Large numbers of Mexican citizens are being priced out of their homes in Mexico City due to the influx of Americans immigrating into the city. The number of American who have migrated to Mexico has drastically increased since COVID-19, causing skyrocketing rent and mortgage rates which in turn increase the cost of living in the largest city in North America.

   One United States dollar is equivalent to 19.93 pesos. The local average monthly salary in Mexico City is $679.14, while the average salary per month of a local in San Diego is $5,652.25. Americans, specifically from California, are moving to Mexico City in light of the lower cost of living. In San Diego, the cost of renting an apartment per square foot is $1,127, but in Mexico City, it’s $246. Most of the Americans relocating to Mexico are still getting paid in U.S. dollars, so inflation and poverty rates for locals are going up. The American homeowners are also taking advantage of the long-term healthcare benefits and low property taxes. In an attempt to battle inflation, which is at the highest rate in 21 years, the Mexican government spent 578 billion pesos ($28 billion).

   The urbanization of the Mexican capital city is causing increased air pollution as well as the lack of clean water. The sudden population growth has caused manual labor to grow with it. The occurrence of traffic jams and packed public transportation are causing higher rates of carbon dioxide emissions into the air.

   Many locals have expressed their unhappiness with the intrusion of Americans because of the numerous problems they tend to bring. In Mexico City, it’s becoming more common to speak English rather than Spanish. Classism and racism are becoming more prevalent, too.