Lagos vs Mexico City - City Size Comparison

Is Lagos Bigger Than Mexico City?

Yes — Mexico City is 1.3x larger than Lagos by area. Mexico City spans 1,485 km² (573 mi²) while Lagos covers 1,172 km² (453 mi²) — a difference of 313 km².

About Lagos

Nigeria's largest city and economic hub of West Africa. Known as "Eko", Lagos covers 1,172 km² with a population of 15.4 million. The city was established in 1472. Lagos is known for Afrobeats music scene, Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos Island, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Lagos Rail (Blue & Red Lines).

Lagos is projected to become the world's largest city by population by 2100

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 2.9x larger than greater Lagos at 2,706 km². The Mexico City metro area is also more populous, with 21.8 million people compared to 21.0 million.

Population Density

Lagos has a population density of 13,131 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Mexico City, with 6,202 people per km², is a densely populated city. Lagos is noticeably denser, packing 2.1 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Lagos has a tropical savanna climate while Mexico City experiences subtropical highland conditions. Summers are notably different: Lagos averages 27°C compared to 18°C in Mexico City. When it's noon in Lagos, it's 5:00 AM in Mexico City — a 7-hour time difference.