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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Puerto Vallarta. Miami is bigger than Puerto Vallarta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Miami is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Nightlife?

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

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is renowned for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Puerto Vallarta and Miami.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami 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, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

Miami is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Miami.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Miami is a very family-friendly destination. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Miami are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami Better for Students?

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

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Miami offer notable public transit options.

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

Miami has some public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Miami a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Miami both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Miami than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach 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 Miami?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Miami, 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.