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Guadalajara's rental market offers competitive rates with average apartment rents around MX$21,330 per month and houses averaging MX$25,445 monthly as of September 2025.
The city presents attractive rental yields between 5.8-6.2% gross annually, making it a compelling option for both renters and investors in Mexico's second-largest metropolitan area.
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Guadalajara's rental market shows strong fundamentals with low vacancy rates of 3-4% and steady rent growth of 5-8% annually in prime neighborhoods.
The market attracts diverse tenants from students to professionals and expats, with rental yields remaining competitive compared to other major Mexican cities.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent (MXN) | Gross Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-bedroom | 9,000 - 18,000 | 5.6% - 6.2% |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 20,000 - 30,000 | 5.8% - 6.2% |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 30,000 - 40,000 | 5.5% - 6.0% |
| Houses (4+ bedrooms) | 30,000 - 45,000 | 5.2% - 5.8% |
| Short-term rental (Airbnb) | 12,784 (average) | 6.0% - 8.0% |
What's the current average rent in Guadalajara for apartments, houses, and condos?
As of September 2025, apartments in Guadalajara rent for an average of MX$21,330 per month, with higher-quality units in prime locations reaching MX$25,000 or more.
Houses command higher rents with an average of MX$25,445 monthly for detached family homes. Luxury houses in prestigious neighborhoods like Zapopan or Chapalita can exceed MX$40,000 per month.
Condos typically fall within the same range as modern apartments, particularly in the city's best areas where 2-3 bedroom units rent for MX$20,000-MX$30,000 monthly. The pricing reflects the amenities and location advantages these properties offer.
Studios and one-bedroom units present more affordable options, with rents ranging from MX$10,000-MX$17,000 monthly in popular neighborhoods, making them attractive to young professionals and students.
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How does rent vary depending on the neighborhood or area of the city?
Providencia and Chapalita represent the premium rental market, where modern 2-bedroom units command MX$20,000-MX$30,000 monthly due to their upscale amenities and central locations.
Americana and Arcos Vallarta offer mid-range options with 1-bedroom units ranging from MX$9,000-MX$20,000 monthly, depending on the property's age and specific amenities.
Centro and less trendy areas provide the most affordable rental options, with basic properties renting for MX$8,000-MX$16,000 monthly. These areas appeal to budget-conscious renters and students.
Zapopan's suburban areas attract families seeking larger homes, with 4+ bedroom houses renting for MX$30,000-MX$45,000 monthly in established residential developments.
The rental price per square meter varies significantly by location, ranging from MX$235-MX$353 per square meter monthly, with premium areas commanding the highest rates.
What are the average rental prices by property size and surface area?
| Property Size | Surface Area (m²) | Monthly Rent (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-bedroom | 35-55 | 9,000 - 18,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 65-85 | 20,000 - 30,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 95-120 | 30,000 - 40,000 |
| Luxury 3-bedroom | 120-150 | 25,000 - 40,000 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 150-250 | 30,000 - 45,000 |
| Premium house | 250+ | 40,000+ |
When calculating rent, what's the total cost once you include fees, taxes, and maintenance?
Beyond the base rent, tenants typically pay MX$1,200-MX$2,500 monthly for utilities including electricity, water, gas, and internet in standard apartments.
Condominium maintenance fees add MX$1,500-MX$3,500 monthly for standard buildings, while luxury developments with extensive amenities can charge MX$3,000-MX$7,000 monthly.
Short-term rentals face additional costs including a 2-5% lodging tax and occasional cleaning or management fees that can impact overall profitability.
Property owners handle annual property tax payments (Predial), which remain relatively low at MX$2,000-MX$7,000 yearly for most homes, plus income tax on rental profits if properly declared.
Agent commissions, registration fees, and various closing costs primarily affect property owners rather than tenants, though these costs can influence overall rental market pricing.
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How do mortgage costs compare with rental income potential for investors?
Mexican mortgage rates typically range from 11-12% APR, with foreign investors often facing additional requirements and potentially higher rates.
Guadalajara's rental market delivers gross yields of 5.75-6.2%, while net yields after taxes, costs, and vacancy periods typically fall to 4-4.5%.
A practical example shows a 2-bedroom apartment purchased for MX$2.5 million and renting for MX$15,000 monthly would generate approximately 5.8% gross annual yield before expenses.
The gap between mortgage costs and rental yields creates challenging conditions for leveraged investors, requiring substantial down payments to achieve positive cash flow.
Many successful investors focus on all-cash purchases or significant down payments to improve the investment math and ensure sustainable rental income.
What are example rental prices right now for different types of properties?
Studio and one-bedroom apartments in central and popular areas currently rent for MX$9,000-MX$18,000 monthly, making them accessible to young professionals and students.
Two-bedroom apartments in desirable neighborhoods like Providencia and Americana command MX$20,000-MX$30,000 monthly, reflecting their appeal to working professionals and small families.
Three-bedroom apartments in luxury or suburban developments rent for MX$30,000-MX$40,000 monthly, particularly in areas with premium amenities and good school access.
Four-bedroom houses in established areas like Zapopan and Chapalita typically rent for MX$30,000-MX$45,000 monthly, attracting families seeking space and neighborhood amenities.
Short-term rental properties average MX$12,784 monthly (approximately $745 USD), though this varies significantly based on location, property quality, and seasonal demand patterns.
What kind of tenants are typically renting in Guadalajara?
Students represent a significant portion of Guadalajara's rental market, particularly near universities and tech campuses where affordable housing options remain in high demand.
Young professionals and expats drive rental demand in trendy neighborhoods like Americana, Providencia, and Chapultepec, attracted by proximity to business districts and cultural amenities.
Families typically seek larger suburban houses in areas like Zapopan, Chapalita, and Colinas de San Javier, prioritizing space, safety, and school access over central locations.
Digital nomads and retirees increasingly choose Guadalajara for its affordability and services, typically preferring central and walkable areas with good infrastructure.
The diverse tenant base creates stable demand across different property types and price points, contributing to the market's overall resilience and low vacancy rates.
What are the current vacancy rates in the main areas, and how do they differ by property type?
Guadalajara's overall rental vacancy rate remains exceptionally low at approximately 3% as of 2025, indicating a tight rental market with strong demand.
City center and trendy zones near business offices maintain the lowest vacancy rates, often below 4%, due to consistent demand from professionals and young workers.
Outer suburban areas experience slightly higher vacancy rates, particularly for large family houses that may take longer to rent due to their specific tenant requirements.
Short-term rental properties achieve 56% average occupancy rates, with premium properties in tourist areas performing better while others may have high calendar availability.
The low vacancy rates across most property types reflect Guadalajara's growing economic importance and continued population growth, supporting rental market stability.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mexico versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How do rental yields look across different property categories, and which options stand out as the smartest choices today?
Apartments deliver gross yields of 5.6-6.2%, representing some of the most consistent returns in Guadalajara's rental market with strong tenant demand.
Houses typically generate slightly lower yields due to higher purchase prices, unless investors convert them into multiple rental units to maximize income potential.
Condominiums in central and high-demand areas perform similarly to apartments when located in areas with strong rental fundamentals and good amenities.
Short-term rentals offer higher gross yields potential, with well-managed Airbnb units occasionally achieving 6-8% net returns during peak periods, though this requires active management.
One to two-bedroom apartments in prime locations like Americana, Providencia, and Chapultepec Country currently offer the best combination of high demand, low vacancy, and rental growth potential.
What's the difference in profitability between renting short-term versus long-term leases?
Long-term rentals provide steady, predictable income with average net yields of 4-5%, requiring minimal day-to-day management and offering stable tenant relationships.
Short-term rentals can generate higher gross income, with average Airbnb properties earning MX$12,784 monthly, but face significant seasonal and occupancy variations.
Short-term rentals require higher upfront investment in furnishing and marketing, plus ongoing costs for cleaning, management, and maintenance that can erode profit margins.
Long-term leases benefit from lower management costs, reduced vacancy risks, and fewer regulatory concerns compared to the increasingly scrutinized short-term rental market.
Successful short-term rentals can achieve 6-8% net yields in peak years, but investors must factor in regulation risks, seasonal fluctuations, and higher operational complexity.
How have average rents and yields changed compared to one year ago and five years ago?
Rents increased 3-12% over the past year (2024-2025), with variations depending on specific areas and property categories, driven by continued demand and economic recovery.
Over the past five years, cumulative rent increases reached 25-45% in the best areas, while suburban locations experienced more modest growth patterns.
Rental yields have decreased by approximately 0.3% from 2024 levels, now sitting just under 6% in Guadalajara as property prices have risen faster than rents.
The pandemic period (2021-2022) created temporarily higher yields due to demand surges, but these have normalized as the market matured and competition increased.
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What's the forecast for rental prices and yields in one year, five years, and ten years?
Over the next year, moderate rent increases of 5-8% are expected, particularly in city center and prime neighborhoods, driven by continued economic growth and urbanization.
The five-year outlook suggests price stability with yields likely holding steady or declining slightly as homeownership rates increase and more inventory enters the market.
Suburban areas may experience less rental appreciation over five years as vertical living becomes more popular and urban density increases.
Ten-year projections indicate that large-scale infrastructure and technology investments may push yields slightly upward in central and prime areas.
Guadalajara maintains advantages over Mexico City with better affordability and competitive yields, though Monterrey and Puebla are emerging as alternative investment destinations.
How does Guadalajara compare with other large, similar cities in Mexico?
| City | Gross Yield (%) | 2-bed Rent (MXN) | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City (CDMX) | 5.8 - 6.5 | 26,000 - 40,000 | 5 - 7% |
| Monterrey | 6.3 | 21,000 - 27,000 | 5% |
| Guadalajara | 5.8 - 6.2 | 20,000 - 30,000 | 3 - 4% |
| Puebla | 5.9 | 16,000 - 23,000 | 5 - 7% |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Guadalajara's rental market demonstrates strong fundamentals with competitive yields and low vacancy rates that support both investor returns and tenant satisfaction.
The city's diverse economic base and growing population create sustainable rental demand across multiple property categories and price points.
It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.