000 and an economy that is largely based on agriculture and livestock. This is due to its location near some of the most fertile soil in Mexico and its proximity to major ports and highways.
Culiacán has an impressive range of cultural and educational institutions, including the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa and the Culiacán Symphony Orchestra. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs where people can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine.
18. Zapopan, MX
Average Salary: $28,954 USD
Zapopan is a city located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, approximately 25 miles northwest of Guadalajara. The GDP in Zapopan is close to twice the national average, and the city has been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Mexico“. This is due to the presence of many large companies as well as startups in the city that provide plenty of job opportunities. Additionally, it has some of the best educational institutions in the country and an impressive cultural life.
17. Aguascalientes, MX
Average Salary: $31,678 USD
Located in central Mexico, this bustling urban center is known for its vibrant culture and entertainment scene, as well as its colonial architecture. There are many cultural attractions, like museums boasting pre-Colombian artifacts, galleries, parks, and theaters. Additionally, Aguascalientes offers some of the best culinary experiences in all of Mexico, with numerous fine dining establishments and local eateries to choose from.
16. Mexicali, MX
Average Salary: $35,635 USD
Located in the northwestern region of Baja California, Mexicali is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The city has seen rapid growth in the past few decades due to its strategic location near both the US-Mexico border and various industries.
This has led to an influx of economic activity, resulting in Mexicali having one of the highest average salaries in Mexico. A large part of this salary is due to the city's diverse economic base, which includes manufacturing, tourism, education, and agriculture.
15. Veracruz, MX
Average Salary: $36,092 USD
Veracruz is a coastal port city located in the eastern part of Mexico. It is the largest and most populated city on the Gulf of Mexico, making it an important hub for trade and commerce. The commerce in Veracruz is mainly driven by the port, which handles much of the nation's imports and exports.
The city is also home to many educational institutions, making it one of Mexico's most important academic centers. The high average salary in Veracruz is attributed to its strong economy, reliance on importing and exporting goods, and vibrant culture, with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues for locals and tourists.
14. Cancún, MX
Average Salary: $39,109 USD
Cancún is a popular tourist destination in Mexico, located on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo. It is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and recreational activities. With an average salary of $39,109 USD, Cancún is one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico.
The city has seen rapid growth in its population and economy, making it an attractive place for both businesses and tourists. With numerous resorts and activities to explore, Cancún has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting nightlife experience, Cancún has it all.
13. Villahermosa, MX
Average Salary: $39,529 USD
Villahermosa is the capital of the state of Tabasco in southeastern Mexico. The city is a major industrial hub, with large oil and gas reserves that have been fueling its development for decades. Thanks to this economic activity, Villahermosa has one of the highest average salaries in the country at $39,529 USD.
The city is also known for its vibrant culture, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. There are several theaters and museums to explore, as well as chic restaurants offering world-class cuisine. With a warm climate year-round, Villahermosa is an ideal destination both for business trips and leisure vacations.
12. Tijuana, MX
Average Salary: $39,763
Next on our list is Tijuana, one of many wealthy cities in Mexico. Located on the border with the United States, Tijuana is one of Mexico's most populous cities and an important industrial and commercial hub for both countries. It has a rich cultural heritage that includes both traditional Mexican and contemporary Latin American influences.
The city's economy is largely driven by its powerful manufacturing base, with some of the largest companies in Mexico having operations here. In addition to this, the tourism industry also plays an important role in keeping the local economy afloat.
11. Hermosillo, MX
Average Salary: $43,803 USD
Hermosillo is the capital and largest city in the Mexican state of Sonora. Located in Northwestern Mexico, it is also one of the richest cities in Mexico. It has a population of nearly 1 million people and is home to a bustling economy that includes manufacturing, construction, agriculture, tourism, and more.
It has a temperate climate and is known for its many attractions, including the beaches on Kino Bay. The city also offers access to some breathtaking natural sights, such as Parque Madera and the Sonoran Desert.
10. Monterrey, MX
Average Salary: $45,274 USD
Monterrey is the capital of the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It has a population of 1.135 million, according to 2019 estimates. With an average salary of $45,274 USD, Monterrey is home to some of Mexico’s wealthiest citizens. The city is known for its impressive skyscrapers, modern infrastructure, and bustling business district. The city is also home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Faro de Comercio, one of the most recognizable monuments in Monterrey.
In addition, it has a thriving cultural offering, including museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Monterrey is one of the most important industrial and financial centers in Mexico. With its strong economy, modern infrastructure and vibrant culture, Monterrey is one of the most attractive cities in Mexico.
9. Guadalajara, MX
Average Salary: $45,406 USD
Guadalajara is one of the bigger cities in Mexico, population-wise, and one of the richest cities in the country. Guadalajara has a booming economy and provides its citizens with a high quality of life. The city boasts a vibrant culture, with many festivals and events held throughout the year, including Mexico's largest music festival, the Festival Internacional de la Cultura.
It also has a bustling business sector, and many start-ups have started here in recent years, creating even more economic opportunities for its residents. The city has many luxury restaurants, shopping centers, and high-end hotels that attract wealthy residents from around the world.
8. Reynosa, MX
Average Salary: $47,631 USD
Reynosa, located on the border of Mexico near McAllen, Texas, is one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico. With an average annual salary of $47,631 USD, it has become a major industrial and commercial center in recent years. Advanced manufacturing and telecommunications are important economic drivers in Reynosa, as are other industries such as banking, retail, and construction.
The city's proximity to the United States has also made it an important point of entry into Mexico for many goods and services crossing the border between the two countries. In addition, its strategic location at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico has made Reynosa a major transit hub for international commerce. With world-class infrastructure, a booming economy, and an abundance of job opportunities, Reynosa is one of the most affluent cities in Mexico.
7.Querétaro, MX
Average Salary: $52,045 USD
Querétaro is a major industrial city located in north-central Mexico and the capital of the state of Querétaro. It is one of Mexico’s wealthiest cities, boasting a strong economy due to its thriving automotive industry.
Querétaro is also home to many universities and business schools, making it an ideal destination for those looking to pursue higher education or a career in tech. In addition, Querétaro’s rich cultural heritage makes it a popular tourist destination, with its stunning colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and vibrant markets attracting visitors from all over the world.
6. Chihuahua, MX
Average Salary: $52,307 USD
Chihuahua is the capital of the state with the same name, located in northern Mexico. It has a population of 1,640,000 and is one of Mexico's wealthiest cities with an average salary of $52,307 USD. Chihuahua has seen tremendous growth in recent years due to its proximity to Texas and its strategic industrial, commercial, and mining resources.
The city is home to numerous universities and research centers as well as some of the world's largest industrial companies. It also has a vibrant cultural life with a wide range of museums, theaters, galleries, and parks. With its excellent infrastructure, high-tech industries, and abundance of opportunities for growth, Chihuahua is an excellent city for those looking to make a life in Mexico.
5. Acapulco, MX
Average Salary: $59,475 USD
Acapulco, located on the Pacific Coast in the state of Guerrero, is one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations. It is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The city also has one of the highest average salaries in Mexico, with workers earning an average of $59,475 USD per year. The economy is largely driven by tourism, with many people visiting the city to take advantage of its resorts, restaurants, and nightlife.
Additionally, Acapulco is home to a number of major industrial companies, such as Cemex and Grupo Modelo, which contribute to the city’s economy. The strong economy has caused property values in the area to skyrocket, making it one of the most expensive areas in Mexico to live in.
4. Mexico City, MX
Average Salary: $59,911 USD
Mexico City is the largest city in Mexico and one of the most influential cities in Latin America. The city is home to a population of over 8.9 million people. It also houses some of the country's top universities, such as Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and Universidad Iberoamericana.
The city is an important center for finance, culture, media, and technology. It has a bustling economy that includes many large international companies, such as Walmart and Coca-Cola. With its modern infrastructure and world-class amenities, Mexico City offers a great quality of life and is an ideal destination for those looking to make a living in Mexico.
3.Ciudad Juárez, MX
Average Salary: $66,088 USD
Ciudad Juárez, located in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, is a major industrial center and serves as a hub for international trade with its bordering city, El Paso, Texas. Ciudad Juárez is a desirable destination for many workers seeking greater economic opportunities. Ciudad Juarez has seen an increase in businesses and residential areas due to the influx of migrants coming from other parts of Mexico.
It also has strong trade ties with the US, which brings added wealth to the region. With its bustling nightlife, rich culture, and vibrant atmosphere, Ciudad Juarez is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Its booming economy has led to the development of modern retail stores, luxurious hotels, and other amenities that make it an attractive city to live in. With its high wages and diverse job opportunities, Ciudad Juárez is quickly becoming one of the most prosperous cities in Mexico.
2. León, MX
Average Salary: $67,630
León is one of the most important cities in Mexico and is located in Guanajuato state. León has long been an important manufacturing center for footwear and textiles, as well as a strong agricultural hub with huge fields of sorghum and millet.
The city is now home to many technology companies, making it a new hub for innovation in Mexico. It also benefits from an abundance of natural resources, including gold mines, which bring wealth to the area. With its great infrastructure, high wages, and proximity to other major cities, León is an attractive destination for those looking to make a living in Mexico.
1.Puebla, MX
Average Salary: $69,662 USD
Puebla is the wealthiest city in Mexico and is located in the state of Puebla in central Mexico. The fourth largest city in Mexico has long been an important cultural and economic center due to its proximity to Mexico City and other large cities.
Puebla is home to many universities, such as Universidad de las Américas Puebla, a world-renowned institution, and is a bustling hub for technology and innovation. The city has a strong industrial base with major companies such as Volkswagen, Daimler-Chrysler, and Mazda located in the area. There is also a thriving tourism industry which brings wealth to the region.
