Mexico City
1,485 km²
New York
783 km²
Mexico
USA
Area Comparison
Mexico City is 1.9x larger than New York
Population Comparison
Mexico City has 1.1x more people than New York
Mexico City is significantly larger, covering 1.9 times the area of New York. Mexico City spans 1,485 km² (573 mi²) while New York covers 783 km² (302 mi²) — a difference of 702 km².
To put Mexico City's size in perspective, its area of 1,485 km² is roughly the same size as London. Meanwhile, New York at 783 km² is about 1.1x smaller than Berlin.
Mexico City's footprint is roughly about 208,000 American football fields, 25 times the area of Manhattan, or 14 times the area of Paris — pick whichever unit feels intuitive. New York works out to about 110,000 American football fields, 13 times the area of Manhattan, or 7 times the area of Paris.
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.
Known as "CDMX", Mexico City covers 1,485 km² with a population of 9.2 million. The city was established in 1325. Mexico City is known for Zocalo square, Chapultepec Park, Frida Kahlo Museum, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is 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.
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with its respective county. It is the geographical and demographic center of both the Northeast megalopolis and the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the United States by both population and urban area.
Also known as "New York City", New York has an area of 783 km² and is home to 8.3 million people. Its history stretches back to 1624. Visitors come for Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and much more. Getting around is easy with the NYC Subway.
New York City sits on one of the world's largest natural harbors, which shaped its rise as America's commercial gateway.
Looking beyond city limits, the New York metropolitan area covers 17,405 km², which is 2.2x 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 20.1 million.
Mexico City has a population density of 6,202 people per km² — a densely populated city. New York, with 10,651 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. New York is noticeably denser, packing 1.7 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in North America, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Mexico City (Mexico) and New York (USA) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate while New York experiences humid subtropical conditions.
Density Gap
New York is 1.7x more densely populated
History
Mexico City is ~299 years older
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).
New York covers 783 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Hamburg (755 km²), Bangalore (741 km²), Kyoto (828 km²), Singapore (733 km²), or Santiago (838 km²).
The straight-line distance from Mexico City to New York is 3,359 km (2,087 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~4h 27m.
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