Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a lively beach town with modern amenities, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to the Caribbean Sea. Whether you're searching for a luxury beachfront condo in Playacar, a modern apartment in downtown Playa, or a budget-friendly rental in a quieter neighborhood, this guide will help you navigate the long-term rental market in Playa del Carmen.
Sunrise at Parque Los Fundadores
Why Choose Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen offers a unique mix of laid-back beach life and modern conveniences, making it a top choice for those looking to stay long-term. Here’s why so many people fall in love with Playa:
Year-Round Warm Weather – Sunshine and tropical temperatures make Playa a great escape from colder climates.
Thriving Expat & LGBTQ+ Community – Playa is home to a welcoming international community with plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
Affordable Cost of Living – While prices have risen in recent years, Playa still offers excellent value compared to cities like Miami or Los Angeles.
Walkable & Bike-Friendly – Downtown Playa and surrounding neighborhoods are easy to navigate on foot or by bike, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
Beaches & Outdoor Adventures – Playa del Carmen is the perfect base for exploring the Riviera Maya, with world-class beaches, cenotes, diving, and Mayan ruins.
Fast Internet & Digital Nomad Hotspot – With co-working spaces and reliable high-speed internet, Playa is a top choice for remote workers.
Convenient Location – Playa is just an hour from Cancun International Airport, with direct flights to the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Playa? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Playa del Carmen and beyond.
Hotel Discounts – Unlock unbeatable deals with Hotels.com. Create a free account to save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels. Plus, you can snag perks like free room upgrades—perfect for enjoying the city in style.
Car Rental Deals – Hit the road with Discover Cars and find the best rental rates worldwide. Compare prices from top providers and score incredible discounts. Their inexpensive full coverage option gives us peace of mind, and free cancellations up to 48-hours before pickup ensure flexibility when plans change.
Foreign Exchange & Money Transfers – Save on foreign exchange and money transfers with Wise. Not only do we use it for sending money between our U.S. and Mexican bank accounts, but its fair rates and transparent fees make it a go-to for travelers everywhere.
e-SIM Cards – Stay connected abroad with Airalo. An e-SIM is the easiest way to avoid hefty roaming charges. Just download the app, purchase a local or regional data plan, and toggle between your plans with ease. We love the convenience!
Surfshark VPN – Safeguard your personal data when using public Wi-Fi and stream your favorite shows abroad with Surfshark VPN. This budget-friendly product lets you bypass content restrictions, avoid censorship, and secure unlimited devices with ease.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By booking services or shopping through these links, you’ll save money AND help keep our blog posts and videos coming your way. Thanks for the support!
Beachfront Condos in Playacar
Best Neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen
Centro (Best for Walkability & Nightlife) – The heart of Playa del Carmen, Centro is home to 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida), the beach, and endless restaurants, bars, and cafes. While rental prices are higher here, the convenience of being within walking distance to everything makes it worth it for many expats.
Pros: Walkable, close to the beach, lively atmosphere, lots of rental options.
Cons: Noisy at night, higher rent compared to other areas.
Playacar (Best for Luxury & Gated Community Living) – Playacar is a private gated community with upscale condos, villas, and resorts, offering a quieter and more exclusive living experience. With lush greenery, a golf course, and direct beach access, it's one of the most desirable areas for long-term rentals.
Pros: Secure, quiet, beachfront access, lots of green space.
Cons: Higher rent, limited nightlife compared to Centro.
Zazil-Ha & Colosio (Best for Budget-Friendly Rentals Close to the Beach) – Just north of Centro, these areas offer more affordable rentals without sacrificing proximity to the beach and Quinta Avenida. Colosio, in particular, is still developing, with a mix of new modern apartments and budget-friendly local homes.
Pros: Lower rent than Centro, close to the beach, growing expat community.
Cons: Some areas feel unfinished, ongoing construction.
Ejidal (Best for Local Vibes & Lower Rent) – If you want a more authentic Mexican neighborhood with lower rent, Ejidal on the other side of the 307 (Cancun-Tulum Highway) is a great option. It’s a bit further from the beach, but it has plenty of local markets, restaurants, and a relaxed vibe.
Pros: Affordable rent, local feel, quieter than tourist-heavy areas.
Cons: Further from the beach (about a 10-15 minute bike ride).
Sunrise over Playacar
How to Search for Long-Term Rentals in Playa del Carmen?
Finding a great rental in Playa takes patience and the right approach. Here’s how to get started:
Facebook Groups & Marketplace – Many long-term rentals in Playa never make it to real estate websites—they’re listed in Facebook groups first. Some of the best groups to join include:
We’ve been following these groups closely for over a year, researching rental trends in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City as we contemplate signing a long-term lease or even purchasing a condo for our next adventure. Since we already own a Villa in Tulum (which we rent on Airbnb), we’ve learned the importance of patience when looking for the right deal.
Facebook groups are also great for getting a feel for the market—what’s overpriced, what’s reasonable, and what deals to jump on. You’ll also quickly learn to spot red flags and common scams (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is). Plus, engaging with the community can help you find leads through comments and recommendations from other renters.
Word of Mouth & Walking Around – Not all rentals are online! Many long-term rentals, especially those owned by locals, are only advertised with "Se Renta" signs. The best way to find these hidden gems? Hit the pavement. We’ve found some of our best rental leads simply by walking around.
Word of mouth is another powerful tool—chat with locals, expats, and bartenders, and ask other long-term renters where they found their place. Some landlords prefer renting to people referred by their existing tenants rather than posting online. Making connections can help you find opportunities that aren’t advertised anywhere!
The Fives Downtown
Work with a Trusted Realtor – While you don’t need a realtor to find a rental in Playa, having one can make the process smoother—especially if you're looking for a long-term lease or considering buying property. Finding an agent who specializes in rentals can be tricky, as many focus on sales, but here are two reputable options depending on your needs:
Moskito Real Estate (Best for Long-Term Rentals & Investment Properties) – Long-term rental specialists are rare in Playa del Carmen, but Moskito Real Estate offers a selection of rental listings in Playa and the greater Riviera Maya region. If you're also considering investing in property, their team has experience guiding buyers through the process.
Fernando Henrique (Best for Personalized Service & LGBTQ+ Clients) – A highly respected agent with Couti Real Estate, Fernando is known for his dedication, market knowledge, and strong connections within Playa’s LGBTQ+ community. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he’s helped countless expats and digital nomads find the perfect home—whether it’s a long-term lease or a dream property to buy.
A good realtor can help you navigate rental contracts, negotiate better terms, and avoid scams. While realtors aren’t always necessary for finding a rental, they can be invaluable if you’re unfamiliar with the market or looking for something specific.
Consider Airbnb for Monthly Stays(and Negotiate Long-Term Rates) – When we slow travel, Airbnb is often our go-to for monthly stays. Why? Once you hit the 28-night mark, many hosts offer built-in discounts, making it a great alternative to a traditional long-term lease—especially if you're not ready to commit to a full year.
However, pricing varies by season. During high season (December–April), Airbnb prices can skyrocket, especially in popular areas. If you're planning an extended stay, consider booking during the shoulder seasons when prices drop, and there’s less competition for rentals.
While Airbnb isn’t always the cheapest option compared to renting directly from a local landlord, the flexibility, convenience, and fully furnished spaces make it a great choice—especially if you negotiate a better rate with the host.
🌟 Pro tip – Negotiate directly with hosts for better monthly rates. Book a short stay first to build trust—many offer off-platform deals for repeat guests. We’ve built a trusted network across Mexico, often securing lower rates by paying via bank transfer or cash (but only with hosts we trust!).
Bamoa Playacar
Tips for Securing the Best Rental Deals
Start Your Search Early – The best rentals go fast, especially before the high season (December–April).
Be Careful of Scams – Never send money before seeing a place in person. Trust your gut!
Negotiate in Spanish – If a listing is in English, it’s likely overpriced. Even basic Spanish helps get better deals. Download Whatsapp (which everyone uses in Mexico) and Google Translate if necessary.
Short-Term Before Long-Term – Renting an Airbnb for your first month (or a hotel for a couple of weeks at a minimum) gives you time to explore neighborhoods and find the best fit.
Build Relationships – Many landlords prefer renting to tenants they trust. If you’re reliable, they may offer a discount for a long-term stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent property in Playa?
Yes! Residency is not required, and many landlords prefer renting to foreign tenants who pay in cash or by bank transfer.
Is it hard to find a long-term rental in Playa?
It depends on the time of year. High season (December–April) is the busiest, so rentals go quickly. If you search during the off-season, you’ll have more options and better prices.
Do I need a visa for long-term stays?
If you’re on a tourist visa (180 days max), some landlords may be hesitant to rent long-term. Consider getting a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa (we have videos on the process!).
Are rental contracts in Spanish?
Usually, yes. If you don’t speak Spanish, get a local friend or lawyer to review the lease before signing.
How do I pay rent in Playa?
Most landlords accept bank transfers from Mexican (preferable) or international accounts, and of course, cash (pesos). Always confirm payment terms before signing anything. If you’re paying from an international account, Wise is a great option to avoid high transfer fees.
Finding a long-term rental in Playa del Carmen takes patience and the right strategy, but once you secure the perfect place, you’ll love the incredible lifestyle this beach town offers. Whether you're staying for a few months or making Playa your permanent home, it’s an amazing place to live, work, and enjoy paradise.
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