Are you considering a move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and wondering about the cost of living? Puerto Vallarta is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta and help you understand whether $2157 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1156.99.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
8.12 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
37.7 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.7 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.35 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.06 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.98 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.34 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.78 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.39 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.96 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.9 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
10.51 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.01 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.43 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.45 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.16 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.35 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.6 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.99 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.94 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
29.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.9 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.99 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
11.6 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.35 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
18558.19 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21844.54 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
95.3 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
37.05 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
31.04 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.04 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
8.7 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
235.46 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
4871.53 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
47.55 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
28.51 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
88.65 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
70.32 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1063.08 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
682.3 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2036.25 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1172.77 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2962.81 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1359.67 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1156.99 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
12.14 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Puerto Vallarta come to a total of approximately $2157. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1063 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $113 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $559 per month.
Living in Puerto Vallarta appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1156.99. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Puerto Vallarta, you would likely need an income exceeding $1156.99.
In Puerto Vallarta, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1156.99, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Puerto Vallarta is approximately $1063. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $682.3 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Puerto Vallarta can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $398 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Mexico can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Mexico.
As a picturesque vacation spot with countless tourists visiting throughout the year, there are elevated levels of security scattered around the town. That means you have plenty of opportunities to relax at this destination but never take your guard down as that is always asking for trouble. While the overall safety risk is low, take all precautionary measures to minimize the possibility of an issue.
While Puerto Vallarta is a walkable destination, if you choose to ride on public transportation, be incredibly vigilant and cautious since this is one of the main places pickpockets operate. When in need of a taxi, always call an Uber or dependable taxi driver that the hotel has called for you instead of hailing random cars in the street. Remember, most taxis in Mexico don’t have a meter so they can charge whatever they want unless they are a reputable company. The transport and taxis risk is medium.
Bag snatching and pickpockets are very common issues in Puerto Vallarta, especially in crowded and public places like airports and bus and train stations. Always keep your purse in front of your body and wallets in the front pocket. If you have any valuables, keep them in a security deposit box within your hotel. The pickpockets' risk is therefore medium.
The natural disasters risk is medium for tourists because hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, and fire do happen randomly. Your risk of encountering a fire in a major hotel is low, but it happens. Hurricanes and flooding can also be avoided by going before or after a hurricane and the rainy season.
While pickpockets and bag snatching are a problem, the mugging and kidnapping risk is low. While they have occurred before, it is incredibly rare for this to happen because of the high levels of security. To be extra careful, always avoid deserted and empty areas and streets.
While there haven’t been terrorist attacks in the Puerto Vallarta area for decades, they should never be ruled out. The risk is low but always remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Also, always mark the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate on Google Maps in case an issue arises.
Unfortunately, the risk of getting scammed is high in Puerto Vallarta as you will encounter individuals trying to trick scam you into paying them. Since this is a major tourist destination, the probability of this occurring is higher than in a sleepy fishing village. While visiting, just be vigilant, decline drinks at nightspots sent over by strangers, negotiate everything in advance, and double-check all information provided.
Countless women have traveled to Puerto Vallarta without any issues. While the women travelers' risk is low, solo women may experience being cat-called on the street with offensive comments or whistling being directed at them. Fortunately, that is the extent of the harassment but if this occurs, ignore the attention, and move away from the catcallers.
Like in all other Mexican cities and towns, the risk of getting sick from tap water is high. Mexico doesn’t have the same health and safety checks, and infrastructure as the United States so the tap water is consequently polluted. Therefore, in the hot summer months, always remain hydrated by drinking bottled water, not tap water. You can purchase gallon jugs or large packs of single bottled waters at the local market for cheap.
For U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, visas are not required if staying for under 180-days. However, upon arrival, always ensure your passport is stamped by Mexican customs officials to show proof of arrival in case you have any official issues. Also, since every visitor is provided a traveler’s permit to roam around the country, you may be required to complete an online FMM form before arrival or at the airport.
The national currency of the country is the Mexican Peso, which provides a beneficial exchange rate to American visitors. Despite this being the currency, the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted because of the strength of the currency compared to the Peso. While ATMs are widely available in Puerto Vallarta, it is always advisable to withdraw money from official government buildings like banks or at the airport, as opposed to a random ATM on a shady backstreet.
Puerto Vallarta boasts a tropical climate with beautiful weather and two seasons: a wet period from June to October and a dry period from November to May. During the dry season, you can expect slightly cooler temperatures than the wet season but that certainly doesn’t mean you should pack a winter jacket!
The closest airport servicing the city is Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, which is in Puerto Vallarta. You have several options to get from the airport to the city. While there are many ways to get from the airport to downtown, the best option is a reputable taxi or Uber which takes around 11 minutes and costs between $19 and $24.
Given that travel is incredibly uncertain now due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, travel insurance is necessary for visitors of Puerto Vallarta. Having this insurance will protect your belongings, family, and overall trip if there is an issue before or during your visit. Travel insurance is also highly recommended when renting an automobile, even if for a single day.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F | 83°F | 86°F | 89°F | 90°F | 90°F | 90°F | 89°F | 86°F | 82°F |
| Temp | 71°F | 72°F | 73°F | 75°F | 79°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 82°F | 77°F | 73°F |
| Low | 62°F | 62°F | 63°F | 66°F | 71°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 74°F | 69°F | 64°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 27°C |
| Temp | 21°C | 22°C | 22°C | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 25°C | 22°C |
| Low | 16°C | 16°C | 17°C | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 20°C | 17°C |