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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Puerto Vallarta and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach?

Both Myrtle Beach and Puerto Vallarta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Myrtle Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Myrtle Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

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.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Myrtle Beach are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its 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'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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 quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable town. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The busy destination of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Myrtle Beach?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this colorful destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Myrtle Beach?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Myrtle Beach, 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.