Cost Of Living in Puerto Vallarta 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Puerto Vallarta

Whether you're living in Puerto Vallarta or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

52,000 MXN

per month
$3,100

4,000 MXN   $240
$31,000   520,000 MXN

Single

36,000 MXN

per month
$2,100

12,000 MXN   $710
$14,000   240,000 MXN

Couple

60,000 MXN

per month
$3,500

20,000 MXN   $1,200
$19,000   320,000 MXN

Family

80,000 MXN

per month
$4,700

28,000 MXN   $1,600
$26,000   440,000 MXN

Student

25,000 MXN

per month
$1,500

9,900 MXN   $580
$2,600   44,000 MXN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Puerto Vallarta is 36,000 MXN. Expenses can range from 12,000 MXN at the minimum level to 240,000 MXN at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Puerto Vallarta is 60,000 MXN. Expenditure can range from 20,000 MXN to 320,000 MXN per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Puerto Vallarta is 80,000 MXN per month. Families spend anywhere from 28,000 MXN to 440,000 MXN.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Puerto Vallarta is 25,000 MXN. Students spend from 9,900 MXN to 44,000 MXN per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Puerto Vallarta


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
6.9 MXN 7.8 MXN 9 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.46 $0.53
Fast food combo meal
58 MXN 120 MXN 190 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $6.9 $11
Restaurant meal for one
190 MXN 280 MXN 570 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33
Fine dining meal for one
380 MXN 570 MXN 2,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $33 $130
Soda or Soft Drink
8.3 MXN 9.7 MXN 12 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.57 $0.69
Cappuccino or latte
49 MXN 78 MXN 120 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4.6 $6.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
39 MXN 47 MXN 58 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $2.7 $3.4
Loaf of bread
7 MXN 8 MXN 9.2 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.47 $0.55
12 eggs
29 MXN 39 MXN 58 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.4
Fresh whole chicken
66 MXN 86 MXN 120 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $5 $7.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
78 MXN 120 MXN 230 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
31 MXN 43 MXN 61 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.5 $3.6
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
12 MXN 16 MXN 29 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $0.92 $1.7
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
21 MXN 27 MXN 45 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.6

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
47 MXN 57 MXN 110 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.3 $6.7
Average car full tank
290 MXN 390 MXN 780 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $46
Average car 1-day rental
270 MXN 370 MXN 550 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $32
Average car price
150,000 MXN 290,000 MXN 390,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,600 $17,000 $23,000
Bus ticket one way
9.1 MXN 14 MXN 27 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.54 $0.81 $1.6
Car Service
370 MXN 550 MXN 1,100 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $32 $65

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
720 MXN 2,200 MXN 14,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $130 $850
Utility Bill - Couple
1,000 MXN 3,000 MXN 16,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $180 $940
Utility Bill - Family
840 MXN 2,400 MXN 13,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $140 $780
Internet and cable
290 MXN 580 MXN 780 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $34 $46
Mobile phone charges
230 MXN 390 MXN 1,200 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $23 $69

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
150 MXN 190 MXN 290 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $17
One month gym membership
440 MXN 550 MXN 1,100 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $32 $65

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
320 MXN 460 MXN 690 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $27 $40
Woman dress
300 MXN 420 MXN 1,400 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $25 $81
Woman shoes
290 MXN 390 MXN 910 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $54
Men's shoes
250 MXN 300 MXN 610 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $36
Men suit
270 MXN 340 MXN 1,800 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $110
Regular t-shirt
140 MXN 180 MXN 550 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.1 $11 $32

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
4,600 MXN 6,900 MXN 18,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
6,900 MXN 11,000 MXN 27,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $650 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
9,100 MXN 14,000 MXN 37,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $810 $2,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
910,000 MXN 1.4M MXN 2.7M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54,000 $81,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.1M MXN 1.8M MXN 6.9M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $110,000 $400,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.8M MXN 5.5M MXN 11M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $320,000 $650,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
5,800 MXN 7,300 MXN 9,700 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $430 $570
Double Bed
3,900 MXN 5,800 MXN 7,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $430
Single Bed
3,400 MXN 4,500 MXN 5,800 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $340
Living Room
6,500 MXN 8,300 MXN 29,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $490 $1,700
Dining Table
2,900 MXN 3,900 MXN 7,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $230 $430
Sofa or Couch
3,900 MXN 5,300 MXN 12,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $310 $690

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
3,900 MXN 5,800 MXN 12,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $690
Fridge or Freezer
3,400 MXN 5,300 MXN 7,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $310 $430
Washing Machine
4,500 MXN 6,500 MXN 12,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $690
Stove or Cooker
4,200 MXN 5,300 MXN 7,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $310 $430
Mobile Phone
4,900 MXN 5,800 MXN 8,300 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $340 $490
Laptop or Computer
5,300 MXN 6,500 MXN 12,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $380 $690

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Puerto Vallarta

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

72% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Puerto Vallarta is 81% This means that on average, people spend around 81% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
73%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
81%

Couple
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%

Family
85%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
94%

How do people spend their money in Puerto Vallarta?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$71   1,200 MXN
AVERAGE$920   16,000 MXN
HIGH$9,200   160,000 MXN
Per Month

People living in Puerto Vallarta typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 16,000 MXN with expenditure ranging from 1,200 MXN to 160,000 MXN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$12   200 MXN
AVERAGE$150   2,600 MXN
HIGH$1,500   26,000 MXN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Puerto Vallarta ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,600 MXN with 200 MXN and 26,000 MXN being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$24   400 MXN
AVERAGE$310   5,200 MXN
HIGH$3,100   52,000 MXN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 400 MXN to 52,000 MXN on commuting with 5,200 MXN being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$59   1,000 MXN
AVERAGE$770   13,000 MXN
HIGH$7,700   130,000 MXN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Puerto Vallarta is 13,000 MXN. The cost of groceries can range between 1,000 MXN to 130,000 MXN. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$16   280 MXN
AVERAGE$210   3,600 MXN
HIGH$2,100   36,000 MXN
Per Month

People in Puerto Vallarta allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 280 MXN to 36,000 MXN with 3,600 MXN being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$9.4   160 MXN
AVERAGE$120   2,100 MXN
HIGH$1,200   21,000 MXN
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 160 MXN to 21,000 MXN with 2,100 MXN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$14   240 MXN
AVERAGE$180   3,100 MXN
HIGH$1,800   31,000 MXN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,100 MXN per month with 240 MXN being the minimum spent amount and 31,000 MXN being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$31   520 MXN
AVERAGE$400   6,700 MXN
HIGH$4,000   67,000 MXN
Per Month

How much money can you save in Puerto Vallarta every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Puerto Vallarta manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
64%
Not Saving
36%

Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Puerto Vallarta said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Puerto Vallarta

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles66%34%
Couples62%39%
Families57%43%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 MXN
$88
19,000 MXN
$1,100
190,000 MXN
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 19,000 MXN on average with savings ranging from 1,500 MXN to 190,000 MXN.

66% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 62% of couples said the same. 57% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Puerto Vallarta?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 25% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,500 MXN
$260
13,000 MXN
$790
90,000 MXN
$5,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 13,000 MXN with 4,500 MXN and 90,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

7,500 MXN
$440
22,000 MXN
$1,300
120,000 MXN
$7,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 33% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 22,000 MXN with 7,500 MXN and 120,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

10,000 MXN
$620
30,000 MXN
$1,800
160,000 MXN
$9,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Puerto Vallarta can save anywhere between 12% to 29% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 30,000 MXN with 10,000 MXN and 160,000 MXN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Puerto Vallarta

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Puerto Vallarta?


Yes
68%
No
32%

Around 68% of surveyed residents think that living in Puerto Vallarta is affordable with proper budgeting while 32% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Puerto Vallarta

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options59%

Few low-cost options42%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Puerto Vallarta have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Puerto Vallarta whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes67%

No33%


Based on the survey, 33% of the people living in Puerto Vallarta said that they don't have an emergency fund while 67% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Mexico

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy65%


We asked residents of Mexico whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 35% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 65% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Mexico have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance28%

Easily manages finances72%

Financial goals of people in Puerto Vallarta

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Puerto Vallarta, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Puerto Vallarta

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Puerto Vallarta

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Puerto Vallarta

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Puerto Vallarta and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Mexico is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Puerto Vallarta:
AgeAmount
25140,000 MXN
30290,000 MXN
35500,000 MXN
40710,000 MXN
451.1M MXN
501.5M MXN
551.8M MXN
602.2M MXN
652.6M MXN

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Puerto Vallarta about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Puerto Vallarta

8,700 MXN
$510
26,000 MXN
$1,500
170,000 MXN
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Puerto Vallarta


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Puerto Vallarta have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Puerto Vallarta

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of the people's monthly income in Puerto Vallarta goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Puerto Vallarta pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Puerto Vallarta

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Puerto Vallarta confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Puerto Vallarta.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Puerto Vallarta

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Puerto Vallarta how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Puerto Vallarta

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Puerto Vallarta

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
4,600 MXN 6,900 MXN 18,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
6,900 MXN 11,000 MXN 27,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $650 $1,600
2-bedroom apartment
9,100 MXN 14,000 MXN 37,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $810 $2,200
3-bedroom apartment
11,000 MXN 18,000 MXN 50,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $1,100 $2,900
Furnished apartment
22,000 MXN 55,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,200 $6,500
Townhouse
18,000 MXN 27,000 MXN 78,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,600 $4,600
House
22,000 MXN 55,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,200 $6,500
Villa
27,000 MXN 69,000 MXN 110,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $6,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Puerto Vallarta ranges between 4,600 MXN and 18,000 MXN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 6,900 MXN to 27,000 MXN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 9,100 MXN and 37,000 MXN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 11,000 MXN to 50,000 MXN. The average rent of a townhouse in Puerto Vallarta is around 27,000 MXN while house rental costs can be as high as 55,000 MXN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 27,000 MXN to 110,000 MXN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Puerto Vallarta

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
910,000 MXN 1.4M MXN 2.7M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54,000 $81,000 $160,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.1M MXN 1.8M MXN 6.9M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $110,000 $400,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.8M MXN 5.5M MXN 11M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $320,000 $650,000
3-bedroom apartment
6.1M MXN 9.1M MXN 27M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360,000 $540,000 $1.6M
Townhouse
7.8M MXN 18M MXN 69M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460,000 $1.1M $4M
House
9.1M MXN 55M MXN 78M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540,000 $3.2M $4.6M
Villa
11M MXN 61M MXN 91M MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650,000 $3.6M $5.4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Puerto Vallarta can range from 910,000 MXN to 2.7M MXN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.1M MXN to 6.9M MXN. A villa can cost you 61M MXN on average with prices ranging from 11M MXN to 91M MXN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Puerto Vallarta will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


42 x123 monthly income 211
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Puerto Vallarta can be x123 to x211 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x123 multiples of the average monthly salary in Puerto Vallarta.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Puerto Vallarta is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.4%
AVERAGE
3.4%
TO
4.5%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


80 MXN 1,000 MXN 10,000 MXN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Puerto Vallarta

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$250   4,300 MXN
AVERAGE$760   13,000 MXN
HIGH$5,100   86,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$42   720 MXN
AVERAGE$130   2,200 MXN
HIGH$850   14,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$57   960 MXN
AVERAGE$170   2,900 MXN
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$110   1,900 MXN
AVERAGE$340   5,700 MXN
HIGH$2,300   38,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$64   1,100 MXN
AVERAGE$190   3,200 MXN
HIGH$1,300   22,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$35   600 MXN
AVERAGE$110   1,800 MXN
HIGH$710   12,000 MXN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$14   240 MXN
AVERAGE$42   720 MXN
HIGH$280   4,800 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$130   2,200 MXN
AVERAGE$380   6,500 MXN
HIGH$2,500   43,000 MXN
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Puerto Vallarta

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$390   6,600 MXN
AVERAGE$1,200   20,000 MXN
HIGH$6,200   110,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$59   1,000 MXN
AVERAGE$180   3,000 MXN
HIGH$940   16,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$140   2,400 MXN
AVERAGE$420   7,200 MXN
HIGH$2,300   38,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$160   2,800 MXN
AVERAGE$490   8,400 MXN
HIGH$2,600   45,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$130   2,200 MXN
AVERAGE$390   6,600 MXN
HIGH$2,100   35,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$71   1,200 MXN
AVERAGE$210   3,600 MXN
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MXN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$24   400 MXN
AVERAGE$71   1,200 MXN
HIGH$380   6,400 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$200   3,400 MXN
AVERAGE$600   10,000 MXN
HIGH$3,200   54,000 MXN
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Puerto Vallarta

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$530   8,900 MXN
AVERAGE$1,500   26,000 MXN
HIGH$8,300   140,000 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$130   2,200 MXN
AVERAGE$380   6,400 MXN
HIGH$2,100   35,000 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$300   5,000 MXN
AVERAGE$850   14,000 MXN
HIGH$4,700   79,000 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$130   2,200 MXN
AVERAGE$380   6,400 MXN
HIGH$2,100   35,000 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$82   1,400 MXN
AVERAGE$240   4,000 MXN
HIGH$1,300   22,000 MXN
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$230   3,900 MXN
AVERAGE$660   11,000 MXN
HIGH$3,600   61,000 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$200   3,400 MXN
AVERAGE$570   9,600 MXN
HIGH$3,100   53,000 MXN
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Puerto Vallarta

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$140   2,400 MXN
AVERAGE$350   5,900 MXN
HIGH$630   11,000 MXN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$23   390 MXN
AVERAGE$58   990 MXN
HIGH$100   1,800 MXN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$41   690 MXN
AVERAGE$100   1,700 MXN
HIGH$180   3,100 MXN
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$120   2,000 MXN
AVERAGE$290   4,900 MXN
HIGH$520   8,900 MXN
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$35   590 MXN
AVERAGE$87   1,500 MXN
HIGH$160   2,700 MXN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$29   490 MXN
AVERAGE$73   1,200 MXN
HIGH$130   2,200 MXN
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$110   1,900 MXN
AVERAGE$280   4,700 MXN
HIGH$500   8,400 MXN
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$87   1,500 MXN
AVERAGE$220   3,700 MXN
HIGH$390   6,700 MXN
Per Month
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