Performance
Score Breakdown
Culiacán
Nogales
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Nogales is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% higher compared to Culiacán.
| Metric | Culiacán | Nogales | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $393 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $253 | $351 | -28% |
| Utilities | $58 | $100 | -42% |
| Transport | $14 | $110 | -87% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $32 | +369% |
| Monthly Total | $868 | $593 | +46% |
| Cost Index | 31 | 45 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Nogales offers 95% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Nogales delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Culiacán is estimated at
$1,087 vs $15,000 in Nogales.
| Metric | Culiacán | Nogales |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $748 | $13,631 |
| Salary Needed | $1,087 | $15,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 2,413 idx | 30,291 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Culiacán | Nogales |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Nogales has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,500 minutes (192 hours) per year compared to Culiacán.
Culiacán scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Culiacán leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Culiacán | Nogales |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Culiacán is the larger city
— approximately 3x the population of Nogales.
From a growth perspective, Nogales is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Culiacán has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Culiacán | Nogales |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 900,192 | 295,484 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.81% | 2.08% |
| Median Age | 28.0 | |
| Unemployment | 2.59% | 4.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Culiacán
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with expenses for housing, food, and transportation significantly lower than national and international averages.
Strong agricultural economy providing numerous jobs in farming, processing, and logistics.
Distinctive Sinaloan culture with vibrant music, cuisine, and traditions.
Growing job market with a 2.5% monthly employment growth rate in Sinaloa as of February 2024.
Significant FDI in Sinaloa, reaching US$316 million in 2024, indicating economic investment.
Drawbacks
Complex safety situation often linked to organized crime, impacting daily life and business.
High car dependency and traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Limited walkability in many areas, necessitating reliance on private transportation.
Economic challenges including a significant informal economy and impacts from security concerns.
Perception of safety can be a concern for residents and potential visitors due to the city's association with narco culture.
Nogales
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living compared to the United States.
Strong economic activity driven by manufacturing and international trade.
Affordable and accessible healthcare services, attracting medical tourism.
Vibrant cultural scene influenced by its unique border location.
Perception of insecurity has been decreasing in recent years.
Drawbacks
Overall safety risk is considered high by some travel advisories due to regional crime.
Higher risks for personal safety, especially when walking alone at night.
Concerns regarding petty theft and vehicle theft.
Limited public transit infrastructure and walkability scores are not widely available.
Specific data for certain economic and demographic metrics are not consistently updated or available for the city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Culiacán
#10Sinaloa, Mexico
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$393
Avg Salary
$748
Cost Index
31
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.81%
Unemployment
2.59%
Livability
74
Business
68
Nogales
#13Sonora, Mexico
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$13,631
Cost Index
45
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.08%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
62
Business
70
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