Chicago
606 km²
Mexico City
1,485 km²
USA
Mexico
Area Comparison
Chicago is 2.5x smaller than Mexico City
Population Comparison
Chicago has 3.4x fewer people than Mexico City
Yes — Mexico City is 2.5x larger than Chicago by area. Mexico City spans 1,485 km² (573 mi²) while Chicago covers 606 km² (234 mi²) — a difference of 879 km². You could fit Chicago inside Mexico City approximately 2 times.
To put Chicago's size in perspective, its area of 606 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul. Meanwhile, Mexico City at 1,485 km² is roughly the same size as London.
In more relatable units, Chicago's 606 km² is about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan. Mexico City works out to about 208,000 American football fields, 25 times the area of Manhattan, or 14 times the area of Paris.
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has 9.41 million residents and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S.
Known as "The Windy City", Chicago covers 606 km² with a population of 2.7 million. The city was established in 1833. Chicago is known for Willis Tower, Millennium Park Bean, Navy Pier, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the CTA (L train).
Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States with 2.74 million residents at the 2020 census.
Mexico City is the capital and most populous city of Mexico, as well as the most populous city in North America. It is one of the most important cultural and financial centers in the world, and is classified as an Alpha world city according to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC) 2024 ranking. Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico within the high Mexican central plateau, at an altitude of 2,240 meters.
Nicknamed "CDMX", Mexico City has an area of 1,485 km² and is home to 9.2 million people. Its history stretches back to 1325. Visitors come for Zocalo square, Chapultepec Park, Frida Kahlo Museum, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Mexico City Metro.
Mexico City sits at an altitude of 2,240 meters in the Valley of Mexico on the high Mexican central plateau.
Looking beyond city limits, the Chicago metropolitan area covers 28,160 km², which is 3.6x larger than greater Mexico City at 7,854 km². The Mexico City metro area is also more populous, with 21.8 million people compared to 9.5 million.
Chicago has a population density of 4,455 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Mexico City, with 6,202 people per km², is a densely populated city. Both cities have comparable density, though Mexico City is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in North America, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Chicago (USA) and Mexico City (Mexico) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Chicago has a humid continental climate while Mexico City experiences subtropical highland conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Mexico City stays around 13°C while Chicago drops to -3°C.
Size Ratio
Chicago fits inside Mexico City ~2 times
Density Gap
Mexico City is 1.4x more densely populated
History
Mexico City is ~508 years older
Chicago covers 606 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Seoul (605 km²), Madrid (604 km²), Mumbai (603 km²), Toronto (630 km²), or Hyderabad (650 km²).
Mexico City covers 1,485 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Delhi (1,484 km²), São Paulo (1,521 km²), Bangkok (1,569 km²), London (1,572 km²), or Bogotá (1,578 km²).
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Mexico City is 2,722 km (1,691 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~3h 42m.
Want to explore more? Compare city sizes for any two cities worldwide, or share your location live with friends.