Is Puerto Vallarta more expensive than Cancun?

Puerto Vallarta is 7.7% more expensive than Cancun overall. Rent is 52.7% higher, groceries 8.1% more expensive, and restaurants 11.6% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Cancun has a purchasing power index of 42.5 while Puerto Vallarta has 41.8 (NYC = 100). Cancun offers better purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

🇲🇽 Cancun vs 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta

2026

Puerto Vallarta is 7.7% more expensive

Category	🇲🇽 Cancun	🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta	Difference
Cost of Living	49.5	53.3	+7.7%
Rent	16.9	25.8	+52.7%
Groceries	54.1	58.5	+8.1%
Restaurants	51.9	57.9	+11.6%
Purchasing Power	42.5	41.8	-1.6%

Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.