Will I be taxed in both countries if I move to Mexico City or Buenos Aires?

Generally, you become a tax resident after 183 days. However, many countries have tax treaties to prevent double taxation. You must consult a CPA specializing in expat taxes.

Is the internet reliable enough for daily Zoom calls in these cities?

Yes, both cities have excellent fiber-optic infrastructure in major neighborhoods, but you should always verify the specific building's connection before signing a lease.

Which city is safer for a remote professional?

Both cities have safe and unsafe areas. It is critical to research specific neighborhoods (e.g., Polanco in CDMX, Palermo in BA) and follow local safety protocols.

Remote Professional Relocation: Mexico City vs. Buenos Aires

Question: Should a remote professional relocate to 'Mexico City' or 'Buenos Aires' for a 1-year stint, considering the time zone alignment with US clients, rental market volatility, and local tax implications?

Prepared by the ChoiceScore Research Desk · Editor-approved for the curated library · Reviewed August 4, 2026

Recommended Choice Score: 78/100

Direct answer

Mexico City is the superior choice for US-based remote professionals due to its seamless time zone alignment, lower travel friction, and established digital nomad infrastructure, whereas Buenos Aires offers a lower cost of living but presents significant currency volatility and administrative hurdles.

Summary

Choosing between Mexico City (CDMX) and Buenos Aires involves a trade-off between logistical convenience and economic arbitrage. CDMX offers near-perfect alignment with US time zones (CST/CDT) and shorter flight paths, making it ideal for professionals who need to maintain real-time collaboration with North American teams. Buenos Aires, while culturally vibrant and significantly more affordable due to the 'blue dollar' exchange rate, introduces complex tax and banking challenges that may outweigh the savings for a one-year stay.

Choice Score breakdown

Time Zone Alignment 95/100 — Mexico City is in Central Time, matching most US business hours perfectly.
Cost of Living Efficiency 85/100 — Buenos Aires offers higher purchasing power parity for USD earners.
Administrative/Tax Ease 60/100 — Both cities have complex tax residency rules for 1-year stays.

Best for / Not best for

Best for

Professionals with strict 9-5 US-based meeting schedules
Those who prefer shorter travel times to the US
Individuals seeking a balance between urban amenities and logistical ease

Not best for

Those seeking the absolute lowest cost of living possible
Professionals who find high-altitude environments (CDMX) difficult
Individuals who cannot tolerate the volatility of the Argentine peso

Scenarios

The 'Seamless Integration' Scenario (Mexico City) (70% likely)
You maintain your US-based work hours without modification, utilizing the direct flight network to return home for holidays or emergencies.
The 'Economic Arbitrage' Scenario (Buenos Aires) (20% likely)
You leverage the favorable exchange rate to live in luxury, though you face challenges with banking and potential tax residency complexities.
The 'Administrative Hurdle' Scenario (Both) (10% likely)
Unexpected changes in local tax laws or visa requirements force a mid-year pivot or unexpected tax liabilities.

Calculations

Metric	Result	Formula
Annual Time Zone Efficiency Index	0.96	1 - (Time_Difference_Hours / 24)
Estimated Monthly Rent Variance	500 USD/month	Average_Rent_CDMX - Average_Rent_BA
Total 1-Year Travel & Logistics Cost	950 USD	(Flight_Cost_Per_Trip * Trips_Per_Year) + Visa_Fees

Pros & cons

Pros

Mexico City: Exceptional time zone alignment for US-based work.
Mexico City: Proximity to the US allows for easier emergency travel.
Buenos Aires: Significantly lower cost of living for those earning in USD.
Buenos Aires: Rich cultural, culinary, and social scene for long-term stays.

Cons

Mexico City: Rising rental costs in popular expat neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
Mexico City: High-altitude environment can affect health and energy levels.
Buenos Aires: Extreme currency volatility makes budgeting difficult.
Buenos Aires: Significant time zone difference (2-3 hours) can impact late-day meetings.

Assumptions

Time Zone Alignment: CST/CDT — Mexico City operates on Central Time, which is the standard for most US-based corporate operations.
Currency Volatility: High (Argentina) — Argentina's inflation rates necessitate constant monitoring of the 'blue dollar' rate for expatriates.
Tax Residency: 183-day rule — Most jurisdictions trigger tax residency after 183 days; we assume the user will consult a tax professional for their specific tax treaty status.

Practical next steps

Consult a tax professional regarding the tax treaty between your home country and Mexico/Argentina.
Determine your specific meeting requirements; if you have 8 AM EST meetings, Mexico City is mandatory.
Research the current 'blue dollar' exchange rate in Argentina to see if the savings are currently viable.
Visit both cities for a 2-week 'trial run' before committing to a 1-year lease.
Secure a high-speed internet connection contract, as this is the single most important factor for remote work.

Methodology

This analysis uses a comparative framework evaluating time zone alignment, cost-of-living arbitrage, and logistical friction. We applied a weighted scoring model to prioritize the stability of remote work operations (time zone parity) over purely financial gains, acknowledging that for a 1-year stint, the 'cost' of administrative and logistical stress is often higher than the raw cost of rent. Data points were synthesized from standard expat cost-of-living indices and geographic time zone mapping.

Sources

Sources support specific claims; they do not replace our analysis. Read the research and source standards.

FAQ

Will I be taxed in both countries if I move to Mexico City or Buenos Aires?: Generally, you become a tax resident after 183 days. However, many countries have tax treaties to prevent double taxation. You must consult a CPA specializing in expat taxes.
Is the internet reliable enough for daily Zoom calls in these cities?: Yes, both cities have excellent fiber-optic infrastructure in major neighborhoods, but you should always verify the specific building's connection before signing a lease.
Which city is safer for a remote professional?: Both cities have safe and unsafe areas. It is critical to research specific neighborhoods (e.g., Polanco in CDMX, Palermo in BA) and follow local safety protocols.

Related decisions

What are the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Mexico City?
How do I navigate the banking system in Argentina as a foreigner?

Disclaimers

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or financial advice.

Currency exchange rates and local laws are subject to rapid change; verify all data with local authorities before making relocation decisions.