Cost of living in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, a vibrant coastal city in Mexico, is known for its beautiful beaches and lively culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Puerto Vallarta, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in this picturesque city.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $9.94 on average, with a range between $6.46 and $19.87.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $44.71, with prices ranging from $28.64 to $84.45.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.2, with a range between $7.45 and $9.94.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.74 to $2.73, imported beer $3.48 to $4.22, cappuccino $1.24 to $4.47, and Coke/Pepsi $1.09 to $2.73.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.99 and $2.48 per liter, averaging $1.46.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.99 and $4.22, with an average price of $2.73.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.19 to $2.38, averaging $1.96.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.99 to $2.48 per kg, while oranges range from $0.84 to $5.48 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $2.26 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.64 to $1.74 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.5 and $0.89, with a monthly pass priced between $4.97 and $14.9.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.14 and $1.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.73, with a cost of $2.16 to $3.09 per km and $3.97 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $745.18 to $1987.14, averaging $953.41.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $496.79 to $993.57, averaging $650.79.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1490.36 to $3229.11, averaging $1733.23.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $943.89 to $1738.75, averaging $1137.09.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1490.36 to $5681.57, averaging $2856.52.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $993.57 to $2235.54, averaging $1820.69.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $54.65 and $149.04, averaging $90.6.
- Internet - Internet services range from $24.84 to $44.71, with an average cost of $30.57.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Mexico are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Mexico, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Puerto Vallarta offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other coastal cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at local eateries.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Puerto Vallarta.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
The city offers a mix of affordable dining, reasonable housing options, and low transportation costs, making it a viable option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high expenses typically associated with such locations.