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Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico · Population 224,166

▼ -6% vs Mexico average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$9,250 ($500)
Couple, monthly$16,558 ($895)
Family of four, monthly$21,548 ($1,165)

Estimated Prices in Puerto Vallarta

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$94.35 ($5.10)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$377 ($20.40)per meal
Cappuccino$28.31 ($1.53)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$2,139 ($116)per month
Monthly public transport pass$346 ($18.70)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$912 ($49.30)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$264 ($14.28)per month
Fitness club membership$264 ($14.28)per month
Cinema ticket$69.19 ($3.74)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$4,255 ($230)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$2,960 ($160)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$8,880 ($480)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Puerto Vallarta is $13,875 ($750) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $9,250 ($500) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $12,025 ($650) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($2,960 ($160)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta vs Mexico CityPuerto Vallarta vs GuadalajaraPuerto Vallarta vs MonterreyPuerto Vallarta vs San Luis PotosíPuerto Vallarta vs TolucaPuerto Vallarta vs Tijuana

Nearby Cities

Talpa de Allende

46 km away · Jalisco

Mascota

48 km away · Jalisco

Compostela

57 km away · Nayarit

Tomatlán

80 km away · Jalisco

San Blas

100 km away · Nayarit

Tepic

101 km away · Nayarit

Villa Purificación

105 km away · Jalisco

Ayutla

107 km away · Jalisco

Other Major Cities in Mexico

Mexico City

Ciudad de México · pop. 21,804,000

$12,286 ($664) / mo

Guadalajara

Jalisco · pop. 5,525,000

$12,081 ($653) / mo

Monterrey

Nuevo León · pop. 5,324,281

$12,081 ($653) / mo

San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potosí · pop. 2,822,255

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Toluca

México · pop. 2,476,689

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Tijuana

Baja California · pop. 2,002,000

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Ecatepec

México · pop. 1,655,015

$10,657 ($576) / mo

León de los Aldama

Guanajuato · pop. 1,579,803

$10,657 ($576) / mo

Living in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the key cities in Mexico. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $9,250 ($500), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $2,960 ($160) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $21,548 ($1,165) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $16,558 ($895) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Puerto Vallarta is $13,875 ($750). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $12,025 ($650) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Vallarta expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $9,250 ($500) per month in Puerto Vallarta including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Mexico.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Puerto Vallarta?
A net salary of around $12,025 ($650) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Puerto Vallarta with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Puerto Vallarta is $13,875 ($750).
How much is rent in Puerto Vallarta?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $4,255 ($230) per month in the city centre and $2,960 ($160) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $8,880 ($480).
Is Puerto Vallarta cheaper than Mexico on average?
Yes — Puerto Vallarta is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Mexico average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Puerto Vallarta?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $2,139 ($116) in Puerto Vallarta. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $94 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around $28 ($2).
How do transport costs in Puerto Vallarta compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Puerto Vallarta is estimated at $346 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Puerto Vallarta are estimates based on Mexico national averages adjusted for city size (population 224,166). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.