Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Puerto Vallarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Madrid
Madrid is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Madrid travel costs.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.
Madrid and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Puerto Vallarta
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Puerto Vallarta. Madrid is bigger than Puerto Vallarta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.
How is Madrid different from Puerto Vallarta?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and Madrid. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Madrid or Puerto Vallarta.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.
Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Puerto Vallarta. 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.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Madrid and Puerto Vallarta.
The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Music?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.
In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.
Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.
Madrid is not a resort destination.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.
Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Both Madrid and Puerto Vallarta are superb to visit with kids.
Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Puerto Vallarta is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Both Madrid and Puerto Vallarta are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.
Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
For backpackers, both Madrid and Puerto Vallarta are superb places to visit.
Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Puerto Vallarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.
Is Madrid or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?
Madrid
Puerto Vallarta
Madrid is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.
It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. 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 Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
In either Madrid or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Madrid than Puerto Vallarta. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.
Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Vallarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid 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 Madrid.
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How many days in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Puerto Vallarta 3-5
One day in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.
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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid is a great place to explore. 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 Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Madrid. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal 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 Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.
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Madrid Prices
Spain PricesPuerto Vallarta Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €162Puerto Vallarta €119
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is €119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Madrid and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €78Puerto Vallarta €53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €156Puerto Vallarta €106
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Puerto Vallarta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Madrid Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €18Puerto Vallarta €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- MAD Airport Private Transfer to/from Madrid City Center: $23
- Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
- Madrid Airport (MAD) to Madrid - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Private Transfers Madrid Airport to Central Madrid: $51
- Private Transfer from Novelda to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63
- Private Transfer from San Vicente del Raspeig to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63
- Private Transfer Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $65
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid To Madrid Airport: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $68
- Private Transfer from Madrid Hotels to Madrid Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport to Madrid Hotels: $81
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:
- Private Roundtrip Transfer Airport Hotel or Airbnb up to 12px: $290
- Diva Tours VIP Airport Round-Trip Transfer San Pancho-Sayulita: $280
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Punta de Mita - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $278
- NAYARIT VIP Round Trip Transfers Airport - Bucerias - Airport: $209
- Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $182
- Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta RoundTripPrivate Transfer: $142
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta Port-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from PVR to Puerto Vallarta / Punta de Mita / Sayulita: $140
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta hotels: $139
- Punta de Mita to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Private Departure Transfer: $138
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Madrid change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMadrid €59Puerto Vallarta €54
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small-Group Food Tour with Local Tapas & Spanish Wine: $69
- Madrid : Paella and Churros cooking class, ham and wines tasting: $77
- Small-Group Food Tour with Tapas, Wine & Vermouth: $88
- Madrid Food Tour: Best Tapas, Churros & Market Sights by FLT: $89
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $94
- The Best Flamenco in Madrid Show with Dinner and Drink: $98
- Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Experience with Local Market Visit: $113
- Madrid Local Tapas & History Tour with Dinner: $113
- Flamenco night Show and Dinner in Madrid: $125
- Literary Quarter Tour and Paella Cooking Class in Madrid: $125
- Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $141
- Half-Day Spanish Local House Dinner Experience in Madrid: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.
- Old Town Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $49
- Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours: $50
- Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $50
- Ultimate Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
- Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $60
- Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $63
- Puerto Vallarta Guided Food Tour with 8 Locals Favorites Tastings: $65
- Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $65
- Vallarta Flavours Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
- Vallarta Tales Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
- Versalles de Noche Dinner Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €33Puerto Vallarta €16
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Dark Side of Madrid Ghosts Executions and Murders Walking Tour: $2.47
- Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park: $3.55
- Madrid Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.93
- Madrid Historical Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.93
- Madrid Old Town Self Guided Tour with Mobile App: $5.99
- Let's Tapear! The Madrid Tapas Route Walking Audio Tour: $7.35
- Madrid Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Surreal Adventure Game: $8.30
- Madrid Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $8.31
- Museo Lazaro Galdiano Admission Ticket in Madrid: $9.06
- Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $9.99
- Madrid City Tour Self guided Audio Tour on Your Phone: $12
- A local's A self-guided audio tour: $12
Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- 1/2 Day Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden tour: $60
- 10 Zip Line Tour and Tequila Suspension Bridge Walk: $112
- 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $57
- 4-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta: $119
- ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta: $110
- ATV Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (Single): $107
- ATV All-Terrain Adventure in Punta Mita: $254
- ATV Doble in Puerto Vallarta Mountain and Waterfall Tour: $140
- ATV Jorullo Bridge Tour: $194
- ATV Jungle and River Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (3.5 Hours): $169
- ATV Single Jungle Adventure-Waterfalls, Tequila & Local Culture": $107
- ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $78
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €19Puerto Vallarta €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $12
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Madrid Pub Crawl: VIP Entry & Shots, Games (Kapital, Fitz, Shoko): $14
- Spanish Wine Tasting Overlooking Parque del Oeste: $26
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $30
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $55
- Madrid Royal Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $70
- Madrid Tapas and Wine Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Rooftop Bar Crawl Madrid Experience: $77
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Wine Tasting and Flamenco Master Class in Madrid: $102
Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
- Mexican Wine Tasting Experience: $50
- Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
- Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
- Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Puerto Vallarta?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.