Cost of Living: Chicago vs Puerto Vallarta (2026)

Puerto Vallarta is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1435/month there vs $2388/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Chicago is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 17.50 per 100,000 and Puerto Vallarta has 24.86 per 100,000.

Chicago edges ahead 53 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.

Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Puerto Vallarta: Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (moderate requirements, 1–4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Puerto Vallarta is warmer in summer (86°F vs 81°F). Chicago has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Chicago is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Puerto Vallarta (20/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1435/month in Puerto Vallarta, $2388/month in Chicago (Numbeo). That's 40% cheaper rent in Puerto Vallarta.

Chicago scores 7.8/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 5.3/10 for Puerto Vallarta. Both are functional democracies, though the gap matters if you're planning to stay long enough to care about local politics.