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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Puerto Vallarta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its 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.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket 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 Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket are very good shopping destinations.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Families?

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

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.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket offer notable public transit options.

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

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food 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 Nantucket?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Nantucket?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Nantucket, 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.