Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite destination for expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a tropical paradise with a thriving LGBTQ+ community, stunning beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. But if you're planning to stay for more than just a vacation, finding the perfect long-term rental can be a challenge. Whether you're looking for a modern condo in the Romantic Zone, a beachfront villa in Conchas Chinas, or a budget-friendly apartment in Versalles, this guide will help you navigate the rental market in Puerto Vallarta and find the perfect place to call home.
Hidden Beach on Marietas Islands
Why Choose Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta offers a rare mix of modern conveniences, local charm, and affordability compared to many U.S. and Canadian cities. Here’s why so many people fall in love with PV:
Great Weather Year-Round – Enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures, with cooler breezes during the winter months.
Thriving Expat & LGBTQ+ Community – One of Latin America’s most gay-friendly cities with a welcoming and diverse expat scene.
Affordable Cost of Living – While prices have risen in recent years, PV still offers great value compared to cities like Miami or Los Angeles.
Walkable & Safe Neighborhoods – Many areas, especially in the Romantic Zone, Versalles, and 5 de Diciembre, are pedestrian-friendly with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Easy Access to Outdoor Adventures – Enjoy beaches, hiking, jungle excursions, whale watching, and more.
Modern Amenities – PV has high-speed internet, co-working spaces, top-notch hospitals, shopping centers, and an international airport.
Colorful Street Art in the Romantic Zone
Best Neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta
Romantic Zone (Best for Nightlife & LGBTQ+ Scene) – The heart of PV’s LGBTQ+ scene, with walkable streets, restaurants, nightlife, and beach access. Higher rental prices but unbeatable location.
Versalles (Best for Foodies & Budget-Friendly Living) – An up-and-coming neighborhood with trendy restaurants and a mix of modern condos and budget-friendly apartments. Close to Costco, La Comer, and other conveniences. More long-term renters and fewer tourists make Versalles a much quieter option than the bustling Romantic Zone.
Sunset from El Centro
El Centro & Gringo Gulch (Best for Colonial Charm & Convenience) – Puerto Vallarta’s historic downtown, where cobblestone streets meet colorful colonial homes. This area offers a mix of local culture and tourist hotspots, with easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and the Malecon. Popular with artists, creatives, and long-term expats. It's also an easy walk to the Romantic Zone.
Conchas Chinas & Amapas (Best for Luxury & Ocean Views) – If you want stunning ocean views and luxury rentals, these hillside neighborhoods are fantastic options. Expect quiet surroundings, lush greenery, and high-end villas with private pools.
5 de Diciembre (Best for Local Vibes) – A charming, local neighborhood just north of the Romantic Zone and Centro, offering ocean views and more affordable rentals. Ideal for those wanting an authentic Mexican feel with modern conveniences nearby.
Rooftop Pool at 105º Sail View
How to Search for Long-Term Rentals in Puerto Vallarta?
Finding a great deal requires patience and the right strategy. Here are the best ways to search:
Facebook Groups & Marketplace – Join groups like Puerto Vallarta Yearly Rentals or Rentals in PV for Locals & Long-Term Visitors to find rental listings. Many owners and agents post listings here first, often before they appear on traditional rental websites. Some of the most active groups include:
We’ve been watching these groups closely for over a year, researching rental trends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Zipolite 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. If you're looking for affordable rentals, head up the hills behind the Romantic Zone, into 5 de Diciembre, or explore less touristy neighborhoods like Versalles. You’re unlikely to see “For Rent” signs in high-demand areas like the heart of the Romantic Zone, but just a few blocks away, you might stumble upon a great deal.
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!
Work with a Trusted Realtor – While there are many real estate agents in Puerto Vallarta, finding someone who truly understands the local market—and who has a great reputation within the community—is key. If you’re serious about securing a long-term rental or even purchasing a property, these two highly-rated realtors come highly recommended:
Derek Carkner(Best for Market Insights & Local Expertise) – We’ve been following Derek on Facebook for about a year now, and his updates are an absolute goldmine for anyone considering a move to PV. He shares invaluable market insights, highlights featured listings, and even spotlights small businesses he loves in different neighborhoods. Plus, every week, he posts a "Spanish Word of the Week" to help expats improve their language skills—something we love as long-term residents of Mexico. He's with Ryan Donner & Associates, a trusted name in the local real estate community.
Taniel Chemsian(Best for High-End & House Hunters Fans) – If you’ve ever watched an episode of House Hunters International featuring Puerto Vallarta, chances are you’ve seen Taniel in action. He’s been a fixture on the show for years, helping countless expats find their dream homes in paradise. We personally met a couple who relocated from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta and worked with Taniel to secure their dream oceanfront condo in the Romantic Zone.
Consider Airbnb for Monthly Stays (Negotiate Long-Term Rates) – When we slow travel, Airbnb is often our go-to for monthly stays. Why? Because once you hit that 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.
That said, pricing varies depending on the season. Since we usually travel in the shoulder season (May–June), we’ve found some incredible deals. However, if you’re looking for a three-month rental in the Romantic Zone during high season (December–April), expect to pay top dollar.
Airbnb isn’t always the cheapest option compared to a local lease, but for flexibility, convenience, and fully furnished rentals, it’s been a game-changer for our slow travel lifestyle.
🌟 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!).
Pinnacle Resorts Luxury Rentals in the Romantic Zone
Tips for Securing the Best Rental Deals
Start Your Search Early – The best deals 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 PV?
Yes! Residency is not required to rent, and many landlords prefer foreign tenants who pay in cash.
Is it hard to find a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on your budget and time of year. Rentals in popular areas go fast, but there are always options if you’re persistent.
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 PV?
Most landlords accept bank transfers from Mexican (preferable) or international accounts, and of course, cash. Always confirm payment terms before signing anything.
Finding a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta can take time, but with the right strategy, you’ll find a great deal. Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning to live here for years, PV offers an unbeatable lifestyle with stunning beaches, a welcoming community, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Found this post useful?
The easiest way to support Two Gay Expats is to
subscribe
(free!) to our YouTube channel and tell your friends and family about us to help us grow (also free)!
And if you find our content helpful and/or entertaining, please consider joining our
Channel Membership
on YouTube to directly support our videos
or
Patreon
to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Did we get something wrong?
Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Are
you interested in working with us? In all cases, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at
hello@twogayexpats.com.
Hi gorgeous, and welcome to our LGBTQ+ travel blog! We're Andy and Trai, a gay couple traveling the world with PRIDE 🌈 …and our rescue dog, Pattie!
After meeting in San Francisco in 2018 and later moving to Chicago, we decided to quit our jobs in 2021, sell everything, and become Two Gay Expats. For over two years, we explored the best of gay Mexico while waiting for our house, Casa Cangrejo, to be completed in Tulum. We got married at The Beach Tulum in 2020 and became Mexican permanent residents in 2022.
Today, we continue to travel around Mexico and the world to show you our favorite places. If you'd like to follow our adventures, subscribe on YouTube and join us on Instagram.
