North America — Financial & Living Guide for Expats (2026)
From the high-cost coasts of the US and Canada to affordable Mexico, North America covers an enormous range of financial and lifestyle profiles.
Updated March 2026 • 3 countries
Lowest rent
Mexico$520/mo
Best savings
Mexico9.50%
Cheapest mortgage
Canada5.80%
Lowest cost of living
Mexico38.4
| Country | Mortgage Rate | Savings Rate | Credit Card APR | Rent (1BR) | Price /m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United States | 7.10% | 4.50% | 22.8% | $1,850/mo | $4,900/m² |
| Canada | 5.80% | 4.20% | 20.5% | $1,550/mo | $5,400/m² |
| Mexico | 11.20% | 9.50% | 65.0% | $520/mo | $1,900/m² |
Countries in North America
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Visual heatmap of every metric.
Frequently asked
Is Canada or the US cheaper to live in?
Canada's cost of living index is lower than the US on average, particularly outside of Toronto and Vancouver.