ArboursAbroad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using one of the affiliated links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta are easy to come by. There are loads of small local shops, and those are fantastic to support when you can, but a larger grocery haul is also necessary at times. Luckily, grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta are easy to access with local transportation. And, food prices at the different grocery stores are relatively similar.
We were in Puerto Vallarta for six weeks, and during that time, we saved all our grocery receipts, so we could share a true look at food prices in Puerto Vallarta. In this post, we’ll be discussing the different grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta and then dive into the actual cost of food at each.
We’re currently back in Puerto Vallarta for two months, and are updating this post as we go with the current 2024 food prices in Puerto Vallarta. We’re sad to say they’ve risen quite a lot since 2022!
Quick Tips For Grocery Shopping in Puerto Vallarta
Bring Your Bags
Be sure to bring reusable bags when grocery shopping in Puerto Vallarta. While most stores supply grocery bags, we had several times when the stores were completely out of bags.
Bringing along a couple of bags like these will help you carry your groceries home.
Public Transport There, Not Home
If you’re doing a small grocery trip, sure, take public transportation to and from the grocery store. However, if you’re lugging around loads of grocery bags, be sure to be respectful of Puerto Vallarta’s public transportation, and just grab an Uber instead.
Even when buses are super empty, they typically fill up fast, and it’s not very considerate to have loads of bags taking up human space!
Don’t Miss The Bakeries
Bakeries in grocery stores in foreign countries are our favorite. In the States, you won’t find nice bakeries in the stores that offer extremely fresh bread and treats at amazing prices.
The bakeries in Puerto Vallarta’s grocery stores are fantastic! Grab some treats and fresh bread and enjoy the quality of fresh baked goods.
Shop Like a Local, Less Is Best
Remember, you don’t have to get loads and loads of stuff at one time on a grocery run. In fact, you won’t really see many people filling their carts to the brim at any of these grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta. Shop just for the week, or shoot, even a couple of days at a time.
This is a great way to ensure less waste, and also not get your food ruined from things like ants and cockroaches!
Breakfast + Beer
With how cheap street food is in Puerto Vallarta, it’s honestly a better bang for your buck to go out for tacos every night instead of cooking at home. Breakfast and beer are two things you should surely pick up at the grocery store, as these both are way more expensive at restaurants.
We’d also recommend popping into the grocery store for fresh bread and cheese, or produce to load up on a tostada or roll for a quick, easy, and super cheap lunch!
Purchase The Big Jugs
Bring along a reusable water bottle like this, and then purchase the large jugs of water from a grocery store instead of individual bottles. This is the easiest way to get fresh clean water while lessening your plastic waste.
If you’re living in Puerto Vallarta, check out the large refillable water jugs that most grocery stores carry. They offer the cheapest way to drink water with the most minimal amount of plastic waste.
Grocery Stores in Puerto Vallarta
Most of the larger Puerto Vallarta supermarkets are located right on Francisco Medina Ascencio, the main highway going through town and all the way up the coast. This means that they are all very easily accessible by public transportation.
The most centrally located grocery store for those staying near the Malecón is Ley, and honestly, we liked that store the most!
Ley | the main grocery store downtown
- find the exact location here | Google Maps
Ley is a supermarket in Puerto Vallarta located just a couple of blocks from the end of the Malecon. While it may not be as big as the supermarkets in the hotel zone, it truly has everything you could ever need.
We found jugs of water here to be on sale all the time and absolutely loved purchasing fresh bread and pastries from the bakery inside.
As a bonus, Ley is a fantastic place to use the bathroom for free in Puerto Vallarta. Just go in the exit side of the door and up the stairs. You’ll find toilet paper outside the bathroom stalls and a place to wash your hands. We suggest bringing your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer in a fanny pack like this.
Walmart | one in and one near the hotel zone
- find the exact locations here | Google Maps Larger One | Google Maps Smaller One
Walmart is just like a Walmart in the States or elsewhere. The supermarkets have everything you need from food to sunscreen, to clothes, and even souvenirs. We did shop at Walmart on two different occasions, one actually in Nuevo Vallarta, as grocery stores around the resorts are way too overpriced. And, the other time to buy food for the plane, as it was the closest store to our accommodation and we were running late per usual! Ha.
If you can avoid Walmart, I’d say do so. Try to support the Mexican supermarkets instead of a huge chain store that is all over the globe. If you do visit Walmart, the one next to Sam’s Club is the largest one in Puerto Vallarta.
Chedraui | hotel zone
- find the exact location here | Google Maps
Chedraui is a Mexican supermarket that has a number of different locations in the area. We didn’t go to the Chedraui in Puerto Vallarta, however, did visit the one in Bucerias a number of times.
They have a great deli, bakery, and decent grocery selection. You can also purchase things for the home, clothing, and toiletries here too.
We really liked the bakery at Chedraui, however, the produce section didn’t impress us much — though it was fairly priced!
Costco | inland from Hotel Zone
- find the exact location here | Google Maps
You know a place is Americanized if there’s a Costco! If you have a membership to Costco, you can use that membership to get into Costco in Puerto Vallarta as well.
With that said, we went to Costco and the prices were much higher than elsewhere! We walked out only purchasing a big bag of organic coffee from Mexico that Costco sells.
Costco would be a great grocery store in Puerto Vallarta to swing in if you’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta with a large group of people and want to stock up a pantry for an extended stay.
Soriana | grocery store in the mall
- find the exact location here | Google Maps
The only reason we actually went to this grocery store is that we were looking for a place with ATMs. This grocery store is located inside of a mall and has a small bakery, a decent selection of foods, and a small clothing section too.
To be honest, we found this store more expensive than the other grocery stores we visited in Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of Soriana or Hyper Soriana all over town.. just keep in mind, that things tend to be 2-10 pesos more here than at other grocery stores, which will add up.
La Comer | high-end with decent prices
- find the exact location here | Google Maps
While we did not visit La Comer, it is a grocery store in Puerto Vallarta, so we wanted to include it on this list. La Comer is located right next to Costco, and that to us screams it’s there for the ex-pats! From the reviews, this seems to be a very clean grocery store carrying things you may miss from back home.
Small Convenience Stores | located all over town
The small convenience stores located throughout Puerto Vallarta are great places to pop in for groceries. The produce at the small shops is often actually cheaper than at the larger supermarkets. And, you’ll get a better idea of what the local favorites are, as that’s what will be offered there.
We also found the small shops to be the best price for beer. There are often deals going on for different beers — a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try whatever is on special.
OXXO can be found on nearly all corners! It is everywhere. While it’s not supporting the locals like the other shops would, being able to use a credit card at OXXO is fantastic when low on pesos!
Puerto Vallarta Food Prices | actual costs
The Puerto Vallarta food prices in the following tables are listed in Mexican Pesos. At the time of writing this post, 16 Mexican Pesos were USD 1. These prices and exchange rates are originally from our six-week trip to Puerto Vallarta in 2022, with the prices with an * being updated in 2024.
Keep in mind, that the price increase is pretty huge. In 2024, groceries in Puerto Vallarta are much more expensive than they were in 2022, and the USD is down, making it even a bit more pricey than normal.
Convenience Store Food Prices
A bit spendy for snacks, but hands down the best prices for beer — especially when you go for the specials on offer! The best part is, that OXXO allows you to pay with a credit card, making it a great place to grab food and drinks before you have pesos!
Ice Cream Bar | $39 |
Beer (Modelo) | $19 *$31.50 |
Beer 473ML Victoria Cans | 3 for $57 * 2 for $44 |
Magnum Ice Cream Bar | $30.50 |
1 liter of Cold Juice | $18.00 |
5 KG bag of Ice | $29.00 |
Ley Supermercado Food Prices
This was our go-to supermarket in Puerto Vallarta. Located just a few minutes from the Malecón, Ley is a great place to shop. There are also amazing taco stands all day and churros at night just outside Ley.
Beer | $19.50 – $21.00 |
Fresh Bread | $2.5. – *$4 (2024) sandwich style |
Fresh Pastries | $7.90 each |
Cheese | $33.92 for five slices |
Chips | $41.50 – *$46 (2024) |
Bottled Water | $29.90 for 8 liters |
Yogurt | $19.90 – *$38.50 (2024) |
Fresh Mangos | $26.90/kg or $10.36 for one |
Bananas | $17.90/kg – *$53.90/kg (2024) |
White Onion | $11.75/kg = $2.59 for one – *$56.90/kg = $10.56 for one (2024) |
Cilantro Bunch | $8.90 |
Lime | $22.90/kg – *$69.90/kg (2024) |
Bag of Tortilla Chips | $36.90 |
Tomato | $28.75/kg = $2.95 each – *$53.90/kg |
Pack of Tostadas | $41.50 for 40 |
Blason Ground Coffee | $11.50 just under 1kg bag = $270.50 (2024) |
Cookies | $21.00 – *$33.90 (2024) |
Shredded Deli Cheese | $158.9/kg |
Tortillas | $17.90 for ten |
Large Nescafe Coffee | $105.90 |
Kombucha | $43.90 |
Sprouts | $22.90 – *$54.00 (2024) |
Head of Lettuce | $27.88 – *$36.90 (2024) |
Cucumber | $19.90/kg – *$26.90 (2024) |
Convenience Store in Small Village
We found the prices at the small convenience stores to actually be the best for produce.. unless you’re quoted gringo prices. With that said, most people are very honest, and you’ll get the best rates for things in the small shops vs the big stores!
Yogurt Drinks | $39.91 for two |
American Cheese Slices | $25.75 |
Pack of Tostadas | $39.50 |
Cucumber | $12.20/kg |
Avocados | $25.97/ .2kg |
Cantelope | $39.83 |
Pacifico Beer | $15/bottle |
1.2 Liter Pacifico | $37.00 – *$41.00 (2024) |
Cookies | $16.45 |
Bananas | $12 /kg |
Grocery Store Near Resorts in Nuevo Vallarta
Absolutely outrageous prices due to all the gringos shopping there from the resorts. We also experienced really rude customer service here a couple of times. Better to just grab the bus with “Walmart” on it, and head there instead.
Can of Pacifico | $21.00 |
Large Yogurt | $48 |
Tostadas | $30 |
Blason Coffee | $149 / 400 grams |
Fresh Tamales | $25 each |
Premade Gauc | $35 |
Bananas | $41/kg |
Avocados | $149/kg |
American Cheese Slices | $62 |
Cucumber | $32/kg |
Lime | $36/kg |
Walmart in Nuevo Vallarta
Great for grabbing things you forgot like medicine and sunscreen! Try and support the local Mexican supermarkets though instead if you can!
Itching Cream | $34.30 |
Hawaiian Sunscreen | $225/bottle |
Benadryl | $136 |
Baguette | $16.5 |
Cookies | $25.90 |
Chips | $41.40 |
Blason Coffee | $106 / 400 grams |
Pastries | $7.90 each |
Mangoes | $29.9/kg |
Bananas | $19.9/kg |
Avocados | $94/kg |
Large Cereal Box | $34.9 |
American Cheese Slices | $21 |
Large Yogurt Bottle | $31 |
Chedraui in Bucerias
Fantastic bakery and you can eat in the store.. hello, perfect cheap escape from the heat! We also found beers here from Germany and other places abroad!
Fresh Baked Empanadas | $15.9 |
Pastry | $4.9 |
Chocolate Bar | $17.4 |
Blason Coffee | $126 / 460 grams |
Chips | $41.3 |
Gatorade | $21 |
Kiwis | $59/kg |
Sprouts | $28.9 |
Bananas | $27/kg |
Cucumber | $21.80 |
Tomatos | $25.80/kg |
Mangos | $24.90/kg |
Head of Lettuce | $29.9 |
Large Yogurt Drink | $32.9 |
Tostadas | $32.5 |
Soriana Supermarket
Most expensive grocery store in the Puerto Vallarta region.. except for the market near the resorts.
Coca Cola 600 m | $14 |
Avocados | $96.5 / kg |
Medium Baguette | $9.5 |
Treats from Bakery | $8.50-$9.50 |
American Cheese Slices | $29.80 |
Recommended Travel Goodies For Puerto Vallarta
Some things just make life easier when traveling abroad on a budget. The following are things we recommend you pack for your trip to Puerto Vallarta. They make grocery shopping easier, keep your money safe, and help you save money.
Pacsafe Slash Proof Fanny Pac with RFID Protection
Reusable Grocery Bags that Compact
Vacuum Sealed Waterbottle to Keep Drinks Cold Longer
More On Puerto Vallarta
In 2022, we were in Puerto Vallarta for six weeks documenting everything we spent money on and all the fun we had. We’re currently back in Puerto Vallarta in a flat we rented for two months because we loved it in PV so much! Check out more of our guides to Puerto Vallarta below!
READ MORE | Excursions in Puerto Vallarta + What to Watch For When Booking
READ MORE | the BEST tacos in Puerto Vallarta (with geotagged locations)
READ MORE | A Day Trip to San Pancho (less touristy than Sayulita)
General Travel Resources
We’ve been traveling pretty regularly since getting married back in 2013. We’ve backpacked for six months in South America, moved to Scotland, traveled Europe in a campervan, and are now traveling in the States in our newest van build. Here are some travel resources we think may help ease stress and finances on your trip abroad.
READ MORE | A Toiletry Travel Kit (for carry-on travel)
Save and Share Here
Did you like this post on grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta? Saving or sharing this post a great way to show this post was helpful. Want to support us in a different way? Find out how here.
