Cost of Living: Ajijic vs Puerto Vallarta (2026)
Mexico vs Mexico — relocation comparison
- No VAT exemption
- €350/yr accountant
- No VAT exemption
- €350/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Decriminalized nationwide by Supreme Court in 2023. Access varies by state.
Decriminalized nationwide by Supreme Court in 2023. Access varies by state.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 39% cheaper in Ajijic ($879/mo vs $1435/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Puerto Vallarta (30°C vs 26°C).
Ajijic vs Puerto Vallarta — Common Questions
Is Ajijic cheaper than Puerto Vallarta?▾
Ajijic is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $879/month in Ajijic vs $1435/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Ajijic or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Puerto Vallarta is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Ajijic has a rate of 24.86 per 100,000 and Puerto Vallarta has 24.86 per 100,000.
Should I move to Ajijic or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Ajijic edges ahead 49 to 44. Puerto Vallarta isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Ajijic or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Ajijic: Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (moderate requirements, 1–4 years). Puerto Vallarta: Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (moderate requirements, 1–4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Ajijic or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Puerto Vallarta is warmer in summer (30°C vs 26°C). Ajijic has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Ajijic vs Puerto Vallarta?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $879/month in Ajijic, $1435/month in Puerto Vallarta (Numbeo). That's 39% cheaper rent in Ajijic.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Ajijic
Ajijic vs Montreal
Compare Ajijic
Ajijic vs Toronto
Compare Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta vs Montreal
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