Homeowners     04 May 2023

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Comparing Real Estate and Lifestyle

Mexico is a beautiful country that attracts many foreigners looking to invest in real estate. With its warm weather, stunning beaches, and rich culture, it's easy to see why places like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are popular choices for buying real estate. 

However, these two destinations offer different lifestyles and investment opportunities. It's important to know the differences before making a decision. 

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, compare their real estate markets, and provide you with everything you need to know before making a purchase. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, retirement spot, or investment property, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

A new modern development in the trendy 5 de Diciembre neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Location and Climate

Where is Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. It is situated in the Bay of Banderas, which is one of the largest natural bays in the world. The city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and lush tropical jungles, which provide a stunning backdrop to the city's coastline.

How is the weather in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The average temperature during the day is around 85°F (29°C), and at night, it cools down to around 70°F (21°C). The rainy season runs from June to October, with August and September being the wettest months. During this time, you can expect occasional heavy downpours, but they usually only last for a short period of time. The rest of the year is relatively dry, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Overall, Puerto Vallarta has a very pleasant and mild climate that attracts visitors from all over the world.

A lush garden near the popular Marina Vallarta area of Puerto Vallarta
Where is Cancun?

Cancun is a city located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, which is in the southeastern part of the country. Cancun is part of the Mexican Caribbean, and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. The city is also surrounded by other popular tourist destinations, such as Playa del Carmen to the south and the Riviera Maya to the north. The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and ancient Mayan ruins, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

How is the weather in Cancun?

Cancun has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm and humid all year round. The average temperature during the day is around 80°F (27°C), and at night, it cools down to around 70°F (21°C). The humidity in Cancun is typically high, especially during the summer months, which can make it feel hotter than it actually is. The rainy season in Cancun runs from May to October, with September and October being the wettest months. During this time, you can expect occasional heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, but they usually do not last long. The rest of the year is relatively dry, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Overall, Cancun has a very pleasant and tropical climate that is ideal for enjoying the beach and other outdoor activities.

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Location and Climate Summary

Overall, both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have warm and tropical climates, with similar temperatures throughout the year. However, Cancun tends to be more humid than Puerto Vallarta, and its rainy season runs for a longer period of time.

The Caribbean Sea in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Real Estate Market

The Puerto Vallarta real estate market 

The Puerto Vallarta real estate market is diverse and offers a range of options for both buyers and investors. The market includes everything from luxury beachfront properties to affordable condos and houses. Over the past few years, Puerto Vallarta has experienced a steady increase in real estate prices, fueled in part by growing demand from foreign buyers, especially from the United States and Canada. The Puerto Vallarta real estate market remains strong and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As a result, it is an attractive destination for those looking to invest in a vacation home, rental property, or retirement home.

The Cancun real estate market

The Cancun real estate market has also been growing rapidly in recent years, thanks in part to the city's expanding infrastructure, growing economy, and increasing tourism. There are a variety of properties available in Cancun, ranging from affordable condos and vacation homes to luxury villas and beachfront estates. The real estate market is attractive to both local and foreign buyers, with many investors from the United States, Canada, and Europe looking to purchase property in the city. The demand for real estate in Cancun is expected to continue growing as the city expands, making it an excellent investment opportunity.

A newly constructed home in Cancun, Mexico
Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: real estate prices

In terms of prices, Cancun tends to be slightly more expensive than Puerto Vallarta. This is because Cancun is a more popular tourist destination and has a greater demand for real estate. According to recent data, the average price per square meter for a home in Cancun is around $2,400 USD, while in Puerto Vallarta it's around $2,100 USD.

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: real estate: Inventory

In terms of inventory, both cities have a diverse selection of properties, ranging from affordable condos and homes to luxury villas and beachfront estates. However, the inventory in Cancun tends to be larger than in Puerto Vallarta, with more new construction and development projects underway.

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: real estate demand

When it comes to demand, both cities have experienced a growing interest in real estate from foreign buyers, especially from the United States and Canada. However, Cancun's real estate market has seen a higher demand due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its growing economy. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of foreigners buying property in Cancun, with some estimates suggesting that as much as 70% of buyers are foreign.

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Real Estate Market summary

Overall, while both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have active and growing real estate markets, Cancun tends to be slightly more expensive and has a larger inventory and higher demand due to its popularity as a tourist destination and growing economy.

Puerto Vallarta, a popular retirement destination in Mexico
The Puerto Vallarta Malecón. Photo: Nicole Herrero

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Lifestyle and Culture

Puerto Vallarta's lifestyle and culture

The Puerto Vallarta lifestyle is relaxed, warm, and welcoming, with a mix of traditional Mexican culture and modern amenities. Puerto Vallarta also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals throughout the year.

Many residents of Puerto Vallarta enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, taking advantage of the warm climate and natural surroundings. Activities like swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and hiking are popular, as are organized tours to explore the region's natural wonders like the Marietas Islands and the El Salado Estuary.

Food and drink are also an important part of the Puerto Vallarta lifestyle. The city has a diverse culinary scene that ranges from traditional Mexican street food to high-end international cuisine. Fresh seafood is a particular specialty, with many restaurants offering locally caught fish and shrimp.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Puerto Vallarta lifestyle is the strong sense of community. Residents and expats alike are known for their warmth and friendliness, creating a tight-knit and supportive community. The city also has a large and active LGBTQ+ community, making it a welcoming and inclusive destination for all.

Cancun's lifestyle and culture

The Cancun lifestyle is known for its fun, sun, and beach-centric atmosphere, with a mix of international culture and traditional Mexican influences. One of the main draws of the Cancun lifestyle is its beautiful beaches. The city boasts miles of pristine white-sand beaches, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Many residents and tourists spend their days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm Caribbean climate.

Cancun is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues to choose from. From beachside lounges and rooftop bars to high-energy nightclubs, there is something for everyone in Cancun's nightlife scene.

The Cancun lifestyle is also family-friendly, with many activities and attractions for children and families. These include theme parks, water parks, and nature reserves, as well as cultural experiences like visiting ancient Mayan ruins.

Overall, the lifestyle in Cancun is focused on beach-centric fun, nightlife, and international tourism. The lifestyle in Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, is more relaxed, centered around natural beauty, culture, and a close-knit community.

A colorful market in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta real estate and lifestyle: Summary

By comparing the location and climate, real estate market, property types, lifestyle and culture, buyers can make an informed decision about where to purchase property in Mexico. While both cities offer unique advantages and challenges, considering these factors can help buyers find the best fit for their needs and goals.

Cancun is more infrastructurally developed with slightly higher price points. Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, is a bit less developed with lower price points and a similar tourism rate. If you’re looking to invest in a short-term rental property, Puerto Vallarta’s tourism rate vs. real estate price is a good option.

Companies like Naya Homes in Puerto Vallarta specialize in short-term real estate property management. This may be a good option for foreign investors looking for an opportunity overseas.

Both cities are family-friendly and offer a lifestyle full of natural and cultural wonders. However, Cancun has more of a big-city feel and Puerto Vallarta has more of a tight-knit community.

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