Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a vacation hotspot—it’s also a thriving, full-time home for thousands of expats and locals.
Whether you’re dreaming of palm trees, tacos, or a slower pace of life, here’s what it’s actually like to live in Puerto Vallarta year-round.
Key Takeaways
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Life in Puerto Vallarta is tropical, friendly, and surprisingly affordable.
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The weather varies dramatically by season—expect heat, humidity, and some rain.
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You’ll find a strong expat community, but also vibrant Mexican culture.
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Cost of living can be much lower than in the U.S. or Canada.
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Daily life is relaxed, but modern conveniences are everywhere.
Weather in Puerto Vallarta: More Than Just Sunshine
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate.
That means:
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November to April: Perfect weather—sunny, dry, low humidity.
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May to October: Hot, humid, with regular rain and thunderstorms.
Locals and long-term residents adapt to the seasons. The rainy season cools things down in the evenings, and air conditioning becomes your best friend.
Cost of Living: Can You Actually Save Money?
Yes—and no.
Some things are way cheaper here:
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Fresh fruits, veggies, and local food
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Rent (especially long-term leases)
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Healthcare and medications
But imported goods, like electronics or certain name brands, are often more expensive.
If you’re living like a local, your dollar goes far. If you live like a tourist year-round, not so much.
Real Estate: Renting or Buying?
Puerto Vallarta has a booming real estate market.
You can rent a furnished condo or house long-term at decent rates—especially outside of the tourist zone.
Popular areas for full-time residents include:
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Versalles (trendy and growing)
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Fluvial (quiet and suburban)
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5 de Diciembre (close to the beach with real local flavor)
Interested in owning property? Foreigners can legally buy real estate in Mexico via a bank trust (fideicomiso). Always work with a reputable agency (👋 like us at vr-realty.com) to guide you through it.
Community Life: Expat vs. Local
There’s a strong expat presence in Puerto Vallarta, especially in neighborhoods like Zona Romántica or Marina Vallarta.
That means English is widely spoken, and you’ll find:
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Meetup groups
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Fitness classes
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Art nights
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Farmer’s markets
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International restaurants
But don’t expect it to feel like a little America. Puerto Vallarta is proudly Mexican—music, food, culture, and language are central to daily life.
You’ll gain more from the experience if you learn a bit of Spanish and embrace local customs.
Safety and Healthcare
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico, especially for expats and retirees.
You’ll still want to follow basic precautions, just like anywhere.
Healthcare here is excellent and affordable. Many doctors speak English, and private hospitals offer top-tier care at a fraction of U.S. prices.
Everyday Life: Relaxed But Never Boring
Living in Puerto Vallarta full-time means:
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Beach mornings
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Café working sessions
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Taco stand lunches
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Sunset walks
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Endless weekend adventures
You’ll trade traffic and stress for simplicity and sunshine.
But also be ready for:
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Slower bureaucracy
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Spotty Wi-Fi (in some areas)
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Adjusting to “Mexican time” (yes, it’s real)
Final Thoughts
Living in Puerto Vallarta year-round isn’t just about beaches—it’s about lifestyle.
It’s where Mexican culture, tropical beauty, and modern comforts meet.
If you’re looking to escape the cold, stretch your budget, and try something new, Puerto Vallarta might just be home.