São Paulo vs Mexico City - City Size Comparison

Is São Paulo Bigger Than Mexico City?

São Paulo is significantly larger, covering 1.0 times the area of Mexico City. São Paulo spans 1,521 km² (587 mi²) while Mexico City covers 1,485 km² (573 mi²) — a difference of 36 km².

About São Paulo

Brazil's largest city and financial center. Known as "Sampa", São Paulo covers 1,521 km² with a population of 12.3 million. The city was established in 1554. São Paulo is known for Paulista Avenue, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo Museum of Art, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the São Paulo Metro.

São Paulo has the largest Japanese community outside Japan

About Mexico City

Mexico's capital and largest city. Also known as "CDMX", Mexico City has an area of 1,485 km² and is home to 9.2 million people. The city dates back to 1325. Visitors come for Zócalo plaza, Chapultepec Castle, Frida Kahlo Museum, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Mexico City Metro.

Mexico City is sinking 50 cm per year because it was built on a lake bed

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the São Paulo metropolitan area covers 7,947 km², which is 1.0x larger than greater Mexico City at 7,854 km². The São Paulo metro area is also more populous, with 22.0 million people compared to 21.8 million.

Population Density

São Paulo has a population density of 8,107 people per km² — a densely populated city. Mexico City, with 6,202 people per km², is a densely populated city. Both cities have comparable density, though São Paulo is slightly more compact.

Climate & Time Zone

São Paulo has a humid subtropical climate while Mexico City experiences subtropical highland conditions. When it's noon in São Paulo, it's 9:00 AM in Mexico City — a 3-hour time difference.