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Puerto Vallarta blends natural beauty, mountain-and-ocean scenery, and a vibrant lifestyle with modern amenities and an established expat community. It’s a top choice for those who want turnkey coastal living in Mexico.
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.
Most importantly, Puerto Vallarta is bordered to the east by the Sierra Madre mountains. As a result, PV is described as an enchanting destination. Plus, it is an unrivaled coastal town with rich traditions and warm, hospitable locals.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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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.
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.
Also, 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. So, 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. Therefore, 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. So, 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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Charm is everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Want a fast escape? In short, just head to downtown PV to enjoy restaurants with a down-to-earth vibe.
Smoking is forbidden in outdoor areas throughout Mexico: Most importantly, this applies to beaches, parks, and where minors are present. Meals, drinks, and entertainment are not allowed in smoking areas.
Marina Vallarta is a thriving luxury residential and resort community south of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. And, 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).
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. Above all, evenings in the Romantic Zone mean bar hopping through the best bars in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta has a dynamic craft beer scene. So, 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. For instance, most brewers offer them, and you can discover your new favorite beer while in Puerto Vallarta.
If you’re after more daring experiences, you can hike to El Salto waterfall or go on an ATV tour. So, 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. Also, book a guided bike tour to explore the city.
The Vallarta Botanical Garden is known for its hiking trails, forest reserve, and plant nursery. Plus, 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.
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.
Puerto Vallarta has a low crime rate. However, the farther you go inland, the more likely you are to encounter dangerous activities.
Some general safety tips for Puerto Vallarta:
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. For example, the retirement visa lasts up to four years, and you can qualify by purchasing a Mexican property worth more than US$215,000.
But, 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.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from December until March.
This time of the year, daily average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows are around 16°C (61°F).
For instance. you can even spot migrating whales offshore.
The hottest months in Puerto Vallarta are August and September. But, you can count on the sea breeze to take the edge off the heat.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
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.
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.
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.
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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