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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

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 Greensboro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Greensboro 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 Greensboro?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Greensboro is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the beache. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

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.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro Better for Students?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Greensboro is very good for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Greensboro is a good city to visit for students. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its public transit. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Greensboro

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable town. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.


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

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Greensboro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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


  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Greensboro 1-2

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The under-rated destination of Greensboro offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Greensboro offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Puerto Vallarta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greensboro is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Greensboro. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $115, while the average daily cost in Greensboro is $162. 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 Puerto Vallarta and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $63
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $126
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro? 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.

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


Hotels in Greensboro


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: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Greensboro $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVT) -City Center: $93
  • Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta : $135
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Marina Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Airport: $55
  • Nuevo Vallarta: Private Airport Transfer to South Zone 2: $48
  • Nuevo Vallarta:Private Airport Transfer to North Zone 3: $51
  • Private Transfer Licenciado Gustavo Airport to/fr Puerto Vallarta: $76
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) for 4-7 people to Nayarit: $102
  • Private Transfer from Sayulita to Guadalajara: $240
  • Private transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport - Hotel Zone: $37
  • Private transfer round trip Puerto Vallarta Airport To Hotel In Luxury Vehicle: $129
  • Puerto Vallarta Airp.(PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta Port: $118
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Arrival Private Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Puerto Vallarta 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $37
    Greensboro $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $45
  • Off The Beaten Path Food Tour. Dinner in Pitillal : $55
  • Dinner Tacos Food Tour: $55
  • Puerto Vallarta 3-Hour Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine: $59
  • Puerta Vallarta: Seafood Lover's Food Tour: $59
  • Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours : $59
  • Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $65
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $84
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting: $96
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Greensboro $26

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • City Tour Puerto Vallarta - Churches, Tequila Test and more: $18
  • Mexico: Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $20
  • Hop-On-Hop-Off City Bus Tour: $23
  • Guided SUP Board Tour with Digital Photos: $23
  • Butterfly Experience Nature Park Admission : $24
  • Private Bike City Tour with Photo Session in Puerto Vallarta: $24
  • Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta: $24
  • Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $27
  • Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico: $30
  • City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour: $31
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $31
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure in Puerto Vallarta: $33

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • True Crime Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • African American History Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $24
    Greensboro $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Fun Mexican Wine Tasting in Beautiful Garden of Puerto Vallarta: $40
  • Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
  • All you can drink Bar Crawl: $99
  • Mountains Route, visiting a traditional distillery: $270


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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Greensboro, 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.