A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Puerto Vallarta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cancun and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Puerto Vallarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta is known for its food and shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Cancun different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Cancun is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Cancun is renowned for the beach. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Hiking?

Cancun is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Cancun is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Cancun is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are very good when it comes to walkability.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than Puerto Vallarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Puerto Vallarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Puerto Vallarta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

The active destination of Cancun offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

The city of Cancun offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Cancun is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

The tropical city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.