City Guide 2026
Mexico
Living in Puerto Vallarta
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,620
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
55/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
26°C
79°F average
Tourist Visa
180 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
45 Mbps
Basic
Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 | $683 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,400 | $1,560 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$250/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Puerto Vallarta
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
24°
Feb
24°
Mar
25°
Apr
26°
May
27°
Jun
27°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
27°
Oct
27°
Nov
26°
Dec
25°
Air Quality (AQI)
35
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
6
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
72 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Puerto Vallarta
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
45 Mbps
Cultural Score
52/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
90/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
small
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
4+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Mexico
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: good
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 35% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 35% |
| Dividend Tax | 35% |
| Interest Income | 35% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 35% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: RESICO (Simplified Tax Regime)
Flat rate: 2%
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Puerto Vallarta?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Puerto Vallarta costs approximately $1,620-2,592/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,050/month.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for expats?
Puerto Vallarta has a safety index of 55/100 (higher is safer). Puerto Vallarta has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 66/100.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has an average annual temperature of 26°C (79°F). The warmest months reach 28°C and the coolest drop to 24°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 35.
What is the internet speed in Puerto Vallarta?
Average internet speed in Puerto Vallarta is 45 Mbps, which is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with large uploads. There are 4+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Mexico?
Mexico uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 35% (long-term) and dividends at 35%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (RESICO (Simplified Tax Regime)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, Mexico offers a digital nomad visa valid for 48 months. The residency pathway is: 4 years (Temporary Residency) + processing time, or direct application (1-3 months).
Is Puerto Vallarta good for digital nomads?
Puerto Vallarta has decent internet at 45 Mbps, a small expat community, and 4+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 40/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Puerto Vallarta?
Run the FIRE math for Puerto Vallarta against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Puerto Vallarta with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.