When building a remote game development team, choosing the right nearshore location can make a huge difference. Nearshore outsourcing, which means hiring talent from nearby countries with similar time zones, offers a perfect balance of cost savings and real-time collaboration. Two of Latin America's top nearshore hubs for game development are São Paulo and Mexico City—rich in tech talent but with key differences that could impact your decision.
This blog’ll break down the most crucial factors to compare if you want to hire nearshore game developers in São Paulo vs. Mexico City. From costs and time zone compatibility to talent availability and pricing models, we’ll help you decide which location best fits your needs. Plus, we’ll explore how transparent pricing models can help you maximize value and keep your hiring process clear and predictable.
Find out the complete guide to nearshore.
Hire Nearshore Game Developers in São Paulo vs. Mexico City
When deciding to hire nearshore game developers, it's important to evaluate factors such as time zone compatibility, hiring costs, talent availability, language skills, and infrastructure. The radar chart below provides a comparative overview of these key issues to help you determine which city best suits your business needs.
The following sections will detail these five critical factors, offering insights into how each one impacts the nearshore hiring experience.
Time Zone Compatibility
Time zone alignment is critical if your company needs to hire nearshore game developers. Here’s how São Paulo and Mexico City compare for real-time collaboration with U.S. teams.
São Paulo: São Paulo is two hours ahead of Miami during standard time. There is a larger difference with San Francisco, where São Paulo is usually five hours ahead. Therefore, when it is 9:00 a.m. in San Francisco, it is 2:00 p.m. in São Paulo.
Mexico City: The city operates on Central Standard Time (CST, UTC -6), compared to Miami, which is one hour behind, resulting in minimal communication delays for East Coast companies. For companies in San Francisco, Mexico City is two hours ahead, allowing for overlapping business hours and real-time collaboration.
Learn why time zone overlap matters for LATAM outsourcing.
Cost of Hiring Nearshore Game Developers
Cost is a key factor when deciding where to hire nearshore game developers. Here’s how São Paulo and Mexico City compare in terms of monthly salaries:
São Paulo: As a central tech hub, São Paulo offers a large talent pool but at higher rates. Hiring a mid-level game developer typically costs between $4,250 and $6,500 per month, with senior developers reaching up to $7,561 per month.
Mexico City: Mexico City provides a competitive talent pool with more affordable rates. A mid-level game developer generally earns between $3,250 and $5,000 per month, while senior developers can make up to $5,850 per month.
Talent Pool
Both cities are renowned for their robust tech talent pools.
São Paulo: São Paulo is a central tech hub in Brazil, employing around 133,000 professionals and attracting talent nationwide. It leads the country’s EdTech industry, with 37.8% of EdTech companies based in the city and 58% concentrated in the Southwest region. The city also excels in AI and software development, making it a key player in the domestic tech market.
Mexico City: Mexico City boasts a large IT talent pool, with over 700,000 professionals and more than 130,000 engineering graduates annually. The city’s thriving tech ecosystem is supported by top universities, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), ranked 9th in Latin America by QS World University Rankings.
Language Proficiency
Cultural alignment and language skills are crucial for effective collaboration.
São Paulo: Developers in São Paulo often possess solid English skills, though proficiency levels can vary. Brazil ranks 81st out of 116 countries on the EF English Proficiency Index. In Latin America, Brazil is 18th out of 21 countries, with São Paulo professionals scoring 501.
Mexico City: Mexico City holds the 87th out of 116 countries on the EF English Proficiency Index, scoring 464. While English proficiency levels can differ, many tech professionals, particularly those in startups and international companies, have a solid command of the language.
Learn more about nearshore staff augmentation to scale your team with agility.
Infrastructure and Business Environment
São Paulo: São Paulo has become a major tech hub, with the number of tech companies growing by 60% since 2014 to a total of nearly 340,000 companies, driving a 470% increase in the city's tax revenue. Despite this growth, the tech sector is mainly concentrated in five neighborhoods, including Itaim Bibi and Bela Vista. Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima stands out as a key business area, home to major tech companies such as Google, Facebook, and Netflix.
Mexico City: According to IMCO, Mexico boosts its tech industry through policies promoting ICT education and foreign investment, with 27% of FDI linked to nearshoring. It surpassed China as the top U.S. trading partner, driven by competitive labor costs and geographic proximity. Additionally, the startup ecosystem grew significantly, raising $230 million in funding during Q2.
Want to learn more about hiring strategies? Read about staff augmentation services.
Hire Nearshore Game Developers with Teilur Talent
At Teilur Talent, we’re shaking up the international recruiting industry with a simple yet powerful commitment—transparent pricing. Unlike many agencies that hide their margins, we disclose our fees upfront. Our margins never exceed 20% of the payment you make to candidates. This approach allows you to budget more effectively and ensures you get the most value from your investment.
When hiring nearshore game developers through Teilur Talent, you not only benefit from cost-efficient, high-quality talent in regions like São Paulo and Mexico City, but you also gain complete clarity into what you’re paying for. Our transparent model means no hidden fees, no surprises—just top-tier talent at fair rates.
With Teilur Talent, you can confidently build your nearshore game development team, knowing you’re partnering with a company that values honesty, efficiency, and your success. Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to see how our transparent pricing and expert nearshore recruiting can make a difference.
Learn more about how Teilur Talent disrupts pricing with transparency in recruiting.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire game developers?
Costs vary based on location, experience, and your company's needs. Use our cost calculator to find out the exact cost.
What is a nearshore software development company?
A nearshore software development company is an organization located in a nearby country, offering outsourcing services with minimal time zone differences, facilitating real-time collaboration.
Where are nearshore locations?
Nearshore locations are countries geographically close to your own. For U.S. companies, this often includes Latin American countries like Mexico and Brazil.
How can I find a game developer?
You can find game developers through various channels, including tech talent platforms, outsourcing agencies, and professional networks. Partnering with agencies specializing in nearshore talent can streamline the hiring process.
Conclusion
Choosing between hiring nearshore game developers in São Paulo or Mexico City depends on various factors, including time zone alignment, costs, talent availability, and cultural fit. Mexico City offers cost advantages and closer proximity to the U.S., while São Paulo provides a rich talent pool in a bustling economic environment. Assessing your company's specific needs and priorities will guide you to the best choice for your development projects.
To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.
