Looking for long-term rentals in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Between Sasha’s five years of living here on and off and my four years of calling PV home, we’ve tested nearly every way to find an apartment in this city. Prices have gone up in recent years, but it’s still possible to find affordable monthly rentals – if you know where to look.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in Mexico for digital nomads and expats. The city offers a postcard-perfect mix of beaches, mountains, and vibrant culture, while still being more affordable than Canada or the U.S. Many Puerto Vallarta long-term rentals here even come furnished and include perks like pools, rooftop terraces, and weekly cleaning services.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experiences finding apartments in Puerto Vallarta, current rental prices by neighborhood, where to search, and tips to help you lock in a great deal.
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Top Neighborhoods for Puerto Vallarta Long-Term Rentals
Puerto Vallarta has something for every lifestyle and budget, but prices vary a lot depending on the neighborhood. Here’s what you can expect in the most popular areas to live, along with my personal experiences renting here.
Versalles
Versalles has quickly become one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in Puerto Vallarta – that’s why I bought a condo here!
It’s packed with trendy cafés, international restaurants, and modern condos. A few years ago, I rented a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment here for about $700 USD thanks to a friend’s lease, but today you’d expect to pay closer to 25,000–35,000 pesos for something similar. It’s still great value compared to the Romantic Zone, and the neighborhood has an amazing community feel.
Zona Romántica (Old Town)
I’ve lived in the Romantic Zone a couple of times and really enjoyed it, but honestly, it was a bit too much for me long-term. That said, if you want to be in the heart of the action, or you’re part of the LGBTQ community, it’s hard to beat this neighborhood. Everything is walkable, the beach is right there, and the nightlife is nonstop. The trade-off is cost: rentals in the Romantic Zone are usually the highest in the city.
5 de Diciembre
Just north of downtown, 5 de Diciembre is a more local neighborhood with steep streets, colorful houses, and easy access to Centro. It’s one of the more affordable central areas – you can sometimes find an apartment for $13,000 pesos if you don’t mind being a little further from the beach. It’s a good option if you want to stay close to the action without paying Old Town prices.
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Hotel Zone
If you want modern amenities, the Hotel Zone is packed with sleek condo towers, rooftop pools, and gyms. The first time I lived in Puerto Vallarta, I shared a three-bedroom apartment here with two other nomads.
We paid around 18,000 pesos total for the place, which was a great deal at the time. These days, that same apartment would easily rent for double. Prices in this area have climbed quickly, but the location is still excellent, you’re close to the beach, supermarkets, and public transport.
Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It feels quieter than the city center, with wide streets, a golf course, and a beautiful marina lined with restaurants. Rentals here are typically higher, often 30,000 pesos and up for a two-bedroom. It’s especially popular with retirees and families who want a more laid-back lifestyle.
Pitillal
Pitillal is a large, local neighborhood inland from the Hotel Zone. It doesn’t have the touristy feel of other parts of Puerto Vallarta, but that’s part of its charm. You’ll find plenty of markets, street food, and local life here, with much lower rental prices than the central neighborhoods. It’s one of the best areas if you’re looking for something more economical and community-focused.
Average Long-Term Rental Prices in Puerto Vallarta (2025)
Prices swing with season and building quality. Low season (May–October) is cheapest, while January–February are the hardest months to find anything. Ranges below reflect furnished units on year-long or multi-month terms.
| Neighborhood | 1-Bedroom Monthly | 2-Bedroom Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versalles | MXN 15,000–30,000 (USD $750–1,500) | MXN 28,000–38,000 (USD $1,400–1,900) | Modern condos, foodie hub, popular with digital nomads |
| Zona Romántica | MXN 18,000–32,000 (USD $1,000–1,700) | MXN 35,000–55,000 (USD $1,900–3,000) | Most in-demand area; walkable, LGBTQ+ friendly. |
| 5 de Diciembre | MXN 10,000–18,000 (USD $550–1,000) | MXN 18,000–27,000 (USD $1,000–1,500) | Local vibe, hillside living, close to Centro. |
| Centro / Downtown | MXN 12,000–20,000 (USD $650–1,100) | MXN 20,000–32,000 (USD $1,100–1,700) | Authentic, busy, close to Malecón. Mix of old-school apartments and remodeled units. |
| Hotel Zone | MXN 14,000–22,000 (USD $800–1,200) | MXN 22,000–36,000 (USD $1,200–2,000) | Modern towers with pools, gyms, and rooftop views. |
| Marina Vallarta | MXN 18,000–28,000 (USD $1,000–1,500) | MXN 27,000–45,000 (USD $1,500–2,500) | Upscale, gated community with golf course and yacht marina. |
Where to search for Puerto Vallarta long term rentals
Finding a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know where to look, it gets much easier. These are the best ways to find apartments in the city:
1. Facebook Groups
Most expats and digital nomads in PV start here. Post your budget, desired neighborhood, and move-in date, and you’ll usually get several responses. Some of the most active groups include:
- Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomads
- Puerto Vallarta Affordable Yearly Rentals
- Rentals in Puerto Vallarta for Locals and Long-Term Visitors
- Puerto Vallarta Yearly Rentals
- PV Bay Snowbird Rentals
I recommend not sending anyone money beforehand unless it’s through a secure platform like Airbnb or PayPal goods & services. While there aren’t a lot of scams in Vallarta, they can happen.
Due to the pandemic, I hit the Facebook groups and looked at a bunch of places from Centro up to the Hotel Zone. Most were in the range of 12-20,000 pesos a month with everything included but electricity.
We settled on a shiny new one-bedroom condo in the Hotel Zone just a block off the beach. With two rooftop pools, a jacuzzi, and a gym, this was a great place to live during the era of social distancing.
We definitely got the “pandemic special” here, as our rent was only 20,000 a month. Places there are already going for 30-35,000 this year.
2. Airbnb and Vrbo
If you’re just doing a trial run of a week to a month, there are lots of great Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals on Airbnb and VRBO.
If you’re new to town, short-term rentals are a great way to get your bearings. Many people book a month through Airbnb or Vrbo, then negotiate directly with the landlord to extend at a lower monthly rate. This way, you can test a neighborhood before committing.
The first time we did a nomad stint in PV, I actually found a place on Craigslist. We booked through the host’s Airbnb link just to be safe and paid around $300 for that month.
Once we fell in love with the city and decided to stay, we extended our stay for another three months at the rate of just 4,000 pesos (about $200) a month. However, this was a few years ago, and Puerto Vallarta property prices have risen since.
We ended up splurging a bit on a nice Airbnb for our last two weeks that year and befriended the hosts. They gave us their contact info, and we ended up coming back for six months the following year.
It was during the low season (May-October), so we got a good deal. We had an ocean view in a well-furnished one-bedroom apartment, along with a shared rooftop pool, BBQ, and bar.
Our rent was 15,000 pesos monthly ($700) and included a thorough weekly cleaning. We were definitely spoiled there!
Walking Around
This is the classic “boots on the ground” strategy. Many landlords never post online and simply put up a “Se Renta” sign with their phone number. That’s how we found our apartment during the pandemic!
Be ready to make calls in Spanish (or bring a bilingual friend). This is one of the best ways to snag local-priced deals, especially outside of peak season.
WhatsApp & Word of Mouth
Puerto Vallarta runs on connections. Once you’ve made a few friends, ask around—people often know of rentals before they’re posted anywhere. WhatsApp groups are another place locals share listings quickly.
Real Estate Agencies
If you prefer a more formal route, several local agencies specialize in long-term furnished rentals. You’ll usually pay a bit more through an agency, but it can save time and help avoid scams, especially if you’re not in town to search in person.
What Comes in Puerto Vallarta Apartments?
Most long-term rentals in Puerto Vallarta come fully furnished, which makes moving here pretty simple. Almost everything you’ll see online will already have beds, couches, tables, and kitchen basics. The quality varies a lot, though.
Many rentals have older furniture and appliances, while newer condos in areas like Versalles or the Marina are more modern. If you care about style and comfort, you may want to upgrade a few things once you move in.
The good news is that it’s easy to shop for household items in Puerto Vallarta. The city has Costco, Walmart, Soriana, and Home Depot, plus Amazon Mexico delivers quickly to most neighborhoods. Whether you want a better mattress, new cookware, or some décor to make your place feel like home, it’s all accessible without much hassle.
When it comes to utilities, internet, gas, and water are usually included in the rent. Electricity is typically separate, and this can add up if you’re running air conditioning. In my apartment, for example, I pay about 2,000 pesos per month in the summer and closer to 1,000 pesos in the winter. Efficient buildings with modern appliances help keep costs down.
Overall, furnished apartments with most utilities included are the norm in Puerto Vallarta, and with the availability of big-box stores and online shopping, it’s easy to make your rental feel like home.
Tips for Long-Term Rentals in Puerto Vallarta
Finding a rental in Puerto Vallarta is about more than just picking a neighborhood—you’ll also need to think about when to search, how to negotiate, and what alternatives might work for your lifestyle.
Timing & Seasonal Pricing
The time of year you start your search makes a huge difference. During the low season (May–October), demand drops and you can often score deals. One summer I rented a one-bedroom with an ocean view, rooftop pool, and BBQ for only $15,000 a month – a price that would have been impossible in high season.
In contrast, during high season (November–April), prices can jump dramatically. I’ve seen the same apartments go for 30,000–35,000 pesos a month once winter snowbirds and tourists arrive. If you want to live in Puerto Vallarta long-term at a reasonable rate, the best strategy is to secure your lease during low season and lock that price in.
January and February are the toughest months of all. By then, many of the best rentals are already taken, and even finding something at any price can be a challenge.
Negotiation & Lease Tips
Leases are where you’ll really save money. Landlords often give much better rates for 6-month or 1-year commitments compared to monthly rentals. For example, my friend had a long lease in Versalles and was paying far less than short-term tenants in the same building.
Another friend in Zona Romántica had a 3-year lease that kept their two-bedroom apartment around $800 USD a month, while newer tenants in the same building were paying double.
When negotiating, always ask what’s included (internet, water, cleaning) and clarify electricity bills. If you show you’re serious about staying, landlords are usually open to giving you a better deal.
Connections & Word of Mouth
While online platforms can be helpful for starting your search, the best way to find a good deal is to know people. Engaging with locals and fellow expats can reveal hidden gems and off-market opportunities that might never be advertised online.
If you’re new to PV, consider renting a place short-term first, then attend meetups and ask around—chances are, someone knows of a rental opening up.
Location Matters
The location of an apartment has a big impact on its price. Beachfront properties and luxury neighborhoods like Marina Vallarta and Conchas Chinas command much higher rents than inland or more local areas. If you’re flexible on being a short walk or bus ride from the beach, you can save thousands of pesos a month.
Alternative Housing Options
If a traditional lease isn’t right for you, there are other ways to live in Puerto Vallarta affordably:
- Housesitting – I’ve saved thousands using TrustedHousesitters, a platform where you care for someone’s home (and often their pets) while they’re away. It’s a fantastic way to get free accommodation.
- Roommate Sharing – Splitting rent is common among digital nomads here. When I first moved to PV, I shared a three-bedroom in Las Glorias for about 18,000 pesos total which was far cheaper than renting on my own. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people and build community.
Buying real estate in Puerto Vallarta
If you end up falling in love with Puerto Vallarta, as many people do, buying property here can be a smart long-term investment.
After years of renting, I finally decided to buy my own condo in Versalles, one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. It was the best decision I could have made. Not only do I get to enjoy living in a place that truly feels like home, but I also know the value of my property is appreciating as Versalles continues to develop into a foodie and expat hub.
Real estate in Puerto Vallarta has been steadily increasing in value thanks to rising tourism and demand from expats. Many owners also rent their properties on platforms like Airbnb or as long-term rentals, creating an additional income stream.
Buying isn’t for everyone, but if you know you’ll be spending significant time in Puerto Vallarta, or you’re looking for a lifestyle investment, it’s worth considering. For me, having a place in Versalles has been both financially rewarding and personally grounding.
If you want to invest in Puerto Vallarta real estate, contact me at [email protected], and I’ll connect you with my local real estate agent. He knows the market very well and helped me find my dream property!
Why live in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has become one of Mexico’s most popular places to live – not just for retirees and snowbirds, but also for digital nomads and expats looking for a vibrant community by the ocean. After traveling to more than 70 countries, I chose to make PV my home, and it’s easy to see why.
The city sits on Banderas Bay, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sierra Madre mountains on the other. It honestly feels like living inside a postcard.
Despite its size, Puerto Vallarta has everything you need for daily life: an international airport, shopping malls, Costco and Walmart for essentials, local markets, and a growing number of cafés and restaurants. Amazon Mexico also delivers here, which makes setting up your home much easier than in many other parts of Mexico.
For remote workers, Puerto Vallarta is especially convenient. Many neighborhoods now have fiber-optic internet, and there are several coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés. We’ve been teaching, blogging, and taking coaching calls here for years with very few connectivity issues.
The lifestyle is hard to beat. You can work during the day, then head to the beach for sunset, go hiking in the jungle, or hop on a boat to explore the bay. Life is more affordable than in Canada or the U.S., and luxury touches like pools or weekly cleaning often come included in rentals.
FAQ: Long-term rentals Puerto Vallarta Mexico
How much is rent in Puerto Vallarta per month?
Monthly rent in Puerto Vallarta varies by neighborhood and season. In 2025, one-bedroom apartments typically range from 15,000–30,000 pesos. Luxury beachfront condos or villas can be much higher.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Puerto Vallarta?
Most expats find they can live comfortably on $2000–3000 USD per month. This covers rent, utilities, groceries, dining out, and some extras. If you choose a more local neighborhood or share an apartment, costs can be even lower.
Is Puerto Vallarta a good place to live?
Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place to live, offering a vibrant lifestyle, beautiful beaches, nature, and a welcoming community.
Where do most expats live in Puerto Vallarta?
Popular neighborhoods for expats include the Romantic Zone (Old Town), Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Centro, and Marina Vallarta. Each offers a different lifestyle, from lively nightlife to quiet residential areas.
How far in advance should I start searching for an affordable apartment in Puerto Vallarta?
It is recommended to start your search at least a couple of months in advance if you are coming during high season. After April, during the low season, you can find apartments much easier.
Are utilities included in the rental price of apartments in Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on the specific rental agreement. It is common for internet and water to be included, but electricity is often charged separately.
Is it common to share apartments with roommates in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, sharing apartments with roommates is quite common among digital nomads and expats in Puerto Vallarta as it helps to reduce living costs and provides a social living environment.
Is it better to rent or buy in Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on your plans. Renting is best if you’re new to the city, want flexibility, or only plan to stay seasonally. Buying can be a smart investment if you see yourself here long-term and want to benefit from rising property values or rental income.
Can I retire in Mexico on $1,500 a month?
Yes, many retirees live in Mexico on $1,500 USD per month, especially in more local neighborhoods or smaller towns outside PV. If you want to live in central Puerto Vallarta, your budget will be tight, but it’s doable with careful spending.
Is Puerto Vallarta a safe place to retire?
Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. It has a strong expat and retiree community, welcoming locals, and a relatively low crime rate compared to larger Mexican cities.
What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta?
Neighborhoods like Marina Vallarta, Versalles, and Conchas Chinas are often cited as safe, quiet, and family-friendly. That said, most of Puerto Vallarta feels safe to walk around, especially compared to other large tourist cities.
Final thoughts: Long term rentals Puerto Vallarta
Finding a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta can take some patience, but it’s absolutely worth it. After hopping between neighborhoods, splitting apartments with friends, and finally buying my own condo in Versalles, I’ve learned that everyone’s housing journey here looks a little different. The common thread is that once people settle in, they rarely want to leave.
Puerto Vallarta has a way of pulling you in with its mix of beaches, mountains, and welcoming community. Whether you’re looking for a short-term trial run, a year-long lease, or even a place to buy, you’ll find plenty of options at different budgets. Just remember: timing is everything, longer leases save money, and the best deals often come through word of mouth.
If you’re considering making Puerto Vallarta your home, I can almost guarantee you’ll fall for its charm the same way I did. Find your apartment, grab some tacos, and get ready to watch the sunset – chances are, you’ll be here longer than you planned.
