Cost of Living: Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta (2026)
Mexico vs Mexico — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 49% cheaper in Cancun ($737/mo vs $1435/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Cancun (32°C vs 30°C).
- •Puerto Vallarta is safer by homicide rate (24.9 vs 26.1 per 100k).
Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta — Common Questions
Is Cancun cheaper than Puerto Vallarta?▾
Cancun is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $737/month in Cancun vs $1435/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Puerto Vallarta is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Cancun has a rate of 26.11 per 100,000 and Puerto Vallarta has 24.86 per 100,000.
Should I move to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?▾
Cancun edges ahead 50 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.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
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