Compare countries · Mexico vs Panama
Mexico vs Panama
Mexico(North America)·
Panama(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Mexico leads on 5, Panama on 8. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Mexico
42.6
Around the global middle
Panama
45.5
Worse than 57% of countries
Mexico: 6% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Mexico
17.8
Worse than 64% of countries
Panama
23.2
Worse than 78% of countries
Mexico: 23% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Mexico
2.61
Worse than 85% of countries
Panama
1.91
Better than 59% of countries
Panama: more peaceful (1.91 vs 2.61).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Mexico
47.1
Worse than 72% of countries
Panama
57.2
Better than 57% of countries
Panama: higher perceived safety (57.2 vs 47.1).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Mexico
0.781
Better than 60% of countries
Panama
0.820
Better than 70% of countries
Panama: higher human development (0.820 vs 0.781).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Mexico
$25,868
Better than 57% of countries
Panama
$43,902
Better than 71% of countries
Panama: 70% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Mexico
75.3 yrs
Better than 55% of countries
Panama
79.8 yrs
Better than 77% of countries
Panama: 4.5 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Mexico
72.3
Better than 78% of countries
Panama
61.2
Worse than 59% of countries
Mexico: better-rated healthcare (72.3 vs 61.2).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Mexico
94 Mbps
Around the global middle
Panama
220 Mbps
Better than 84% of countries
Panama: 134% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Mexico
45/100
Worse than 68% of countries
Panama
62/100
Better than 63% of countries
Panama: freer press (62 vs 45 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Mexico
6.97
Better than 92% of countries
Panama
6.55
Better than 74% of countries
Mexico: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.97 vs 6.55).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Mexico
440
Worse than 85% of countries
Panama
491
Worse than 61% of countries
Panama: stronger English proficiency (491 vs 440).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Mexico
86.6
Better than 65% of countries
Panama
68.2
Worse than 81% of countries
Mexico: more pleasant climate rating (86.6 vs 68.2).
Deciding between Mexico and Panama for real?
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Find your match →Full Mexico profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full Panama profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.