A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Boston for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

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 Puerto Vallarta and Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Puerto Vallarta and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boston than Puerto Vallarta. Boston is bigger than Puerto Vallarta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is renowned 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Boston.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Boston are high quality when it comes to partying.

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.

Boston has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is very good for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Boston is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Families?

Boston 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.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Boston 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.

Boston has a great public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston 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 Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Puerto Vallarta. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Boston 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

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.

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

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.

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Boston, 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.