First, I booked four, back-to-back, seven-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera (see next blog post). My plan was to disembark in Puerto Vallarta every Tuesday and look for an apartment. This worked and by the end of September I found a large furnished, two bedroom, two bath + den apartment including a great location, view of the ocean from a large patio, three blocks from the beach, all appliances including washer and dryer, TV, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen, beds, linen and more. All for $1,400US.

But this apartment wouldn’t be ready for another month. I hung out in PV for a bit, but the heat humidity between September and December is brutal.  So, I jumped on a few more weeks of cruising – same itinerary, same price. (See next blog post.)

Ready for the how-to live in PV for free part?
FYI - At this point in 2021 we are still in Covid and Omicron is unknown.

I joined a few Puerto Vallarta Facebook groups for women only. Besides events and advice, many on the pages were looking to check out, move to or vacation in PV.  I asked if anyone would be interested in renting my extra bedroom and bath. YES! They would! *

I created a private Facebook group - invitation only. Friends of PV friends and referrals. I posted apartment details and photos. Rentals were offered for 30 days or more for $1,400US or $46US/night. There was nothing comparable in PV at this price, in this location, with these amenities. After answering many questions, bookings happened.

My last renter had booked three then five weeks.  As her time to leave came, she asked if her family (Mom, Dad and daughter) could visit for an additional three weeks. She took the entire apartment for $3,500US. I left to cruise some more – it was cheaper than finding some place to live in PV.

Making a long story short, rentals on the extra bedroom and bath more than covered my rent in Puerto Vallarta.

This my friends is possible when you you stay open to opportunities, leverage the assets you have, travel well for less or even for free.

More on leveraging assets and living Puerto Vallarta in future blog posts.

*Mexico has never required Covid testing or vaccination to enter and by the end of 2021 people (especially Canadians) were ready to travel. Prices in tourist areas in Mexico were rising to meet growing demand – despite spiking Covid rates.