Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Everything You Need To Know 2023

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful locations on the Pacific. This sunny side of Mexico is bursting with amazing natural landscapes.

What started as a fishing village in the state of Jalisco is now a colorful resort town with world-class spas, a vibrant lifestyle, and picturesque beaches. Puerto Vallarta is bordered to the east by the Sierra Madre mountains.

Described as an enchanting destination, PV is an unrivaled coastal town with rich traditions and warm, hospitable locals.

Cost Of Living

The best way to move around Puerto Vallarta is by using public transportation. Buses work from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

A one-way ticket goes for 53 cents, and a monthly pass is US$35. Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.

Uber and Lyft services are available, and tourism buses are best for sightseeing. One gallon of gasoline goes for US$4.90.

Basic services (electricity, water, garbage) for an 84-square-meter apartment will set you back US$70, and rent for a furnished apartment in central Puerto Vallarta, in a regular zone of Puerto Vallarta costs US$861.

Health care services in Puerto Vallarta are inexpensive. A consult with a physician costs US$28 to US$40.

Golf is popular in Puerto Vallarta, and a round costs US$95 to US$180. Most courses provide discounts or special packages if you ask for them.

The location where you choose to settle will impact your cost of living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You must decide if you want to rent or buy waterfront property, or if you’d rather live farther from the shoreline. Real estate prices waterfront being the most expensive.

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)


Expense	Monthly Costs	Notes
Mortgage	N/A	N/A
HOA Fees	MXN$3,000 to MXN$4,000	N/A
Property Taxes	MXN$3,500 to MXN$4,000	Annual charge. MXN$275 to MXN$325 per month.
Transportation	MXN$1,200 to MXN$1,500	Local bus: MXN$10 per person per trip. Taxis: MXN$60 to MXN$100 per trip.
Gas	MXN$500	Cost for one large tank for heating water and cooking that lasts a month. In most condos, this is included with the HOA fees.
Electricity	MXN$600 to MXN$700	Electricity cost including reasonable AC use. Using no AC, electricity costs MXN$150 to MXN$200 a month.
Water	MXN$200 to MXN$250	20-liter jugs cost MXN$30 to MXN$35 each.
Cell Phone	MXN$300 to MXN$400	N/A
Internet	MXN$400 to MXN$700	N/A
Cable TV	MXN$300 to MXN$700	N/A
Household Help	MXN$1,200 to MXN$2,000	MXN$40 to MXN$70 per hour.
Entertainment	MXN$5,000 to MXN$6,100	Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: MXN$2,500 to MXN$3,000 (MXN$300 to MXN$400 per meal for a couple). Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: MXN$2,000 to MXN$2,500 (MXN$35 to MXN$40 for a beer; MXN$80 to MXN$100 for a cocktail). Movie theater trip twice a month: MXN$500 to MXN$600 (MXN$100 to MXN$150 per ticket).
Groceries	MXN$8,000 to MXN$10,000	Including a Costco or Sam’s Club trip.
Gym Membership	MXN$1,000 to MXN$1,200	N/A
Medical Appointment	MXN$40 to MXN$50	MXN$40 to MXN$50 for a visit with a local doctor; MXN$750 at English-speaking clinic.
TOTAL	MXN$25,240 to MXN$32,100

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)


Expense	Monthly Costs	Notes
Rent	MXN$15,000 to MXN$20,000	For a furnished two-bedroom apartment in a desirable location.
Transportation	MXN$1,200 to MXN$1,500	Local bus: MXN$10 per person per trip. Taxis: MXN$60 to MXN$100 per trip.
Gas	MXN$500	Cost for one large tank for heating water and cooking that lasts a month. In most condos, this is included with the HOA fees.
Electricity	MXN$600 to MXN$700	Electricity cost including reasonable AC use. Using no AC, electricity costs MXN$150 to MXN$200 a month.
Water	MXN$200 to MXN$250	20-liter jugs cost MXN$30 to MXN$35 each.
Cell Phone	MXN$300 to MXN$400	N/A
Internet	MXN$400 to MXN$700	N/A
Cable TV	MXN$300 to MXN$700	N/A
Household Help	MXN$1,200 to MXN$2,000	MXN$40 to MXN$70 per hour.
Entertainment	MXN$5,000 to MXN$6,100	Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: MXN$2,500 to MXN$3,000 (MXN$300 to MXN$400 per meal for a couple). Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: MXN$2,000 to MXN$2,500 (MXN$35 to MXN$40 for a beer; MXN$80 to MXN$100 for a cocktail). Movie theater trip twice a month: MXN$500 to MXN$600 (MXN$100 to MXN$150 per ticket).
Groceries	MXN$8,000 to MXN$10,000	Including a Costco or Sam’s Club trip.
Gym Membership	MXN$1,000 to MXN$1,200	N/A
Medical Appointment	MXN$40 to MXN$50	MXN$40 to MXN$50 for a visit with a local doctor; MXN$750 at English-speaking clinic.
TOTAL	MXN$33,740 to MXN$44,100

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)


Expense	Monthly Costs	Notes
Rent	MXN$4,000 to MXN$6,000	Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental.
Transportation	MXN$400 to MXN$600	20 to 30 bus rides at MXN$10 per person per trip. No taxis rides.
Gas	N/A	Included in the cost of rent.
Electricity	MXN$150 to MXN$200	No AC use.
Water	MXN$200 to MXN$250	N/A
Cell Phone	MXN$200 to MXN$300	Cheapest monthly plan with minimal data.
Internet	MXN$300 to MXN$400	N/A
Cable TV	N/A	N/A
Entertainment	MXN$2,200 to MXN$3,000	Eating out: MXN$1,200 to MXN$1,500 (taco trucks, tortas, menu del dia; usually MXN$60 to MXN$80. Local drinks: MXN$1,000 to MXN$1,500 (local beers and happy hours).
Groceries	MXN$5,000 to MXN$6,000	Shopping at local markets and avoiding imported goods.
TOTAL	MXN$12,450 to MXN$16,750

What To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Charm is everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Want a fast escape? Just head to downtown PV to enjoy restaurants with a down-to-earth vibe.

Smoking is forbidden in outdoor areas throughout Mexico: This applies to beaches, parks, and where minors are present. Meals, drinks, and entertainment are not allowed in smoking areas.

Marina Vallarta

Marina Vallarta is a thriving luxury residential and resort community south of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Here you’ll find the Maritime Terminal where you can see multi-million-dollar yachts, play golf, or hang out at the Malecón board walk and El Faro (the lighthouse).

Sunset in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Adobe Stock/Alonso Reyes

Old Vallarta

Old Vallarta is full of cobblestone streets and is one of the oldest districts of Puerto Vallarta. Known as the Romantic Zone, it’s separated from El Centro by the Cuale River.

Head to Old Vallarta for an assortment of seafood restaurants, historical landmarks, and a farmer’s market. Evenings in the Romantic Zone mean bar hopping through the best bars in Puerto Vallarta.

Best Beer In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has a dynamic craft beer scene. You can also find local tours to breweries that produce Mexican Lager, Amber Ale, Grapefruit IPA, Oatmeal Stout, and even a Margarita Sour.

Don’t forget to ask for samples. Most brewers offer them, and you can discover your new favorite beer while in Puerto Vallarta.

Hiking And Biking In Puerto Vallarta

If you’re after more daring experiences, you can hike to El Salto waterfall or go on an ATV tour. Stop by Jorullo Bridge—a 1,550-foot-long suspension bridge over the Cuale River.

Cyclist culture is strong in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, thanks to great scenery, popular pathways, and perfect weather year-round. You can also book a guided bike tour to explore the city.

Botanical pathway in Puerto Vallarta — iStock/kadecanessa

Vallarta Botanical Garden

The Vallarta Botanical Garden is known for its hiking trails, forest reserve, and plant nursery. This Winner of the Garden of Excellence Prize is a favorite backdrop for wedding receptions.

A restaurant serves appetizers, burgers, pizza, local dishes, and drinks, so there is no need to bring your own food to the Vallarta Botanical Garden.

You should bring sunscreen, insect repellent, long pants, footwear suitable for hikes, a swimsuit, and a towel.

Los Arcos Islands, south of Puerta Vallarta — Adobe Stock/rhfletcher

Los Arcos Marine Park

Banderas Bay and its Los Arcos Marine Park are on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Both are excellent places to explore tunnels, reefs, and caves.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are best in the morning as the waters tend to be calmer.

Retirement In Puerto Vallarta

As a retiree destination, Puerto Vallarta offers wellness centers, many American stores, communities with all-inclusive amenities, convenient communications with the United States, and plenty of English-speakers for socializing.

Outstanding medical facilities and plenty of pharmacies make Puerto Vallarta perfect for retirees looking for cost-effective, quality health care.

Safety Information

Puerto Vallarta has a low crime rate. The farther you go inland, the more likely you are to encounter dangerous activities.

Some general safety tips for Puerto Vallarta:

Avoid back streets or less busy areas, especially at night.
Don’t take unmarked taxis.
Ask the resort or restaurant staff if there are any local areas you should avoid.
Watch out for scams.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
Stick to bottled water.

Moving And Visas

U.S. and Canadian nationals and permanent residents do not need a visa to enter Mexico.

Mexico is the easiest retire-overseas option for North Americans. The retirement visa lasts up to four years, and you can qualify by purchasing a Mexican property worth more than US$215,000.

You can also qualify by proving a monthly income of more than US$1,600. You’ll need to show proof of a bank account with a balance of more than US$24,000 over the past 12 months.

A standard travel visa is free and valid for six months. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a new permit.

Weather In Puerto Vallarta

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from December through March.

This time of the year, daily average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows are around 16°C (61°F).

You can even spot migrating whales offshore.

The hottest months are August and September, but you can count on the sea breeze to take the edge off the heat.

Puerto Vallarta FAQs

1. Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?

Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting because it’s been one of Mexico’s most popular resorts since the 1960s. While visiting Puerto Vallarta you’ll find that it is home to stunning natural landscapes full of beauty and biodiversity.

2. What Is Puerto Vallarta Known For?

Puerto Vallarta is known for poster-worthy ocean views and because it’s a favorite spot for weddings and honeymoons. This is a major cruise ship destination, and ships arrive almost daily to the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal.

3. Is Puerto Vallarta A Good Place To Retire?

Puerto Vallarta is your best choice for retirement if you seek adventure overseas with all the comforts of home. As a retiree destination, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers world-class spas and wellness centers, top-notch shopping, fine dining, convenient communications with the United States, and plenty of English-speakers for socializing.

4. Why Should Americans Move To Puerto Vallarta?

Americans should move to Puerto Vallarta because it has an established population of expats that enjoy this magical destination with its authentic Mexican spirit.

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