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Cost of Living: Ajijic vs Puerto Vallarta (2026)

Mexico vs Mexico — relocation comparison

TL;DRAjijic is 39% cheaper on rent ($879/mo vs $1435/mo). Puerto Vallarta has milder winters (18°C vs 12°C lows). Neither city will test your commitment to owning a coat.
52
Livability Score
🇲🇽 Ajijic
Mexico
Full profile
45
Livability Score
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
Full profile
Ajijic edges ahead 52 to 45. Puerto Vallarta isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
💰
Cost of Living
Ajijic
$556/mo cheaper on rent alone
☀️
Weather
26°C vs 30°C summers
Ajijic
Metric
Puerto Vallarta
$879/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1435/mo
$247/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$539/mo
24.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
24.9 / 100k
26°C
☀️
Summer high
30°C
12°C
❄️
Winter low
18°C
5.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
5.3 / 10
20/100
🗣️
Street English
20/100
$26k
💼
GDP per capita
$26k
4.7% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
4.7% · Boringly steady
52 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
45 / 100

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 52 to 45. 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.

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.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.