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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Portland, Maine are great 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 Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine 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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

The cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The picturesque destination of Portland, Maine offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Portland, Maine?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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.

The coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and 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 Portland, Maine?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Portland, Maine?

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