Ho Chi Minh City vs Mexico City - City Size Comparison

Is Ho Chi Minh City Bigger Than Mexico City?

In terms of area, Ho Chi Minh City is 1.4x the size of Mexico City. Ho Chi Minh City spans 2,061 km² (796 mi²) while Mexico City covers 1,485 km² (573 mi²) — a difference of 576 km².

About Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's largest city and economic center. Known as "Saigon", Ho Chi Minh City covers 2,061 km² with a population of 9.0 million. The city was established in 1698. Ho Chi Minh City is known for War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Bến Thành Market, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the HCMC Metro (opening 2024).

The city was renamed from Saigon in 1976, but locals still commonly call it Saigon

About Mexico City

Mexico's capital and largest city. Also known as "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 Zócalo plaza, Chapultepec Castle, Frida Kahlo Museum, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Mexico City Metro.

Mexico City is sinking 50 cm per year because it was built on a lake bed

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Mexico City metropolitan area covers 7,854 km², which is 3.8x larger than greater Ho Chi Minh City at 2,061 km². The Mexico City metro area is also more populous, with 21.8 million people compared to 9.0 million.

Population Density

Ho Chi Minh City has a population density of 4,362 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.

Climate & Time Zone

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical savanna climate while Mexico City experiences subtropical highland conditions. Summers are notably different: Ho Chi Minh City averages 29°C compared to 18°C in Mexico City. When it's noon in Ho Chi Minh City, it's midnight in Mexico City — a 13-hour time difference.